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? 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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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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
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.
You’d need a driving licence to travel to and from jobs.
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