Senior Fire Protection Engineer

The Senior Fire Protection Engineer position is a technical role within the firm focused on project execution for a variety of multi- and single-discipline facility design projects. The Senior Fire Protection Engineer will be responsible for performing multiple aspects of fire protection engineering services on multi-discipline building design projects of small to large scope for commercial and government facilities, as well as single discipline fire protection engineering projects of small to large scope. Additionally, the Senior Fire Protection Engineer will provide leadership to the fire protection team and represent the Department Director as required.

General responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Performing all aspects of fire protection design as a Senior Fire Protection Engineer, including conceptual studies, programming, schematic documents, design development documents, and construction documents
• Concurrently leading several projects of moderate complexity and scope when required by schedule and/or resource constraints
• Meeting with clients to prepare and/or validate proposed scope of services
• Managing the fire protection portion of multi-discipline projects and working with assigned Project Managers to meet project budget, schedule, goals, and objectives
• Coordinating, supervising, and communicating all aspects of the fire protection design within multi-discipline teams to ensure that design details integrate properly with all other disciplines
• Communication with the Contractor on Design-Build projects to verify suitability of systems selected
• Managing and supervising fire protection support services associated with the bidding process, including preparing addenda and amendments and opening and tabulating bids
• Managing and supervising fire protection support services associated with the construction phase, including field visits, answering RFIs, reviewing shop drawings, and preparing record drawings
• Ensuring staff compliance with quality control policies and procedures
• Working with, responding to, and taking direction from the Department Director, Managing Principals, Project Managers, Design Managers, Operations Directors and senior management.
• Assist in presenting projects to clients, contractors, project team members, AHJ's, and members of the public through all stages of the project
• Actively support Company marketing and business development activities
• Establish and maintain positive client relationships
• Provide technical guidance to fire protection staff
• Assisting Department Director in developing new and/or revised processes and procedures
• Representing the Department Director (DD) when the DD is unavailable
• Leading staff training sessions
• Providing input to Department Director on staff annual performance reviews

• Applies engineering techniques to design, install, modify, analyze, repair and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment
• Reads and interprets blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports
• Confers with engineers and other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, and provide technical information
• Researches and analyzes customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, and other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements of designs or applications
• Specifies system components or directs modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design and performance specifications
• Investigates equipment failures and difficulties to diagnose faulty operation, and to make recommendations to maintenance crew
• Performs work with a high degree of latitude and handles the most complex issues
• Possesses expert knowledge of subject matter
• Provides leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring
• May act as a lead or first-level supervisor
• Performs work independently
• Considered a high-level specialist who regularly interacts and works with senior management
• Uses advanced techniques, theories, and processes to complete work. Next step is typically management
• Performs work under minimal supervision
• Handles complex issues and problems, and refers only the most complex issues to higher-level staff
• Possesses comprehensive knowledge of subject matter
• Provides leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring
• May act as a lead or first-level supervisor

Project responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Performing Project Manager duties as assigned
• Serve in the role of Design Manager on projects as assigned
• Responsible for discipline design and documentation of fire protection systems
• Responsible for discipline coordination of plans and specifications
• Develop discipline design approach and methodology
• Develop discipline project plan and production methodology
• Preparing accurate, complete, and code-compliant drawings and specifications for schematic, design development, and construction document submittals.
• Reviewing calculations and all work products produced by Engineers, EIT's, and designers assigned to the project
• Reviewing all drawings produced by design staff assigned to the project
• Preparing scope and fee proposals for the fire protection portion of multi-discipline projects or single-discipline, fire protection-only projects
• Assist MP and PM in development of project proposals, budgets & schedules
• Review and approve discipline code analysis
• Review and approve discipline specifications
• Respond to RFI's, Dr Check comments, etc.
• Lead discipline bidding and construction administration activities
• Perform discipline QA/QC reviews on assigned projects
• Back-check discipline QC/gray team comments
• Monitor and adhere to project budget & schedule

Education, Technology, and Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Engineering from an ABET accredited curriculum or a post-graduate degree in Fire Protection Engineering is preferred
• Effectively utilize current company software programs for word processing, e-mail, accounting, and information management.
• Must be a fully licensed Fire Protection Engineer in at least one US state or jurisdiction, preferably in the local jurisdiction, by passing the Fire Protection Engineering written examination
• Experience as a lead designer or Fire Protection Engineer in federal, state, municipal, healthcare, commercial, higher education or similar projects plus experience in Design/Build and CM at Risk project delivery methods is desirable

• A Senior Fire Protection Engineer should typically have 10 years or more of significant design and practice experience in a leadership role with an Engineering firm, contractor, government agency, or a multi-discipline Architectural & Engineering firm with substantial knowledge of applicable fire protection and life safety codes and standards.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Is known to clients as their go to, writes fee proposals, operates as PM on Engineering led projects.
• Is recognized within the firm and by certification as a SME, Certifications might include LEED, GGP, CDT,
• Has direct client contact.
• Demonstrated experience in QC
• Understanding of sustainable design principles and design practices with LEED AP accreditation desirable
• Additional certifications such as CDT, CCS, or CCCA are encouraged to reflect personal growth in the profession and an ever-increasing knowledge base to enhance the design and documentation process
• Active participation in NSPE, SFPE, NFPA or other related professional organizations is desirable
• Working familiarity with design/production and fire protection analysis software to a point of being able to understand the capabilities and limitations of the programs and interact with the support staff in their use of the software is highly desirable

Physical Requirements

Work is sedentary and often performed in an office setting. The work area is lighted, heated, and ventilated. This position may require extended periods of standing, sitting, as well as some repetitive movements, bending and lifting of minimal weight. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Workplace Flexibility

We have selected two common days in the office to nurture collaboration and innovation and to support learning and growth through engagement with colleagues. We are asking everyone to be present on Mondays and Thursdays, with a required third day that will provide additional flexibility and be set between you and your supervisor (with consideration given to your project team members and clients). Our hope is that this schedule will offer the work-life balance that is desired by all, while providing consistent opportunities for face-to-face collaboration and mentorship.

Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Together we discover, inspire, and shape ideas that transform our world. We design for a greater purpose. Our culture results from a collective effort to innovate and inspire, to support and challenge to impact and transform. Great ideas are the result of collaboration between individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and passions. Our process advances communities through discovery and design. We believe ideas have the power to change the world.