Fire Life Safety Commissioning Field Specialist I

DLB Associates is a premier engineering and consulting firm specializing in innovative, mission-critical solutions across hyperscale data centers, advanced infrastructure, and high-performance building systems. With over four decades of expertise, we partner with some of the world’s most influential companies to design and optimize environments that demand precision, scalability, and resilience.

Join us and be part of a team where your voice matters, your work makes an impact, and your growth is a shared priority.

Position Title: Fire Life Safety Commissioning Specialist I

Position Location: Remote - work from anywhere in the United States. Must be located near a major airport.

Travel Requirements: Up to 75% domestic travel; relocation may be considered for long-term project needs. Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to rent vehicles.

JOB SUMMARY

The Fire Life Safety Commissioning Specialist I provides technical support and leadership to plan, schedule, and execute commissioning of fire life safety systems for mission critical facilities and large-scale commercial projects. This role includes participating in pre-functional inspections, system integration verification, AHJ walk coordination, and the full testing of fire alarm, fire suppression, smoke control, and emergency communication systems.

The Fire Life Safety Commissioning Specialist I collaborates with contractors, vendors, design professionals, client representatives, and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to validate life safety systems against design documents, applicable codes, and owner project requirements.

This position operates under limited supervision and is expected to independently manage assigned tasks or portions of a larger commissioning effort.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform On-site FLS Commissioning Activities and Project Support (50%)

• Perform and document functional performance testing of fire alarm systems, smoke control systems, emergency power interface, and suppression systems
• Participate in pre-functional inspections and integrated systems testing
• Lead or support AHJ inspections and interface with code officials
• Direct subcontractors and vendors in execution of testing sequences
• Troubleshoot and validate operation of life safety systems and interfaces
• Monitor and support project timelines and deliverables

Develop Testing Plans and Life Safety Protocols (20%)

• Develop and maintain fire life safety commissioning scripts and plans
• Create and execute pre-functional checklists for fire protection, detection, and alarm systems
• Review contractor submittals and matrixes for integrated testing
• Ensure conformance with NFPA codes, local regulations, and commissioning best practices

Review Design and Construction Documentation (15%)

• Provide feedback during commissioning-focused design reviews
• Review drawings, specifications, sequence of operations, and submittals for code compliance and functional intent
• Participate in interdisciplinary coordination of FLS scope

Reporting and Stakeholder Communication (15%)

• Assist in compiling commissioning documentation for internal and client use
• Support the development of final commissioning reports
• Participate in commissioning meetings and client updates
• Document punch items and follow up on resolution

Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget

Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS (INTERMEDIATE LEVEL FOR ALL THE FOLLOWING)

• Working knowledge of NFPA codes (including 70, 72, 92, 101, 2001)
• Familiarity with FLS equipment and systems (FA panels, speakers/strobes, smoke dampers, pre-action/deluge systems, etc.)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interface with contractors, vendors, clients, and AHJs
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams)
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and system schematics
• Capable of working independently or in a team setting
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks
• Familiarity with commissioning software (e.g., CxAlloy, Bluebeam) preferred
• Able to meet physical demands of field commissioning work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is

• Frequently manipulating, moving or grasping small parts, devices or tools
• Frequently required to remain in a stationary position
• Frequently moving through office, critical facility and other environments (such as low temperatures, high temperatures and outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind), including tight and confined spaces
• Frequently descending / ascending stairs and ladders to access equipment
• On occasion the employee may be required to position self under or over equipment
• On occasion the employee may move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds

TRAVEL / RELOCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to rent vehicles.
• Up to 75%, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states.
• Must be located near a major airport.
• Effective May 7, 2025, and in accordance with U.S. federal regulations for domestic air travel, a valid REAL ID (or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport) is required for travel associated with this position.
• Travel may involve transportation by car or plane depending on the destination and nature of the business need.
• Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meetings for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc.
• Potential for international assignments.
• Potential relocation opportunities may exist per project needs.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field

OR

• Minimum two years’ experience with installation, inspection, or testing of fire life safety systems

PLUS

• Minimum five years of additional experience with hands-on testing, inspection, validation, or commissioning of FLS systems (fire alarm, suppression, smoke control, etc.)

BENEFITS

DLB Associates offers a very competitive benefits package; highlights include

• Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option)
• Flex spending accounts (FSA)
• Dental and vision plans
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse / domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26
• 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option
• PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year
• Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Short and long-term disability, AD&D coverage
• Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance
• Paid parental leave after one year of employment

CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC residents only: In accordance with CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC law, the range provided is DLB's reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location.

DLB Associates is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and participates in the E-Verify program with the Department of Homeland Security. We encourage diversity in our workforce.

Are you ready to challenge yourself and redefine standards in the AEC industry? Apply now and join our award-winning team!​

​NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

DLB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to DLB in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where DLB has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of DLB and DLB will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.