Fire Engineer (Forensic Investigator)

Job details

Posted Thursday 06 November 2025
Location London
Job type Permanent
Discipline Expert Witness
Reference 1920
Recruiter Name Paul Chappell

Use your fire engineering expertise to uncover the story behind the incident.

9B Careers is partnering with a leading forensic engineering consultancy to recruit an experienced Fire Engineer for their specialist investigation team. This is an opportunity to join a respected firm known for its technical excellence, collaborative culture, and high-profile project work across the UK and internationally.

The Role

As a Forensic Fire Engineer, you’ll apply your knowledge of fire dynamics, materials behaviour, and building systems to determine the causes and mechanisms behind fires and explosions.
Your investigations will range from domestic and commercial fires to major industrial and infrastructure incidents.

Working closely with clients in the insurance, legal, and construction sectors, you’ll deliver clear, objective reports and, where required, act as an expert witness.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Attend and manage fire and explosion investigations on-site
  • Analyse physical evidence and witness accounts to establish the origin and cause
  • Apply fire science and engineering principles to assess ignition and spread
  • Produce detailed, technically robust written reports for insurers and solicitors
  • Present findings and expert opinions with clarity and confidence
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary colleagues including mechanical, electrical, civil, and materials engineers

About You

You’re a curious and methodical engineer with a strong technical foundation and an interest in problem-solving. You enjoy hands-on investigation work and the intellectual challenge of reconstructing events from complex evidence.

Essential:

  • Degree (or equivalent) in Fire Engineering, Mechanical, Chemical, or related discipline
  • Strong understanding of combustion, heat transfer, and building fire safety systems
  • Experience in fire investigation, design consultancy, or safety engineering
  • Excellent written communication and analytical skills
  • UK driving licence and willingness to travel for site work

Desirable:

  • Professional membership (e.g. IFE, CEng)
  • Prior experience producing expert reports or working in a forensic environment