Experienced Fire Alarm Designer

We are seeking a Fire Alarm Designer with experience remotely designing and planning commercial fire alarm systems for buildings within the United States. Strong candidates for this role will have at least 4 years of experience in fire suppression and alarm design. A background in Electrical Design Engineering may also be helpful. VESDA/clean agent, security system design a plus.

You will work alongside a dynamic team developing comprehensive fire alarm and suppression system designs for building projects primarily within the United States.

You must have strong proficiency in the following areas:

1. NFPA Standards: Thorough understanding of NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) codes, particularly NFPA 72 and IBC/IFC - or the ability to learn these quickly based on your current experience.
2. CAD Software: Proficiency in using AutoCAD or other CAD software to create detailed fire alarm system layouts and MS Excel for voltage drop and battery calculations.
3. Fire Alarm System Components: Knowledge of fire alarm control panels, initiating devices, notification appliances, and wiring methods.
4. Electrical Design: Understanding of basic electrical principles and ability to apply them in the design of fire alarm systems.
5. Building Codes and Regulations: Familiarity with relevant building codes and regulations in the United States.
6. System Calculations: Ability to perform battery and voltage drop calculations to ensure system reliability.
7. Technical Documentation: Skill in creating and maintaining detailed design documentation, including system schematics and riser diagrams. Reading datasheets, architectural/electrical drawing sets, etc.
8. Project Coordination: Experience in coordinating with architects, engineers, and other stakeholders to integrate fire alarm designs into overall building plans. Done primarily over email, occasional over zoom.
9. Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey design concepts and feedback effectively.  You will be reporting to a design manager who will assign you projects and review your drawings, assist you with questions, etc.  This will be done over Zoho Cliq (Slack alternative)
10. Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of design and documentation.
11. Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address design challenges and provide effective solutions.
12. Remote Collaboration: Ability to work independently and collaborate with a remote team, using project management and communication tools like Zoho Cliq as mentioned above and email with clients/contractors.

You will be working remotely for a US-based business with US-based clients, and you will be part of a team working primarily in the United States. This is a full-time role and requires you to commit all of your working time to this position and company.

Job Responsibilities

1. Design Development: Create comprehensive fire alarm system designs based on project specifications, architectural plans, and relevant codes.
2. System Layout: Develop detailed system layouts, including device placement, wiring routes, and control panel locations.
3.  Plan Review: Analyze and interpret architectural and engineering plans to ensure fire alarm systems integrate seamlessly with overall building designs.
4.  Technical Drawings: Produce detailed technical drawings and schematics, including floor plans, riser diagrams, and wiring diagrams.
5.  Specification Compliance: Ensure all designs comply with NFPA standards, local building codes, and project-specific requirements.
6.  Revision Management: Make necessary revisions to designs based on client feedback, changes in project scope, or new regulatory requirements.
7.  Documentation Preparation: Prepare all required documentation, including submittal packages, equipment lists, and system descriptions.
8.  Coordination: Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to gather requirements and provide updates on design progress as needed.
9.  Client Communication: Communicate effectively with clients to understand their needs, provide design recommendations, and present final designs.
10.  Quality Assurance: Conduct quality checks on all designs to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with relevant standards.
11.  Project Timelines: Manage design schedules to meet project deadlines and ensure timely delivery of design documents.
12.  Feedback Incorporation: Incorporate feedback from clients, contractors, and inspectors into design revisions promptly and accurately.
13. Innovation: Stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and advancements in fire alarm system design to continuously improve design processes.

Requirements

• Strong English writing and speaking with minimal accent
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in designing fire alarm systems for commercial buildings.
• Bachelor’s degree or formal education in Electrical Engineering could be helpful but not required.  NICET certification definitely a plus.  Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
•  Strong understanding of fire alarm system integration with other building systems.
•  Ability to create design specifications and submittal packages.
•  Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Zoho Cliq, Trello).
•  Capability to work independently and manage time efficiently.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement in fire alarm design, including expanding your knowledge on the USA-based requirements.