Fire Protection Site Engineer

Vestal Corporation•San Antonio, TX

12d

About The Position

The Fire Protection Site Engineer serves as the on-site engineering representative and works with the fire protection contractor, general contractor, owner, and design team to support successful construction project execution. The role focuses on identifying and resolving field engineering issues, coordinating Requests for Information (RFIs), supporting submittal approvals, and maintaining communication among stakeholders so that design intent is preserved and project milestones are met. The position is primarily site-based for the duration of the project and typically requires 40 to 60 hours per week, depending on project demands. The project site is in central Missouri, approximately 75 miles west of St. Louis, Missouri. After the project is complete, the engineer transitions to an office-based engineering role supporting design and project execution. In the office-based phase, the engineer develops conceptual and detailed fire protection designs and documents, takes ownership of the fire protection scope, coordinates designs with other disciplines, and participates throughout project delivery from conceptual design through construction administration and closeout. The role also includes calculations and analyses, technical reviews, commissioning and acceptance testing, quality assurance, mentoring junior staff, and support for client and business development activities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
At least 5 years of fire protection engineering and design experience.
Strong knowledge of fire protection engineering principles, hydraulic analysis, applicable building and fire codes, and industry standards.
Experience designing automatic sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire pumps, fire water distribution systems, and special hazard suppression systems.
Familiarity with fire alarm systems and multidisciplinary coordination.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related software.
Excellent problem-solving, communication, collaboration, organizational, and time-management skills.
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
Ability to travel occasionally, domestically and internationally; a valid passport or ability to obtain one is required.
Commitment to company core values and positive professional relationships.
Ability to comply with company, project, and client safety requirements, including use of required PPE.
Ability to walk active construction areas, stand for extended periods, climb stairs or ladders as needed, maintain balance on uneven surfaces, and navigate job-site conditions.
Ability to use hands and fingers, reach, grasp, handle tools or equipment, inspect installations, and conduct field observations.
Ability to communicate effectively and hear alarms, equipment operation, and job-site instructions.
Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or work in confined or restricted-access areas.
Ability to lift and carry materials, equipment, or documents up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license, with a Fire Protection PE strongly preferred.
NICET Level 3 certification is strongly preferred as an alternative to a PE license.
Proficiency with Revit.
Experience with hydraulic calculation software such as HydraCALC, HASS, or AutoSPRINK, and with AutoCAD.
Experience with SCRUM and Lean Design/Construction.
Experience in industrial, manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, or mission-critical facilities.
Experience designing dry and hybrid fire protection systems.

Responsibilities

Identify potential design or project issues and coordinate preparation and submission of RFIs to help prevent project delays.
Attend and participate in project meetings with the general contractor, owner, design team, fire protection subcontractor, and site safety personnel as needed.
Coordinate with project stakeholders to ensure RFIs are technically accurate, clearly documented, and include information needed for timely design-team responses.
Monitor shop drawings and submittals and help ensure required approvals are obtained before material delivery or installation.
Coordinate with project teams on project phasing, sequencing, and planning.
Provide technical guidance and engineering support in developing, reviewing, and resolving RFIs.
Support project managers during client meetings, project reviews, and presentations with technical expertise and project updates.
Develop conceptual and detailed fire protection system designs from direction, sketches, models, and project requirements, incorporating standard details and notes into construction documents.
Manage the fire protection scope to maintain technical accuracy, quality, schedule, and budget objectives.
Collaborate with project managers, architects, engineers, contractors, and clients on coordinated design solutions.
Participate in conceptual design, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding, and construction administration.
Conduct site surveys, field investigations, inspections, and evaluations of existing facilities.
Prepare fire protection engineering calculations, hydraulic analyses, system layouts, technical specifications, construction documents, and engineering reports.
Design and coordinate sprinkler, standpipe, fire pump, fire water storage, clean agent suppression, fire alarm interface, and other fire suppression systems as required.
Perform hydraulic calculations, water supply analyses, and system performance evaluations.
Coordinate fire protection designs with architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other engineering disciplines.
Review and approve shop drawings, product submittals, hydraulic calculations, RFIs, and other contractor-generated technical documents.
Participate in commissioning, system acceptance testing, final inspections, and project closeout.
Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and quality assurance oversight to junior engineers and designers.
Help develop and improve company fire protection design standards, engineering procedures, and quality control processes.
Follow company quality assurance, quality control, and project management procedures.
Support client meetings, presentations, business development, and proposal preparation.
Maintain collaborative, professional, and solutions-oriented relationships with project teams and stakeholders.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of project, departmental, and organizational objectives.