Fire & Security Engineer – Job Description
Company: BDi Advance Fire & Security Ltd
Position: Fire & Security Engineer
Department: Engineering / Operations
Reporting To: Operations Manager / Engineering Management
Location: Field Based – UK
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Role Overview
We are looking for an experienced and professional Fire & Security Engineer to join our growing engineering team.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the installation, commissioning, servicing, fault finding and maintenance of a broad range of fire and electronic security systems across our commercial client base.
The role requires a strong technical background, excellent fault-finding ability and the confidence to work independently while maintaining the high standards expected by BDi Advance Fire & Security Ltd.
Our systems include Fire Detection & Alarm, CCTV, Access Control, Intruder Alarm, Intercom and associated integrated security systems.
Key ResponsibilitiesInstallation & Commissioning
- Install, configure and commission fire and security systems in accordance with system designs, specifications, manufacturer requirements and applicable British Standards.
- Carry out installation and commissioning of:
- Fire Detection & Alarm Systems
- CCTV / Video Surveillance Systems
- Access Control Systems
- Intruder Alarm Systems
- Intercom and Door Entry Systems
- Associated networked and integrated systems
- Carry out containment, cabling, termination and equipment installation where required.
- Program and configure control equipment, devices, networks and software.
- Complete system testing prior to handover.
- Identify installation issues and communicate variations or additional works promptly.
Service & Maintenance
- Undertake planned preventative maintenance visits in accordance with company procedures and applicable standards.
- Complete system inspections and functional testing.
- Identify faults, non-conformities and potential system improvements.
- Produce clear recommendations and quotations for remedial or upgrade works where appropriate.
- Ensure systems are left fully operational wherever reasonably possible following attendance.
Fault Finding & Reactive Calls
- Attend reactive service calls and diagnose system faults efficiently.
- Carry out logical fault finding across hardware, software, cabling, power supplies and network infrastructure.
- Repair or replace defective equipment where authorised.
- Identify the root cause of recurring faults rather than repeatedly addressing symptoms.
- Escalate complex technical issues appropriately.
Documentation & Reporting
- Complete all engineer worksheets, service reports, commissioning documentation and certificates accurately.
- Ensure job information is completed and returned within company reporting timescales.
- Record equipment used, labour, additional works and recommendations accurately.
- Provide sufficient technical information for quotations and follow-up works.
- Maintain accurate records using the company's electronic job management systems.
- Ensure photographs and supporting evidence are provided where required.
Systems & Product Knowledge
Experience across several of the following manufacturers would be advantageous:
Fire: Notifier, Advanced, Gent, Apollo, Ajax EN54 or equivalent.
CCTV: Hanwha Vision, Hikvision, Avigilon or equivalent IP CCTV platforms.
Access Control: Inner Range, Paxton or equivalent.
Intruder Alarm: Inner Range, Texecom, Orisec, Honeywell/Galaxy or equivalent.
Candidates are not expected to have experience with every manufacturer; however, they must demonstrate strong engineering fundamentals and the ability to learn unfamiliar systems.
Technical Competence
The successful candidate should have a good working understanding of:
- Fire alarm detection principles.
- Cause-and-effect operation.
- Conventional and addressable fire alarm systems.
- IP CCTV systems and recording equipment.
- Basic IP networking, including IP addressing and connectivity.
- Access control architecture and door hardware.
- Intruder alarm detection principles.
- Power supplies and standby battery arrangements.
- System integration.
- Cable testing and electrical fault finding.
- Manufacturer programming and diagnostic software.
- Reading system drawings, specifications and technical documentation.
Standards & Compliance
Engineers are expected to work in accordance with applicable legislation, manufacturer requirements and industry standards, including where relevant:
- BS 5839-1 – Fire detection and fire alarm systems for non-domestic premises.
- BS 5266 – Emergency lighting, where applicable.
- BS EN 62676 – Video surveillance systems.
- Relevant standards and codes of practice relating to intruder alarm and access control systems.
- BAFE, SSAIB and/or NSI requirements where applicable.
- Health & Safety at Work requirements.
- CDM 2015 requirements where applicable.
- Company RAMS and safe working procedures.
Engineers are not expected simply to follow instructions; they should understand the standards relevant to their work and identify where installations or existing systems may not comply.
Customer Service
As a field-based engineer, you will represent the company directly in front of our customers and are therefore expected to:
- Maintain a professional appearance and attitude.
- Communicate clearly with customers and site representatives.
- Explain faults and recommendations in an appropriate and understandable manner.
- Manage customer expectations professionally.
- Protect confidential customer and site information.
- Treat customer premises and equipment with respect.
- Identify opportunities where additional works, upgrades or improvements would benefit the customer and report these back to the company.
Commercial Awareness
Engineers have an important role in ensuring work is delivered efficiently and profitably.
You will therefore be expected to:
- Manage your working time effectively.
- Minimise unnecessary return visits.
- Ensure the correct equipment and materials are available before attending planned works.
- Accurately record materials used.
- Identify chargeable additional works.
- Obtain authorisation before undertaking significant additional works where required.
- Report potential variations promptly.
- Take reasonable care of company stock, tools and equipment.
Health & Safety
- Comply with company Health & Safety policies and procedures.
- Read and understand relevant RAMS before commencing work.
- Carry out dynamic risk assessments where necessary.
- Use appropriate PPE.
- Work safely at height.
- Maintain company tools and test equipment appropriately.
- Report hazards, incidents and near misses promptly.
- Never compromise safety to complete a job more quickly.
On-Call & Out-of-Hours Working
The role may include participation in the company's on-call rota following completion of the required training and competency assessment.
Engineers may also occasionally be required to work outside normal working hours depending upon customer and operational requirements.
Qualifications & ExperienceEssential
- Previous experience within the fire and/or electronic security industry.
- Strong practical engineering and fault-finding skills.
- Experience servicing and maintaining electronic systems.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to complete accurate technical documentation.
- Good customer communication skills.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Good understanding of Health & Safety requirements.
Desirable
- FIA fire alarm training.
- ECS/CSCS or equivalent industry card.
- Manufacturer-specific training.
- Electrical or electronic engineering qualifications.
- IPAF and/or PASMA.
- Asbestos Awareness.
- Working at Height training.
- Relevant fire extinguisher training.
- Networking/IP qualifications or demonstrable networking experience.
- Experience working within BAFE, SSAIB or NSI-accredited environments.
Personal Attributes
We are looking for an engineer who is:
- Technically competent and willing to continue learning.
- Reliable and punctual.
- Professional with customers and colleagues.
- Methodical when fault finding.
- Able to take ownership of problems.
- Comfortable working independently.
- Willing to ask for assistance when appropriate.
- Organised with good time management.
- Accountable for the quality of their own work.
- Flexible regarding reasonable business requirements.
- Interested in developing their technical knowledge and career.
Performance Expectations
Performance within the role will be assessed against areas including:
- Quality of engineering work.
- First-time fix performance.
- Avoidable return visits.
- Completion and quality of engineer reports.
- Customer feedback.
- Productivity and utilisation.
- Attendance and punctuality.
- Compliance with company procedures.
- Health & Safety performance.
- Technical competency.
- Training and development.
- Commercial awareness.
- Care of company vehicles, tools, stock and equipment.
Career Development
BDi Advance Fire & Security Ltd encourages engineers to develop both technically and professionally.
Depending upon experience, competency and business requirements, progression opportunities may include:
Fire & Security Engineer → Senior Engineer → Engineering Supervisor / Technical Specialist → Head of Fire / Head of Security / Project Engineering roles
Progression will be based upon demonstrated competency, reliability, technical knowledge, leadership capability and overall contribution to the business.
Benefits:
- Health & Dental Cover
- 25 days holiday not including Bank Holidays
- Company Van
- Laptop
- Phone
Pay: £35,000.00-£43,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Private dental insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Referral programme
Work Location: In person
