Life Safety Systems Engineer

Bechtel Corporation•Town of Clay, NY

32d•$119,800 - $182,700•Onsite

About The Position

Bechtel is hiring a senior technical contributor and discipline lead for Fire and Life Safety Systems on large, complex, mission-critical projects, including hyperscale data centers, life sciences, and semiconductor manufacturing facilities. The role focuses on integrated life safety and emergency communication systems, such as networked fire alarm and signaling, emergency voice/alarm communication systems (EVACS/ECS), air-sampling smoke detection (e.g., VESDA), in-building public safety communications (IB-PSC/ERRC), and toxic gas monitoring. Fire suppression or fire water system design expertise is not required, but is encouraged. The engineer defines scope, technical requirements, and cost estimates; leads and approves system architecture, design development, and integration; and resolves complex technical and code issues. The role ensures system performance, survivability, and coordination with electrical, mechanical, architectural, security, ICT, and building automation systems. It regularly interfaces with clients and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), provides technical guidance, and mentors life safety engineering personnel. Bechtel’s Manufacturing and Technology Business Unit is designing, building, and commissioning a semiconductor fab in Clay, New York. The role supports project planning and execution, technical oversight, estimates, staffing, schedules, client coordination, regulatory approvals, and engineering knowledge-sharing. The position is based at the project work location, with full-time office/project telework designation. The posted annual salary range is $119,800–$182,700; the final offer depends on education, experience, and qualifications. National family relocation is authorized.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent and 10–13 years of relevant experience, or 14–17 years of relevant work experience.
Senior-level expertise in the design, configuration, architecture, and integration of networked fire alarm and signaling systems, EVACS/ECS, air-sampling smoke detection systems such as VESDA, IB-PSC/ERRC, and toxic gas monitoring and detection systems (TGMS).
Experience delivering integrated fire and life safety solutions in mission-critical environments, emphasizing system survivability, resilience, and coordination across electrical, mechanical, architectural, security, ICT, and building automation systems.
Strong working knowledge of applicable codes and standards, including NFPA 72, NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 101, IBC, IFC, and applicable local, state, federal, and AHJ requirements.
Ability to interpret and apply codes and standards, resolve complex technical issues, and support AHJ coordination and approval processes.
Experience supporting scope development, estimating, staffing, scheduling, and execution planning for fire and life safety engineering scopes within an EPC environment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and mentor engineering personnel effectively.

Nice To Haves

NICET Level III or higher certification in Fire Alarm Systems or In-Building Public Safety Communications (IB-PSC) is strongly preferred.
Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is a plus, depending on project requirements.
Prior experience supporting semiconductor manufacturing and other high-reliability industrial facilities.
Fire suppression or fire water system design expertise is encouraged but not required.

Responsibilities

Plan and conduct independent scope development and prepare technical specifications for fire and life safety design and field investigations on large, complex, mission-critical projects.
Lead and approve the architecture, design development, modification, evaluation, and multi-system integration of fire and life safety systems using applicable Engineering Department Procedures, design standards and guides, and Bechtel Standard Application Programs.
Communicate complex technical issues and recommend solutions to upper management.
Develop conceptual and preliminary fire and life safety designs for projects with specialized, mission-critical, or unique operational requirements, including hyperscale data centers and semiconductor manufacturing facilities.
Support preparation of estimates, staffing needs, and schedules.
Prepare or oversee discipline estimates and work plans in accordance with project scope, schedule, and budget; support implementation and assist with performance reporting.
Interface with client personnel to define requirements, develop scope for cost estimates, and support proposal preparation and technical presentations.
Provide technical oversight during implementation, including system integration, acceptance coordination, issue resolution, and performance tracking for assigned scopes.
Interpret new or special regulations, codes, standards, criteria, and performance data, providing authoritative technical guidance to project teams.
Coordinate with client representatives and AHJs to obtain approvals for fire and life safety aspects of the work.
Conduct or lead special studies of new Control Systems engineering methods, materials, and techniques.
Mentor fire and life safety engineering personnel through on-the-job training and technical guidance.
Contribute to and participate in technical training and knowledge-sharing programs as directed.