Fire Sprinkler Designer
Reports To: Design Manager / Vice President
Employment Status: Full-Time
Location: Office-Based in Fort Wayne, IN or Palm Coast, FL
Travel: Limited travel to project sites may be required
North American Fire Protection LLC (NAFPCO) is seeking an experienced Fire Sprinkler Designer to support the design and execution of commercial and industrial fire protection projects.
The Fire Sprinkler Designer is responsible for developing accurate, code-compliant, coordinated, and constructible fire sprinkler system designs from project award through fabrication and installation. This position works closely with project management, field operations, general contractors, architects, engineers, vendors, and other trades to ensure fire protection systems meet contractual requirements, applicable codes and standards, project schedules, and NAFPCO quality expectations.
The successful candidate must be able to interpret construction documents, apply applicable NFPA standards and project specifications, perform hydraulic calculations, coordinate systems with other building trades, prepare fabrication and installation documentation, and effectively support field personnel throughout construction.
NAFPCO specializes in design-build fire protection for complex commercial and industrial facilities, including cold storage, food processing, distribution, pharmaceutical, data center, and mission-critical environments.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Fire Sprinkler System Design
· Develop fire sprinkler system layouts and construction drawings using Revit, AutoCAD, HydraCAD, AutoSPRINK, or other NAFPCO-approved design software.
· Design fire sprinkler systems in accordance with applicable NFPA standards, adopted building and fire codes, project specifications, contract documents, and authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.
· Perform hydraulic calculations and other technical calculations required to support system design and code compliance.
· Determine appropriate system layouts, pipe sizing, sprinkler types, system components, and design criteria based on occupancy, commodity, storage configuration, building construction, and project requirements.
· Design and coordinate wet, dry, preaction, ESFR, storage, and other water-based fire protection systems as applicable to assigned projects.
· Incorporate fire pumps, tanks, risers, backflow assemblies, valves, and other fire protection equipment into system designs when included within the project scope.
· Prepare accurate drawings, details, sections, riser diagrams, calculations, and other required design documentation.
Contract Document Review and Code Compliance
· Read, interpret, and apply architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil, and fire protection drawings and specifications.
· Review project contracts, specifications, addenda, RFIs, submittals, and other project documentation affecting fire protection design.
· Identify discrepancies, conflicts, missing information, or design conditions that could affect system performance, constructability, cost, or schedule.
· Communicate design questions and potential scope conflicts to the appropriate project team before they impact fabrication or field installation.
· Maintain working knowledge of applicable NFPA standards, building and fire codes, industry practices, and AHJ requirements.
· Incorporate approved RFIs, ASIs, bulletins, change orders, and other design revisions into project drawings and documentation.
BIM and Trade Coordination
· Participate in BIM and multidisciplinary coordination processes as required by the project.
· Coordinate fire sprinkler piping and equipment with structural systems, mechanical systems, electrical systems, plumbing, process piping, ceilings, equipment, and other building components.
· Review coordination models and drawings to identify and resolve clashes before fabrication and installation whenever reasonably possible.
· Participate in coordination meetings with general contractors, construction managers, engineers, and other trades as required.
· Maintain accurate and timely documentation of coordination decisions and design changes.
Fabrication and Material Coordination
· Prepare accurate stocklists, fabrication information, material takeoffs, and related documentation required for procurement and fabrication.
· Review drawings and material requirements before release for fabrication to identify potential errors, omissions, or constructability concerns.
· Coordinate design releases with project management, purchasing, fabrication, and field operations in accordance with the project schedule.
· Review equipment and material submittals for compatibility with approved system designs, available space, specifications, and project requirements.
· Assist in identifying material or equipment substitutions when necessary and ensure proposed changes maintain design intent and code compliance.
Project and Field Support
· Coordinate closely with Project Managers regarding design schedules, permitting requirements, fabrication releases, material needs, and construction milestones.
· Maintain assigned design responsibilities in accordance with established project schedules and communicate potential delays or constraints promptly.
· Communicate directly with field supervisors and foremen regarding design intent, installation conditions, coordination issues, and necessary drawing revisions.
· Review field-generated information and incorporate approved changes into design documents as required.
· Perform jobsite visits, field surveys, and existing-condition verification when necessary.
· Provide timely technical support to field personnel during installation, testing, and project closeout.
· Assist in resolving field conditions while maintaining code compliance, design intent, and project requirements.
Quality Control and Documentation
· Review design drawings, calculations, stocklists, and supporting documentation for completeness and accuracy before submission, fabrication, or release to the field.
· Maintain organized and current project design files in accordance with NAFPCO procedures.
· Maintain accurate revision control and documentation throughout the design and construction process.
· Prepare or assist with permit submittals, resubmittals, record drawings, as-built drawings, and project closeout documentation.
· Participate in internal design reviews and quality-control processes.
· Take ownership of assigned design work and proactively identify issues that could affect safety, quality, cost, schedule, or constructability.
Customer and Team Relationships
· Maintain professional and productive relationships with customers, general contractors, architects, engineers, AHJs, vendors, subcontractors, and other project stakeholders.
· Communicate clearly, professionally, and promptly with internal and external project team members.
· Work collaboratively with Project Management, Field Operations, Estimating, Purchasing, and other NAFPCO departments.
· Represent North American Fire Protection professionally during meetings, site visits, and other project interactions.
Other Duties
· Participate in project meetings, design reviews, training, and company meetings as required.
· Support continuous improvement of NAFPCO design standards, processes, templates, and workflows.
· Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
· Education and Experience
· High school diploma or equivalent required.
· Associate degree, bachelor's degree, technical drafting education, or formal training in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, CAD/BIM, or a related discipline preferred.
· Minimum of 3–5 years of fire sprinkler design experience preferred, with demonstrated experience producing construction-ready fire sprinkler system designs.
· Experience designing commercial and/or industrial fire sprinkler systems strongly preferred.
· Experience with storage occupancies, ESFR systems, cold storage, food processing, distribution, or other complex industrial facilities is a plus.
Certifications
· NICET certification in Water-Based Systems Layout preferred.
· NICET Level II or higher strongly preferred.
· NICET Level III or higher is a plus.
· Equivalent demonstrated fire sprinkler design experience may be considered depending upon the requirements of the position.
Technical Skills
· Proficiency in one or more fire sprinkler design platforms, including Revit, AutoCAD, HydraCAD, and/or AutoSPRINK.
· Ability to perform and understand hydraulic calculations.
· Strong understanding of NFPA 13 and other applicable fire protection standards.
· Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and technical documents.
· Working knowledge of BIM coordination and clash-detection processes.
· Understanding of fire sprinkler system components, fabrication requirements, installation practices, and field constructability.
· Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
· Proficiency with standard business and project collaboration software.
· Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
· The successful candidate must demonstrate:
· Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
· Ability to independently manage assigned design responsibilities and meet established deadlines.
· Strong organizational and time-management skills.
· Ability to prioritize multiple projects and responsibilities in a fast-paced construction environment.
· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
· Ability to identify potential problems before they affect fabrication or field installation.
· Effective written and verbal communication skills.
· Ability to communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
· Ability to work collaboratively across Design, Project Management, Field Operations, Purchasing, and other departments.
· Willingness to receive feedback and incorporate lessons learned into future designs.
· Commitment to safety, quality, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
· Physical and Travel Requirements
· Ability to perform the essential functions of an office-based design position for extended periods.
· Ability to use computers, design software, and standard office equipment throughout the workday.
· Ability to travel occasionally to active construction sites for field surveys, coordination, or project support.
· When visiting jobsites, ability to walk active construction areas, navigate uneven surfaces, climb stairs and ladders when necessary, and comply with required personal protective equipment and site safety requirements.
· Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record may be required when operating a company or rental vehicle.
Work Environment
This position primarily performs design and technical duties from an office or approved remote-office environment. Periodic travel to active construction sites, customer facilities, meetings, or other NAFPCO locations may be required based on project needs.
Employees visiting construction sites are required to comply with NAFPCO safety policies and all applicable customer and site-specific safety requirements.
Performance Expectations
· Success in this position includes:
· Accurate and code-compliant designs.
· Timely completion of drawings and design deliverables.
· Effective coordination before fabrication and installation.
· Accurate hydraulic calculations, stocklists, and fabrication information.
· Minimal avoidable field conflicts or design-related rework.
· Timely communication of design conflicts, missing information, and schedule risks.
· Strong support of Project Management and Field Operations.
· Complete and organized project documentation.
· Professional communication with customers and project stakeholders.
· Consistent adherence to NAFPCO standards, processes, and expectations.
Equal Employment Opportunity
North American Fire Protection LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may be modified based on business and project needs, consistent with applicable law.
No Agency Solicitation: North American Fire Protection does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from staffing agencies, recruiters or search firms. Please do not contact company employees regarding this position. Any unsolicited resumes submitted without a current written agreement with North American Fire Protection will be considered the property of North American Fire Protection and no placement fee will be paid.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $65,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Profit sharing
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Fire Sprinkler Design: 5 years (Required)
- AutoSprink: 5 years (Required)
- Revit: 1 year (Required)
- AutoCAD: 5 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- National Institute for Certification in Engineering Tech (Required)
- NICET II (Preferred)
- Driver's License (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
