Fire & security engineer
Fire and security engineers install systems that keep people safe in their home, workplace and other areas.
About the job
What it's like
Do you enjoy fixing and putting things together and enjoy using technology? As a fire and security engineer, you'll play a key role in keeping people and property safe. You'll work with the latest technology to protect buildings from fire, theft and other risks.
Your work could save lives! You'll install and look after systems such as:
fire alarms
CCTV cameras
access controls systems
intruder alarms
You'll often be out and about, visiting different sites and solving technical challenges. It's rewarding to know your work helps prevent accidents and crime and you'll often see the direct impact of your efforts.
You might fit a new fire alarm in a school, test security systems in an office block or upgrade CCTV in a retail store.
There's a demand for this role across various industries, including construction, healthcare, education, retail and manufacturing. Some engineers specialise in a job that focuses on one type of system. For example, a fire alarm engineer would only work with systems that operate fire alarms.
Your tasks might include:
installing fire alarm and security systems in commercial or residential buildings
testing and inspecting existing systems to make sure they meet safety standards
diagnosing faults and carrying out repairs on site
programming and configuring control panels and devices
providing technical advice to clients on system upgrades
keeping detailed records of work completed and system performance
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
install energy-efficient security and fire systems that reduce power use
help clients comply with environmental and safety regulations
Hours
You'll usually work standard daytime hours but may need to be flexible for emergency call-outs.
Evening and weekend work is common, especially when responding to urgent repairs or installations.
You might be part of an on-call rota, which means you'll work outside typical hours to support clients as needed.
Environment
You'll spend time working both indoors and outdoors.
Expect to climb ladders, lift equipment and sometimes work in small areas, especially when installing or maintaining alarms and security systems.
Each project brings something new, whether fitting fire alarms in a hospital or upgrading CCTV on a construction site. Your days will be varied and rewarding.
Travel
You'll travel regularly in the local area as part of your job, visiting customers to carry out work.
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Related industries
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- understanding
- time management
- problem solving
- developing a plan
- building relationships
- attention to detail
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Engineering Science
Computing Science
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
English
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You could do an apprenticeship or go to college after school and get the skills and experience you'll need to get into the career.
You could also go straight to working in this role with an employer who'll put you through training.
The headings shown explain more about each of the different routes you could take.
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is a way for you to earn money after school, while you train towards a qualification. You'd get on the job experience and build skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.
Check out this Modern Apprenticeship in Electronic Security Systems.
By completing this, you'd be ready to work in a variety of relevant engineering roles.
College
One route you could take after leaving school, is a college course. This would allow you to gain a qualification that employers would value. You'd also gain skills and experience relevant to the role.
A popular route into the profession is through an apprenticeship. If you do not meet the entry requirements for this, you could get in by first taking a pre-apprenticeship course at college.
To enter a pre-apprenticeship course, it'd help to have National 4 qualifications in Maths and English.
Search for relevant college courses.
Direct application
You might be able to apply directly for this role. Most employers would need you to have previous experience or a relevant qualification. Some might offer training schemes for recruits so you could quickly learn the skills needed.
Experience or qualifications which show knowledge of the industry will be helpful. For example, Skills For Work: Engineering or relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs).
Search opportunities on Volunteer.scot.
Being a member of the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) will also help. You'll get an ECS card recognised by the industry. This lets employers know that you're qualified and work to industry standards.
For some jobs, you may need to have a full UK driving licence to travel to sites.
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