Fire Protection Site Engineer

Vestal Corporation•San Antonio, TX

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Fire Protection Site Engineer serves as the on-site engineering representative, working with the fire protection contractor, general contractor, owner, and design team to support construction project execution. The role assists with preparing and coordinating Requests for Information (RFIs), resolving field engineering issues, and facilitating communication among stakeholders to maintain design intent and meet project milestones. The position is primarily based at a project site in central Missouri, approximately 75 miles west of St. Louis, for the duration of the project. The schedule typically requires 40 to 60 hours per week, depending on project demands. After project completion, the engineer transitions to an office-based engineering role supporting design and project execution activities. On site, the engineer identifies potential design or project issues, coordinates RFIs, participates in project meetings, monitors shop drawings and submittals, and supports project phasing, sequencing, planning, and technical issue resolution. The engineer also supports project managers in client meetings and presentations and works to foster collaborative relationships across project teams. In the office-based role, the engineer develops conceptual and detailed fire protection system designs and takes ownership of the fire protection scope, including technical accuracy, quality, schedule, and budget objectives. The role spans all phases of project delivery, from conceptual design through construction administration and closeout. Work includes site investigations; code and standards application; engineering calculations and hydraulic analyses; preparation of layouts, specifications, construction documents, and reports; coordination across disciplines; review of contractor documents; commissioning and acceptance testing; and mentoring and quality oversight for junior staff. The engineer may also support design standards, quality processes, client development, and proposals. The work is primarily at an active project site, with occasional office activities. Site conditions may include dust, fumes, noise, uneven terrain, moving equipment, changing weather, and other construction hazards. The engineer must comply with company, project, and client safety requirements, including use of required PPE. Extended hours, including occasional evenings or weekends, may be required based on project and site needs. The role involves regular movement around construction areas and may require occasional work in confined or restricted-access areas and lifting or carrying up to 25 pounds. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, additional compensation for on-site project assignments, and mileage and meal allowances for eligible travel. It also offers opportunities for professional growth and leadership development, exposure to diverse and complex projects, and support for continuing education and licensure.

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.
Strong 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; valid passport or ability to obtain one.
Commitment to company core values and positive professional relationships.
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced project environment.
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 perform field observations.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and to 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.
Ability to perform field inspections and walk construction sites for extended periods while wearing required PPE.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred; a Fire Protection PE is strongly preferred.
NICET Level 3 certification is strongly preferred as an alternative to a PE license.
Revit proficiency.
Experience with hydraulic calculation software such as HydraCALC, HASS, or AutoSPRINK.
AutoCAD proficiency.
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 the preparation and submission of RFIs to help prevent delays.
Attend and participate in project meetings with the general contractor, owner, design team, fire protection subcontractor, and site safety personnel as required.
Coordinate with project stakeholders to ensure RFIs are technically accurate, clearly documented, and sufficiently detailed for timely responses.
Monitor shop drawings and submittals and help ensure approvals are obtained before materials are delivered or installation begins.
Coordinate with project team members on project phasing, sequencing, and planning.
Provide technical guidance and engineering support for 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 based on direction, sketches, models, and project requirements.
Own the fire protection scope of work, ensuring technical accuracy, quality, schedule adherence, and budget objectives.
Collaborate with project managers, architects, engineers, contractors, and clients to develop coordinated design solutions.
Participate in project delivery from conceptual and schematic design through design development, construction documents, bidding, and construction administration.
Conduct site surveys, field investigations, inspections, and evaluations of existing facilities.
Apply applicable building codes, fire codes, NFPA standards, FM Global requirements, OSHA regulations, and AHJ requirements.
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 activities, and proposal preparation.
Maintain collaborative, professional, and solutions-oriented relationships with clients, contractors, and project stakeholders.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of project, departmental, and organizational objectives.
Comply with safety requirements and use required PPE.
Travel occasionally, including domestically and internationally, as required.