Senior Smoke Ventilation Designer/Estimator

We are seeking a Senior Smoke Ventilation Designer / Estimator to join our team in Upminster to support the continued growth of our smoke control division.

The Role

This role is focused on the design and estimation of mechanical and natural smoke ventilation systems for residential and mixed-use developments.

The successful candidate will be responsible for interpreting fire strategies, architectural drawings, and CFD modelling outputs to develop compliant smoke control system designs and prepare accurate project costings.

You will work closely with fire engineers, consultants, and project teams, and will play an important role in supporting projects through from Gateway 2 submission to project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

System Design

• Design mechanical smoke extract systems including corridor ventilation, smoke shafts, and stair pressurisation systems.
• Design natural smoke ventilation (AOV) systems for residential buildings.
• Review and interpret CFD modelling outputs and fire engineering reports.
• Develop compliant smoke ventilation solutions based on fire strategy documentation.
• Produce design drawings, system schematics, and equipment layouts using AutoCAD or similar.
• Prepare cause and effect strategies for smoke ventilation systems and their integration with fire alarm systems.
• Size fans, dampers, vents, and extract systems in accordance with applicable standards.

Gateway 2 Compliance

• Assist with the preparation of documentation required for Gateway 2 submissions under the Building Safety regime.
• Ensure smoke ventilation system designs align with approved fire strategies and regulatory requirements.
• Liaise with fire engineers and consultants to resolve design queries and compliance issues.

Estimating & Tendering

• Produce detailed cost estimates and quotations for smoke ventilation systems.
• Carry out material take-offs and equipment schedules from drawings.
• Liaise with manufacturers and suppliers to obtain pricing and technical data.
• Prepare technical submissions and tender documentation.

Technical Coordination

• Liaise with architects, fire engineers, consultants, and contractors during the design and tender stages.
• Provide technical support to project managers and installation teams.
• Attend design coordination meetings where required.
• Assist with value engineering and alternative system proposals.

Site Surveys

• Conduct site surveys and inspections where required.
• Assess existing smoke ventilation systems and develop upgrade or replacement designs.

Technical Standards

A strong working knowledge of the following standards is required to ensure system designs are compliant with current regulations and best practice.

• BS 7346-7 – Smoke and heat control systems – Code of practice for functional recommendations and calculation methods for smoke and heat control systems.
• BS 7346-8 – Smoke and heat control systems – Code of practice for planning, installation, commissioning and maintenance of smoke control systems.
• BS EN 12101-2 – Smoke and heat control systems – Natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators.
• BS EN 12101-3 – Smoke and heat control systems – Powered smoke and heat exhaust ventilators (smoke extract fans).
• BS EN 12101-6 – Smoke and heat control systems – Pressure differential systems (stair pressurisation systems).
• BS EN 12101-8 – Smoke and heat control systems – Smoke control dampers.
• BS 9991 – Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings.
• Approved Document B – Fire safety guidance supporting compliance with the Building Regulations in England.

Requirements

Essential

• Proven experience designing mechanical smoke ventilation systems.
• Experience with smoke shafts, corridor ventilation, and fan-based extract systems.
• Ability to interpret CFD modelling outputs and fire engineering reports.
• Experience producing estimates and quotations for smoke ventilation systems.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings and fire strategy documents.
• Experience using AutoCAD or similar design software.
• Strong technical communication and organisational skills.

Desirable

• Experience supporting Gateway 2 submissions.
• Experience designing large residential or high-rise smoke control systems.
• Knowledge of smoke ventilation control panels and control systems.
• Experience working with fire alarm integration and cause & effect design.
• Experience working with Simpro quotation software.

What We Offer

• Salary £55,000 – £65,000 depending on experience
• Opportunity to work on large and technically complex residential developments
• Supportive engineering-led team environment
• Training and professional development
• Pension scheme
• Long-term career progression within a growing life safety specialist company

Location

The role is based primarily at our Upminster office, with occasional site visits where required.

To apply for this role please send your CV to: supportdesk@nfslimited.co.uk