Job Description

Ignite Your Engineering Career - Become a Trainee Fire Testing Engineer at BRE

Ready to get hands-on with some of the UK's most advanced fire testing facilities? Join BRE as a Trainee Fire Testing Engineer and play a vital role in testing the fire resistance of building materials and systems that help keep people safe. This is a unique opportunity to build practical skills, work alongside industry experts, and contribute to world-class research in fire safety, all while developing a rewarding, purpose-driven career.

Help BRE make buildings safer and more sustainable!

BRE aims to be the world's leading innovation, science and data hub for the built environment. For more than a century, we have provided government and industry with cutting-edge research and testing. Join us to help deliver products, advice, services, standards and qualifications used around the globe to make buildings better for people and the environment. Through science-led solutions to urgent challenges, we will build a thriving and sustainable world.

Your role at BRE

This Trainee Fire Testing Engineer role supports the delivery of fire resistance testing for building products, with a focus on large-scale facade systems. The role is designed to provide structured, hands-on training with the aim of progressing into a Project Leader position.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

Assist with the preparation and execution of fire resistance tests on building facades and products in accordance with British, European, and International standards Support Project Leaders with test setup, supervision, data collection, and reporting Help coordinate test schedules and liaise with clients and contractors to ensure timely and accurate test preparation Record test results and assist in drafting clear and accurate technical reports Ensure all activities are conducted in compliance with UKAS procedures, health and safety regulations, and relevant test standards Maintain calibration records and contribute to overall laboratory operations Support general lab activities and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives Travel to off-site facilities when required to support customer testing

What we are looking for

Essential Criteria

Science or engineering background, or relevant construction work experience Willingness to learn and grow into a Project Leader role through on-the-job training Ability to support technical projects and follow structured procedures Strong documentation and record-keeping skills Basic technical report writing abilities Practical, hands-on skills and a willingness to work in a physical, test-lab environment Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfortable using internet-based tools Organised, self-motivated, and able to prioritise tasks Awareness of and commitment to safe working practices Willingness to travel to client sites or off-site testing locations when required

Desirable Criteria

Knowledge or experience of fire resistance testing or related standards Previous experience in product testing, preferably involving building products or fire testing Experience working in a laboratory environment with standard lab practices Understanding of health and safety regulations relevant to the construction or testing sectors Technical knowledge of building materials, facades, or structural systems Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to liaise effectively with clients and contractors Ability to read and interpret technical drawings or specifications

BRE Benefits

At BRE, we offer a competitive salary, reviewed annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial security, well-being, and career development.


Financial & Security Benefits

Pension scheme - 5% employer-matched contribution Life assurance - 4x your basic salary Enhanced maternity package

Health & Wellbeing

HealthPartners cashback scheme - Reclaim costs on prescriptions, physiotherapy, dental care, and more Onsite facilities - Restaurant, nursery, and free parking, including at-cost EV charging points

Career Development

Learning & development - Free access to BRE Academy and our online learning platform Professional membership reimbursement

For full details on our benefits, visit: BRE Employee Benefits

Work Location Options

On-Site - This role requires full-time presence at our Watford office. You must live within a commutable distance.

Our Recruitment Process

Online Assessment


Shortly after you apply (within approximately 10 minutes), you'll receive a link to complete an online assessment. This takes around 20 minutes and helps us better understand your skills and suitability.

Note to Employment Agencies

At BRE, we value the relationships we have built with our preferred recruitment partners. We do not accept unsolicited CVs from employment agencies. Any CVs submitted directly to a BRE employee or hiring manager without a signed BRE Employment Agency Agreement and an active engagement for the specific role will be considered unsolicited. In such cases, no fees will be payable should the candidate be hired through this or any other means.

Equal Opportunities Statement

BRE is an equal opportunities employer. We assess all qualified applicants based on merit and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.


#LI-SR1