Q & A with Sam Bader, Chartered Engineeer
Q: Please introduce yourself and tell us about your career to date.
I graduated with a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Leeds and have worked in the fire engineering sector for nearly seven years. I began my career at a multidisciplinary consultancy while completing a part-time Master’s degree at the University of Central Lancashire, which deepened my technical knowledge of fire science.
After gaining experience in the UK, I worked in New Zealand, broadening my exposure to international fire engineering practices and contributing to my personal and professional growth. I have since returned to Trigon, where I lead teams on a diverse range of projects and support the company’s ongoing development.
Q: Describe your role or position within your current workplace and describe what a typical working day looks like.
I’m currently a Principal Fire Engineer at Trigon’s London office. One of the aspects I enjoy most is that no two days are the same. My work ranges from design team meetings, site visits, and industry events to office-based collaboration, reviewing designs, writing reports, and providing strategic fire safety advice.
A key part of my role involves coordinating with internal teams and external stakeholders to align fire strategies with design intent and Building Regulations. I also mentor two junior engineers, which I find highly rewarding, and I value the close collaboration across all four offices.
Q: Are there any particular challenges or unusual aspects to your role?
Like many roles in our sector, mine brings its share of challenges. A key one is managing client and design team expectations across multiple projects, where every issue feels urgent. Another is keeping up with evolving fire safety guidance and regulations. Even as a Chartered Engineer, I find some changes complex, and I’m mindful that for those outside the profession, it can be even more challenging. Part of our role is to make this guidance clear and practical for real-world application.
Q: What do you find most enjoyable about your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is walking through London and pointing out buildings I’ve worked on, even if others don’t share my enthusiasm. It’s opened doors to stunning architecture and terraces overlooking the London skyline. I value working on diverse, often iconic projects, and it’s fulfilling to know I’ve helped shape safe spaces and contributed positively to society.
Q: Is there a great professional achievement or high-profile accomplishment that you would like to tell us about in a previous role or your current one?
One of my proudest achievements is becoming a Chartered Engineer with the IFE before turning 30 — a milestone that reflects my hard work, dedication, and passion for fire safety engineering. Contributing to diverse projects has shaped my expertise, and achieving chartership marked the culmination of these experiences and a significant step in my career.
Q: What inspired you to become an engineer or pointed you towards an engineering career?
From a young age, I’ve always enjoyed maths and physics — particularly when it came to applying these subjects in real-world contexts. Engineering felt like a natural path for me, combining academic interest with real-world application.
Studying mechanical engineering at university confirmed that it was the perfect match for my skills and interests. It’s a great example of discovering a path I hadn’t considered before, but one I’m incredibly grateful to have found.
Q: What contributed to your decision to gain IFE membership / become professionally registered?
When I started my graduate role, I was encouraged early on to pursue professional registration and aim for Chartered Engineer status. Naturally, this aligned with joining the Institution of Fire Engineers, which provided a clear pathway to demonstrating professional competency and commitment to the field.
I’m extremely grateful for the support and encouragement I received from my mentors and managers, as it motivated me to stay focused on professional development and engage more deeply with the industry. I would encourage all fire engineers to consider becoming professionally registered as soon as possible.
Q: How have you benefitted from being a member/registrant with the IFE (career, personally)?
Being a member of the IFE has significantly broadened my professional network and opened the door to learning opportunities through CPD events and publications.
On a personal level, it’s been a great source of confidence and recognition — helping me feel part of a respected and knowledgeable professional community. My travels have also allowed me to recognise that the registration with the IFE is recognised worldwide.
Q: Are you involved in the IFE in any other capacity (e.g. branch, volunteer, with a SIG)? If you are, could you tell us a bit more about that?
Not yet although I would like to become a IEng and CEng Reviewer in the near future, however, I have contributed to both CABE and CROSS UK when the opportunity arose.
Q: Would you recommend joining the IFE to others? If so, why?
Yes, as I believe that becoming a Chartered Engineer with the IFE is the clearest way to demonstrate competency as a fire engineer.
Q: Is there any advice you would pass on to someone considering professional registration / IFE membership?
Start the process as early as you can — it can seem daunting at first, but getting familiar with the requirements early on will make it much more manageable. Becoming a member is a major step in your career, and the sooner you start building that foundation, the easier and more rewarding the journey will be.