Fire Alarm System Engineer

ECC•Lincoln, NE

6d•$62,400 - $83,200•Onsite

About The Position

Electronic Contracting Company (ECC) is seeking a knowledgeable, detail-oriented Fire Alarm System Engineer to develop accurate, competitive estimates and proposals for its growing Fire/Life Safety business. The position reviews project drawings, specifications, and customer requirements and works with Sales, Engineering, Operations, and industry partners to ensure solutions are code-compliant, properly scoped, and competitively priced. Candidates with fire alarm estimating, field, design, or project management experience are encouraged to apply. The role is primarily office-based, with periodic visits to active construction sites and customer facilities for site surveys, pre-bid meetings, walkthroughs, and scope reviews. The engineer manages multiple estimates and opportunities while meeting bid deadlines, supports Sales during the proposal process, and assists with the handoff of awarded projects to Operations. Success is measured by consistently producing accurate, complete, competitive, and timely estimates that meet customer requirements, applicable codes, ECC standards, and targeted gross profit expectations. The successful candidate should have or develop working knowledge of applicable fire alarm and life safety codes and standards, including NFPA 101, NFPA 72, NFPA 70, applicable IBC and IFC requirements, applicable ADA requirements, and local and state fire alarm codes and AHJ requirements. NICET Level I or II certification is strongly preferred at hire. Employees without NICET certification are expected to begin working toward NICET Level I after joining ECC, with progression toward Level II as experience and eligibility requirements are met. Manufacturer-specific certifications or training may be required based on the systems supported.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum 2–3 years of experience in fire alarm systems, fire/life safety, electrical construction, estimating, design, project management, or a related field preferred.
Working knowledge of commercial fire alarm system components and system operation.
Ability to read and interpret architectural, electrical, and fire alarm drawings and specifications.
Understanding of construction plans, specifications, bid documents, and project scopes.
Strong mathematical and analytical skills, including the ability to develop accurate material and labor estimates.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and standard business applications.
Ability to learn and effectively use ECC estimating, CRM, quoting, and project-management systems.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to collaborate across departments.
Working knowledge, or ability to develop working knowledge, of applicable fire alarm and life safety codes and standards, including NFPA 101, NFPA 72, NFPA 70, applicable IBC and IFC requirements, ADA requirements applicable to fire alarm notification, and local and state codes and AHJ requirements.
Ability to work primarily in an office environment and periodically visit construction sites and customer facilities.
Ability to walk project sites, climb stairs, and access areas necessary for site surveys and scope reviews.
Ability to travel within ECC's service territory as required for site surveys, pre-bid meetings, and customer meetings.
Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record may be required.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or technical education in electronics, electrical systems, construction, engineering technology, or a related field.
NICET Level I or Level II certification in Fire Alarm Systems is strongly preferred at hire.
NICET Level II or higher in Fire Alarm Systems.
Significant fire alarm estimating, design, installation, programming, or project-management experience; candidates with such experience may be considered without current NICET certification.
Previous fire alarm estimating experience with a systems integrator, electrical contractor, fire alarm contractor, or fire/life safety provider.
Experience estimating both new construction and retrofit fire alarm projects.
Experience with fire alarm system design and layout.
Experience performing site surveys and evaluating existing fire alarm systems.
Familiarity with commercial, healthcare, education, government, industrial, and other complex facilities.
Experience with electronic takeoff or estimating software.
Experience working with fire alarm manufacturers, distributors, electrical contractors, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
Knowledge of fire alarm inspection, testing, programming, commissioning, and documentation requirements.
Manufacturer-specific fire alarm certifications and training, as applicable to the systems supported by ECC.

Responsibilities

Review architectural, electrical, fire alarm, and life safety drawings, specifications, bid documents, addenda, and other project requirements.
Develop detailed estimates for material, equipment, labor, subcontractor, and other project costs for fire alarm projects.
Perform device counts and system takeoffs from construction drawings.
Determine required fire alarm equipment and components, including devices, modules, power supplies, notification appliances, initiating devices, and control equipment.
Review specifications for system performance, approved manufacturers, testing, documentation, and other project-specific requirements.
Evaluate existing systems and determine requirements for additions, upgrades, replacements, and migrations.
Identify scope gaps, conflicts, exclusions, assumptions, and project risks before proposal submission.
Obtain and evaluate pricing from manufacturers, distributors, subcontractors, and specialty vendors.
Develop labor estimates based on scope, system complexity, installation, programming, testing, commissioning, and closeout requirements.
Prepare proposal scopes of work, inclusions, exclusions, assumptions, and clarifications.
Review estimates with Sales and appropriate operational leadership before final proposal submission.
Participate in pre-bid meetings, site surveys, project walkthroughs, and scope-review meetings as required.
Assist Sales with technical questions and customer discussions during the proposal process.
Support value-engineering efforts while maintaining code compliance and project requirements.
Maintain estimating documentation, pricing and manufacturer information, and historical project data.
Assist with estimate-to-operations handoff after project award.
Stay current on fire alarm technologies, manufacturer products, applicable codes, and industry standards.
Manage multiple estimates and opportunities simultaneously while meeting bid deadlines.
Work toward NICET certification if not already certified and pursue continued professional development as applicable.