Fire Alarm & Security Estimator
Position Summary
Communication Company is seeking a highly motivated Fire Alarm and Security Estimator to join our Engineering and Estimating team. This position focuses primarily on system design, estimating, proposal development, project engineering, and customer support for fire and life safety, security, communications, and low-voltage systems.
The successful candidate will work closely with customers, sales personnel, project managers, architects, engineers, contractors, manufacturers, and internal technical teams to design systems that meet client requirements while maximizing project success and profitability.
The Life Safety Systems Engineer plays a key role from initial site survey and estimating through project handoff and closeout support.
Primary Responsibilities
- Review construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents.
- Conduct site surveys and gather project information necessary for system design and estimating.
- Design fire alarm, nurse call, security, access control, video surveillance, communications, and other life safety systems.
- Develop accurate material takeoffs, bills of material, labor estimates, and project budgets.
- Prepare comprehensive proposals, scopes of work, and bid packages.
- Coordinate with project managers, CAD personnel, manufacturers, architects, engineers, general contractors, electrical contractors, and end users.
- Develop system layouts and engineering concepts prior to final CAD drafting.
- Review engineered drawings and identify value-engineering opportunities to improve project profitability.
- Maintain project databases, estimating tools, standards, and documentation.
- Monitor bidding opportunities and assist with pre-bid reviews and project selection.
- Support project kickoff meetings and assist project managers throughout project execution.
- Work directly with customers to develop solutions that meet operational requirements, code requirements, and budget expectations.
QualificationsPreferred Education
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Electronics, Construction Management, Architecture, Computer Science, or a related technical field preferred.
Experience
- Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in life safety systems, systems integration, low-voltage systems, electronics, construction, or a related industry.
- Experience with estimating, project engineering, proposal preparation, or system design.
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
- Experience working with CAD-based design tools preferred.
Technical Knowledge
- Working knowledge of life safety, fire alarm, security, communications, and building technology systems.
- Familiarity with NFPA and BICSI standards.
- Understanding of commercial construction methods and project workflows.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Project.
- Experience with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Visio, or similar design tools is preferred.
- Experience with Siemens, Notifier, Simplex, EST/Edwards, or similar systems is beneficial.
Desired Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong customer-service orientation.
- Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with customers, contractors, consultants, and team members.
- Ability to identify opportunities to improve project performance and profitability.
Certifications
- NICET Fire Alarm Certification - Required
Candidates willing to pursue certification are encouraged to apply.
Travel
Moderate travel to customer sites throughout the region is expected. Occasional overnight travel may be required for customer meetings, factory training, certification programs, or industry events.
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Health Insurance
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Paid Vacation and Holidays
- Ongoing Technical and Professional Development
- Long-Term Career Advancement Opportunities
Pay: $55,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Experience:
- life safety estimating or engineering: 2 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
