Graduate Fire Engineer (Edinburgh)

Leading-edge thinking about the form and performance of buildings underpins AECOM’s position as a global leader in the skilful design of sustainable, elegant, and cost-effective buildings. To maximise operational performance, create commercially viable spaces, and deliver holistic and sustainable design solutions, our work combines the expertise of some of the world’s leading building scientists and engineers including our specialist Fire Engineering team.

As a Graduate Fire Engineer at AECOM, you will play a vital role in shaping the fire safety performance of buildings from the very earliest stages of design. You will work at the heart of multidisciplinary project teams, helping architects, structural engineers, and other specialists understand how their design decisions influence the fire safety strategy and overall building performance.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to apply advanced analytical methods to real-world projects. This may include undertaking detailed assessments using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), smoke movement and smoke layer calculations, evacuation modelling, and other specialist fire engineering tools to inform safe, efficient, and innovative design solutions.

As projects evolve, you will support senior fire engineers in providing clear, actionable technical advice to project teams. This includes identifying non-compliant elements, evaluating mitigation measures, and helping to develop robust fire safety strategies that align with Building Regulations, industry standards, and project-specific requirements. You will join design workshops and client meetings under the guidance of experienced engineers, contributing to design development while building your own technical and professional capability.

At AECOM, you will be part of a high-performing global network of fire engineering professionals, giving you exposure to diverse project types from commercial and residential schemes to major international developments. You will be supported through structured training, mentorship, and opportunities for professional registration, enabling you to grow into a confident, well-rounded fire engineer ready to make a meaningful impact on the built environment.

Examples of projects delivered by our Fire Engineering team include:

• Salisbury Square Development, London – Development of the fire strategy for a new development comprising Court Building, Police Headquarters, Office Building, and redevelopment of a Listed Building into a Public House.

• Marine Lakes Event Centre, Southport – Fire engineering services for a new theatre and exhibition centre, including developing a detailed evacuation strategy and comprehensive CFD smoke modelling.

• 77 Marsh Wall, Canary Wharf, London – Development of the fire strategy for a new 180m tall mixed-use residential building featuring residential apartments, hotel facilities, commercial areas spaces, residents' gym and spa facilities plus basement car parking.

• Sussex Surgery Centre, Eastbourne – Development of the fire strategy for the new surgery centre at Eastbourne District General Hospital, including operating theatres, first- and second-stage recovery areas, and the new endoscopy unit

• 1 Liverpool Street, London – Development of an 11-storey office building with ground floor retail units constructed around an Crossrail ventilation shaft and above Liverpool Street London Underground Station.

• Shakespeare Theatre, Prescot – Development of a new performing arts space built around a new, 470-seat timber framed theatre inspired by Jacobean design.

• McArthurGlen, Nationwide – Development of retrospective fire strategies at two of McArthurGlen's UK Designer Outlet sites in York and Bridgend, which include both retail and food and beverage units provided over large, active commercial sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in producing designs, calculations, sketches, diagrams, fire strategy drawings, and fire strategy reports under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Support the collection, analysis, and documentation of engineering data to inform project decisions.
• Use engineering software and digital tools to solve basic technical problems and contribute to design development.
• Present technical work clearly and professionally using appropriate media, with support from the project team.
• Deliver tasks in line with agreed budgets, deadlines, and quality standards.
• Take ownership of your personal and professional development, proactively seeking opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge.