Fire Alarm Designer
About The Position
The Fire Alarm Designer supports the design and development of commercial fire alarm and life safety systems. This entry-level opportunity is intended for someone with drafting, AutoCAD, engineering, construction, or related technical experience who is interested in a career in fire alarm system design. Working with experienced designers, Project Managers, Engineers, and Field Teams, the role assists with preparing design drawings, system layouts, documentation, and project updates. Training and guidance are provided to develop knowledge of fire alarm systems, applicable codes, design standards, and company processes. The position generally works Monday through Friday. Overtime and on-call work may be required when necessary, and local travel may be needed. Compensation is $25–$35 per hour. The work environment is a clean, orderly, properly lighted and ventilated office with low-to-moderate noise levels. The employer offers medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) with company match, life/AD&D/LTD coverage, paid vacation, sick time and holidays, an Employee Assistance Program, and pet insurance. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; future sponsorship is unavailable.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Experience using AutoCAD, CAD drafting, or supporting design/engineering projects.
- Basic proficiency with AutoCAD and the ability to create, modify, and maintain technical drawings.
- Ability to read and interpret architectural, electrical, engineering, or construction drawings.
- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability and willingness to learn fire alarm design standards, codes, and processes.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to stay organized, manage assigned tasks, and work on multiple projects with guidance.
- Must be able to communicate effectively by seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly.
- Manual dexterity for occasional reaching, lifting light office objects, and operating office equipment.
- U.S. work authorization is required; future sponsorship is unavailable.
Nice To Haves
- Associate degree, technical degree, certificate, or coursework in Drafting, CAD, Engineering Technology, Electronics, Fire Protection, Construction, or a related field.
- Two or more years of experience in Fire CAD, CAD drafting, fire alarm design, electrical design, low-voltage systems, or a related technical field.
- Previous fire alarm CAD/design experience.
- Experience with AutoCAD features such as XREFs, blocks, layers, plotting, and page setups.
- Familiarity with NFPA 72, NFPA 70 (NEC), fire alarm systems, or general life safety requirements.
- Exposure to commercial construction, electrical, low-voltage, or other building systems.
- Familiarity with Bluebeam, Revit, or BIM coordination.
- Exposure to fire alarm systems from manufacturers such as Notifier, Siemens, Edwards, Simplex, Potter, or Fire-Lite.
- NICET Fire Alarm Systems certification or interest in pursuing NICET certification.
Responsibilities
- Assist with the design and drafting of commercial fire alarm and life safety systems under the guidance of experienced team members.
- Prepare and update CAD drawings, including floor plans, device layouts, riser diagrams, details, and other project documentation.
- Review architectural, electrical, and construction drawings to support accurate fire alarm system layouts.
- Assist with preparing design packages, submittals, bills of materials (BOMs), and supporting documentation.
- Learn and apply applicable fire alarm and life safety codes, including NFPA 72, NFPA 70 (NEC), IBC, IFC, and local requirements.
- Coordinate with Project Managers, Engineers, Field Teams, and other internal partners to support project requirements.
- Incorporate field changes, project revisions, and redlines into design drawings.
- Assist with maintaining accurate as-built drawings and project documentation.
- Support permit and AHJ submittals, including revisions and responses to design comments.
- Learn fire alarm device placement, system layouts, basic calculations, and integration with other building systems.
- Maintain organized project files and complete assigned design tasks within established schedules.
- Communicate professionally with team members and ask questions when additional technical guidance is needed.
- Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401(k) with company match
- Life/AD&D/LTD coverage
- Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Pet insurance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
