Principal Fire Engineer; Chartered Engineer – CEng

Full-Time, Permanent

Location: Norwich or Bicester

Salary: £100,000 - £120,000 per annum, dependent on experience.

This role is open only to Chartered Engineers (CEng) with demonstrable professional competence in fire engineering.

This role has been explicitly aligned with UK-SPEC (Engineering Council) and IFE professional competency frameworks.

• 20 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays, increasing by one additional day per completed year of service up to a maximum of 25 days
• Ongoing investment in training and professional development
• Free private on-site parking

Hughes & Associates is a well-established chartered surveying practice providing UK-wide services from its Norwich head office. The firm specialises in consultancy, contracting, project management, facilities management, and fire risk assessment services. Our RICS contract management team delivers comprehensive, reliable solutions, supporting clients with a consistent and professional approach.

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) registered with the Engineering Council
• Full professional membership of the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE or above) or equivalent
• Minimum 10 years post-graduate fire engineering experience
• Proven delivery of fire strategies for complex and higher-risk buildings
• Experience working across multiple sites nationally, including regular travel

• Apply advanced fire engineering principles to complex buildings and fire scenarios
• Maintain expert knowledge of UK fire safety legislation, Approved Documents, BS standards, and emerging guidance

• Develop compliant and proportionate fire strategies
• Resolve complex fire safety issues involving means of escape, external wall systems, compartmentation and occupancy risk
• Lead national fire engineering delivery across multiple projects
• Manage and mentor surveyors and junior fire engineers
• Take responsibility for technical assurance and professional judgement

• Communicate complex fire engineering concepts clearly to clients, regulators and internal teams
• Lead regulatory discussions with Building Control and Fire Authorities

• Uphold ethical, professional and safety standards
• Contribute to CPD, internal training and professional development pathways

The role requires both office work and on-site supervision, with occasional travel to various project locations. The ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing project demands is essential.