Fire & security engineer
Fire and security engineers install systems that keep people safe in their home, workplace and other areas.
About the job
Salary (before tax)
Weekly (average)
£690
Monthly (average)
£2,760
Yearly (average)
£35,880
Salary figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland.
Source:
LMI for AllWhat it's like
Do you enjoy fixing and putting things together? In this role, you could do it for a career and provide a vital service to people. You might just be the safe pair of hands an employer is looking for.
As a fire and security engineer your work could save lives. You'd install and look after systems such as:
fire alarms
intruder alarms
CCTV
access control systems
If you like getting hands-on and have a knack for fixing things, this career might be for you.
You might have a wide-ranging skill set and work in a role with different systems. Or, you could specialise in a job that focuses on one type. For example, a fire alarm engineer would only work with systems that operate fire alarms.
It's important for you to follow good practices when carrying out work. You'd need to follow building regulations, environmental guidelines and other legal standards.
Your tasks might include:
installing technology and systems in properties
using wiring diagrams to drill holes and lay cables
repairing any damage as a result of installation or maintenance work
testing new and existing systems, finding faults and fixing them
discussing plans with customers and estimating costs
carrying out site surveys
explaining systems to customers and showing how to use equipment
responding to call-outs to repair faulty systems
transporting equipment to and from jobs
Hours
You’d likely work a 40-hour work week. This might include long or irregular hours depending on the type of job you’re doing. You might also do evening and weekend work.
Environment
You could work indoors or outdoors depending on the job. You might need to climb ladders, lift heavy equipment or be in tight, dusty spaces.
Travel
You'd travel regularly in the local area as part of your job, visiting customers to carry out work.
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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.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- access controls
- fire alarm systems
- security systems
- alarm devices
- smoke detector
- closed-circuit television systems (cctv)
- security engineering
- electronic reporting systems
- fire dynamics
- air sampling
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
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