Principal Fire Systems Engineer

Who we are:

VVB delivers sustainable mechanical, electrical and telecommunication engineering solutions with expertise and long-standing experience across Rail, Highways, Power, and Tunnels. Combining robust processes with specialist agility. Our approach to projects always takes into account the best interests of our clients, our people and our environment.

At VVB, our CORE values shape our behaviour and are apparent in everything we do. Not only are these values central to the entire VVB ethos, but each letter also represents a pillar of our company vision.

C – Care & Collaboration

O – Opportunity & Ownership

R – Responsibility & Respect

E – Excellence & End Result Focus

About the Role:

The successful candidate will be required to carry out the design and construction activity of the Fire Detection systems on medium to larger size project(s) within the Rail, Highways, HS2 and Power and Infrastructure sectors. The role will involve design reviews, planning, undertaking design and associated construction assignments on the projects in conjunction with the Engineering Manager / Contractors responsible Engineer, across the sector. Technical responsibilities include design and design verification of Fire Detection Systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide support to other VVB team members (e.g. Engineering Manager, Contractors Responsible Engineer, Design Manager, Project Manager etc.) in all facets of the project activities to deliver the project to meet cost, time, and quality requirements.
• Plan and deliver/manage the design of Fire Detection Systems to relevant standards and client specifications. Technical responsibility for design compliance.
• Technical review of designs developed by MEP Design Consultants / Contractors in respect of safety by design, technical acceptability and compliance with standards.
• Review that the designs prepared by the MEP Design Consultants / Contractors have been fully co-ordinated and integrated. Provision of support to the Engineering Managers, to resolve interface issues where requested.
• Review of Constructability and Maintainability of Fire Detection System developed designs.
• Initiate and support value management/engineering initiatives and to promote and support common design and standardisation where appropriate.
• Take reasonable care of your own and others’ health and safety and of those who may be affected in the day-to-day delivery of this role by taking personal responsibility for working to the VVB Core principles.
• Lead responsibility for technical responses, promoting common design and standardisation.
• Provide Technical Excellence in Fire Detection Systems and all matters related to such equipment, as described and specifically detailed in the Clients strategies and specifications.
• Developing and managing effective communication and liaison with all relevant internal and external stakeholders to ensure that requirements are identified, assessed, and appropriately integrated into the project.
• Working with the client and reporting to the sector manager, responsible for helping to establish the strategy and delivery for the project.
• Work with the Commercial support to assist with the maintenance and management of the project P&L as required.
• Working in a client facing role, responsible for leading other team members, developing the clients’ strategy, through to assisting in the development of the various Fire Detection solutions to satisfy both the Client and the Accreditation bodies requirements.
• Coordinating, planning, and managing internal and external meetings in relation to the project.
• Providing support during the procurement stages of the project.
• Liaising with the representatives of the Industry Accreditation Scheme (BRE Global, FM Global etc) to ensure our compliance with, and maintenance of the various scheme standards and schedules.
• Have an in depth understanding of all information security projects, policies, and procedures.
• Familiarise and actively engage in using the Notify system and ensure direct reports are fully aware of the Notify system and use the system for Health and Safety related matters.
• Ensure that own and direct reports’ mandatory e-learning modules and policy updates have been completed as and when required.
• Ensure LPS1014 F353 Form information is maintained to the required standard.

Line Management Duties:

• Support in the creation and design of development programmes and employee upskilling activities
• Develop graduate and junior engineers
• Lead small team of intermediate, junior and graduate engineers for project delivery.

Person Specification:

Technical Skills & Knowledge (Essential):

• Knowledge of the BRE Global Audit process and requirements associated therewith.
• Good working knowledge of Network Rail and TfL standards.
• Extensive skills and experience in design of Fire Systems, and working within a structured design management and design assurance framework/process
• Good understanding of both Fire Active and Fire Passive safety systems
• Significant experience in managing clients, contractors and coordinating stakeholders.
• Able to work alongside and coordinate with the project professional team to ensure a compliant system is designed and all requirements are met.
• Development and authoring of complex Fire Alarm Cause & Effects documents, and ensuring all third-party interfaces are coordinated and included as required.
• Ability to carry a quality inspection and generate onsite solutions to site coordination issues as they arise.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a good team player.
• Key project processes such as design principals and management, construction processes, procurement, and tendering.
• Excellent IT skills, good working knowledge of CAD / BIM Software.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, using a flexible pragmatic approach.

Desired:

• Detailed knowledge of design process and associated compliance.
• Experience of Delivery of projects from tendering through to installation, handover and certification.
• Proven culture of sustainability and social responsibilities

Qualifications (Essential):

• Degree/HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or similar.
• LPCB Basic Sprinkler Design Competency.
• Membership in a relevant professional body (e.g., IFE, IMechE).
• Professional registration with the Engineering Council encouraged (EngTech, IEng, or CEng).

Fire Detection

• BS-5839-1 Fundamentals in FD&A Units 1 & 2
• BS-5839-1 Fundamentals to Advanced course

Qualifications (Desired):

• Association of Project Management qualification (PFQ / PMQ).
• CITB SMSTS and/or IOSH Managing Safely

Fire Detection

• BS-5839-1 Advanced Designer

Experience (Essential):

• Designing Fire Suppression and Hydrant Mains Systems in the Rail sector.
• Managing designs from tendering through to installation and certification.

Why Join Us?

• Work on major infrastructure projects that make a difference.
• Be part of a collaborative team that values technical excellence and innovation.
• Receive ongoing professional development opportunities and support towards professional registration.

VVB values the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to treating all prospective and current employees with dignity regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. All employees must demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm in promoting the principles of equality in employment and service delivery.