Fire Alarm System Engineer
Position Summary
The Fire Alarm System Engineer is responsible for the technical design, engineering, coordination, and support of fire alarm systems from concept through closeout. This role works closely with project managers, estimators, field supervision, AHJs, and manufacturers to produce code-compliant, constructible, and properly documented fire alarm systems for commercial, government, education and healthcare projects.
Core Responsibilities
· Engineer fire alarm system solutions based on contract documents, codes, standards, and project requirements.
· Develop and review floor plans, riser diagrams, device layouts, wiring schemes, panel schedules/details, battery calculations, voltage drop calculations, and sequence of operations.
· Prepare and review shop drawings, submittals, equipment selections, and technical narratives.
· Coordinate system design with architecture, electrical, HVAC, security, telecom, and other life-safety or low-voltage trades.
· Evaluate field conditions and generate RFI documentation to resolve design conflicts and maintain project continuity.
· Support permitting, plan review, AHJ comments, and acceptance testing.
· Provide technical direction to field teams during installation, troubleshooting, commissioning, and final turnover.
· Verify system performance through functional validation of initiating devices, notification appliances, interfaces, and supervisory circuits.
· Maintain accurate engineering documentation, as-builts, sequence revisions, closeout documents, and turnover records.
· Support service and warranty efforts when technical escalation is required.
Technical Competencies
· Strong understanding of fire alarm system architecture, including addressable and conventional systems, initiating device circuits, notification appliance circuits, input/output modules, annunciators, and emergency control interfaces.
· Working knowledge of applicable fire alarm codes, standards, and manufacturer installation requirements.
· Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, code requirements, and coordination documents.
· Experience with system calculations, device loading, battery sizing, circuit supervision, and networked panel design.
· Ability to identify design risks, resolve technical conflicts, and propose practical engineering alternatives.
· Proficiency with CAD, submittal documentation, and project management systems.
Qualifications
· Experience in fire alarm system engineering, design, commissioning, or technical field support.
· Strong background in low-voltage or life-safety systems.
· Ability to communicate clearly with internal teams, contractors, consultants, manufacturers, and inspection authorities.
· Detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
· Minimum, Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an accredited institution or NICET Level III certification in Fire Alarm Systems (or equivalent experience).
Preferred Experience
· Commercial, institutional, or multi-building fire alarm systems.
· Integration with access control, elevator recall, HVAC shutdown, smoke control, nurse call, voice evacuation, or emergency communications.
· Coordination of large project submittals, revisions, and closeout documentation.
· Technical support troubleshooting of device faults, network communication issues, and supervisory circuit problems.
Work Environment
· Primarily office-based engineering work with periodic field verification, site walks, testing, and commissioning support.
· May require occasional travel to project sites and coordination meetings.
Performance Expectations
· Produce accurate and timely engineering deliverables.
· Support installation teams with clear technical direction.
· Resolve design issues proactively to reduce rework, delay, and cost impact.
· Contribute to high-quality systems that meet code requirements, schedule, and customer expectations.
Pay: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
