Serco: Yarl’s Wood Immigration Centre, Bedford, MK44 1FD
Permanent, Full Time (Mon-Fri 8:00-16:30pm – on call roster)
Up to £37,000 per annum + £160 per week for on call duties (with travel expense and overtime payment for any time on site)
Ready to impact a better future?
As a Fire & Security Engineer in our UK&E Justice and Immigration Facilities Management team, you’ll help keep people safe by maintaining the systems that protect our sites. You’ll work across fire detection, life safety and security systems to ensure they’re well‑maintained, compliant and performing at their best.
Your work will have a direct and positive impact — helping safeguard colleagues, visitors and the wider community. By ensuring essential safety systems are reliable, you’ll support secure, resilient environments and contribute to a safer future for everyone on site.
What you’ll do as a Fire & Security Engineer
You’ll be entrusted to:
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Carry out reactive and preventative maintenance across fire detection, life safety and security systems.
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Work safely and in line with Health and Safety legislation at all times.
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Keep planned maintenance schedules up to date and complete.
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Install, test, commission and service systems including CCTV, access control, intruder detection and fire alarms.
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Prioritise workload, work to tight timescales and use your own initiative to solve problems effectively.
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Participate in material ordering and procurement processes.
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Support the wider FM team through multi‑trade assistance when required.
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Carry out fault‑finding, defect rectification and equipment investigations, producing recommendations where necessary.
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Maintain accurate records of tools and escort contractors in line with written procedures.
Does this sound like you?
You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have…
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Proven experience installing, testing, commissioning and servicing fire and security systems.
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Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and database systems.
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Technical knowledge across standards such as BS EN 50131 (Alarm Systems), BS EN 50132 (CCTV), BS EN 50133 (Access Control) and BS5839 (Fire Detection).
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A minimum ONC‑level electrical/electronics qualification or equivalent.
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The ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with colleagues at all levels.
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A proactive, self‑motivated approach and the ability to stay composed in challenging environments.
Vetting and checks
This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, depending on the nature of the role, you may need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.
Discover all you need to keep growing
We’re one of the top 1% of international employers, so you can have confidence you’ll be part of a highly supportive culture with leaders you can count on to help you achieve your goals. From mentoring and training to our focus on internal progression, we’re proud to offer clear development opportunities – and the support and tools to help you seize them.
What we offer
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25 days plus bank holidays
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Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
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Free on-site parking
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Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (including L3 Team Leader and L5 Operations Manager apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression
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Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco‑managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
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Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
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Paid volunteering day, tax‑free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
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Our networks support inclusion and connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, veterans, and people from all cultural backgrounds.
Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
A little bit about us:
At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.
Our inclusive recruitment commitment:
We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.
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Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
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Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).
For support with your application, please contact [email protected].
