Fire Safety Engineer (Facilities & Infrastructure) in London

Details of the role:

• Working pattern: This is a full‐time permanent hybrid role (4 days a week in the office) on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
• Salary: From £61,000 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.
• Application closing date: 19 January 2026 at 23:59.

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe's largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world‐class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neuro‐degenerative conditions. The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state‐of‐the‐art infrastructure, cutting‐edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We've removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high‐quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Fire Safety Engineer to act as the Institute's Technical Authority and Systems Owner for all active fire and life safety systems, including fire alarms, suppression systems, and associated protection technologies. This is a critical operational role at the heart of keeping the Crick safe. You will bring deep operational and technical expertise. Your background will enable you to interpret risk, understand how systems integrate within a complex building, and ensure our fire protection infrastructure is designed, maintained, and operated to the highest standards. As the Institute's subject matter expert, you will provide authoritative guidance to senior leadership, engineering projects and operational teams. You will lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of our fire safety management system, ensuring we not only meet but exceed our obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Building Safety Act 2022 and all relevant British and European standards.

What you will be doing

• Act as the Systems Owner and Technical Authority for the entire portfolio of active fire protection systems.
• Undertake and lead the development, implementation and ongoing review of the Institute's Fire Safety Policy, Strategy and Management System.
• Lead the investigation of all fire incidents, alarms and near‐misses to identify root causes and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the Fire and Rescue Service, building control and other enforcing authorities.
• Collaborate with and support Engineering Project Managers, ensuring project works are delivered without compromising the live environment and meet all fire safety regulations.
• Prepare and present a comprehensive Fire Safety Dashboard and operational reports to the quarterly General Health and Safety Committee and Fire Safety Group, providing data‐driven insights, trend analysis and actionable recommendations.

About you

• NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management or an equivalent qualification (e.g., IFE Level 4 Diploma, Certified Fire Protection Specialist – CFPS).
• Graduate or Member grade of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (GradIFSM / MIFSM) or equivalent professional membership (e.g., IOSH, RICS).
• Significant experience as a Fire Safety Specialist/Engineer in a complex, high‐risk environment (e.g., healthcare, research, industrial, major commercial).
• Demonstrable, hands‐on experience as a Systems Owner for a range of complex fire protection systems (sprinklers, gaseous suppression, fire alarms), including administering isolations and impairments.
• Expert knowledge of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Building Safety Act 2022 and in‐depth technical knowledge of British/European Standards for fire safety systems.
• Proven ability to analyse complex situations, identify underlying risks and develop pragmatic, effective solutions.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship‐building skills, with the ability to act as a trusted advisor to all levels of the organisation and external authorities.

About working at the Crick

Our values: We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We're not afraid to do things differently. We are open. We're highly collaborative and interactive, and we make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and will make reasonable adjustments if you need them – just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: karen.au@crick.ac.uk.

What will you receive?

• Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK.
• Generous leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
• Pension scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16 %.
• 24/7 GP consultation services.
• Occupational health services and mental health support programmes.
• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
• Work‐life balance: Childcare support allowance; annual leave purchase options; Crick Networks offering diverse groups' support, community and inclusive social events.
• Discounted gym memberships, bike‐to‐work scheme and shopping discounts.
• Subsidised on‐site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.