Graduate Fire Engineer

Job title: Graduate Fire Engineer
Location: Manchester or Liverpool
Start Date: September 2027

Joining Tetra Tech as a graduate is more than starting a new job – you’ll become part of our Next Gen Talent development programme, designed to support you as you build your career with us. Alongside hands-on experience and exposure to real projects, you’ll benefit from a structured programme of regular learning, training and development opportunities, helping you grow your technical and professional skills as you progress.

You’ll be supported throughout your development by experienced colleagues, giving you the opportunity to learn, build your network and develop the skills and experience needed for a successful long-term career with Tetra Tech.

Purpose & Scope of the Role

As a Graduate Fire Engineer, you will support fire engineering and fire safety consultancy services across new-build, existing, refurbished and legacy buildings. You will combine office-based technical work with site inspections, initially under close supervision and with responsibility increasing as your knowledge, experience, judgement and competence develop.

Your Impact in this position

You will contribute to fire strategies, engineering assessments, design reviews, means of escape, evacuation, compartmentation, passive and active fire protection, structural fire interfaces, smoke control, fire service access and external fire spread assessments. You will support site inspections, technical reporting, specifications, evidence schedules, remedial action plans, quality assurance and project administration, while communicating findings clearly to clients and multidisciplinary project teams.

5 Core Capabilities

• Fire engineering and technical work: Apply developing knowledge of fire science, building construction, fire dynamics, performance-based design, risk-based decision-making, Building Regulations and relevant guidance to produce proportionate, evidence-based solutions.
• Site and construction-stage work: Attend construction, occupied and existing buildings to inspect passive fire protection, fire doors, compartmentation, cavity barriers, fire-stopping and supporting product certification, recording photographic and technical evidence.
• Reporting and project delivery: Prepare and maintain technical reports, fire strategies, drawings, schedules, specifications, inspection records, project documentation and development evidence, supported by technical review and document control.
• Communication and collaboration: Engage professionally with architects, contractors, developers, building managers, clients and consultants; attend meetings, contribute to problem-solving and respond positively to feedback.
• Technical development and progression: Progress through structured training, mentoring, CPD, practical experience and competence-based authorisation—from observation and assisted tasks to defined independent work. Development may align with UK-SPEC and IFE routes, although registration is not automatic.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

You will hold, or be working towards, a relevant fire safety, fire, structural or related engineering degree, supported where appropriate by postgraduate study. An interest in building performance and life safety, strong analytical, written and verbal communication skills, accuracy, professionalism and a willingness to ask questions, travel and work within your competence are essential. Knowledge or experience of fire engineering, construction, passive protection, technical documentation, modelling, evacuation analysis, calculations, multidisciplinary projects or professional bodies is advantageous.

Working Environment

This role combines office, site and client-based work, with travel to residential, commercial, educational, healthcare, industrial and public buildings. Work patterns and office expectations will depend on project requirements, with hybrid, remote and flexible working considered where practicable. A driving licence may be required for some locations; alternative travel arrangements and reasonable adjustments will be considered.