Security and Fire Alarm Sales Engineer

Silco Fire & Security • Akron, OH

4d

About The Position

Silco Fire & Security isn’t just a company, it’s a mission. Every day, our team plays a vital role in protecting lives and property for over 45,000 businesses across Ohio, Kentucky and surrounding states. We design, install, maintain and monitor fire protection and security systems that keep people safe and businesses compliant. As the market leader in the Midwest, Silco is a growing, family-owned company with over 500 employees working from our headquarters in Cincinnati and branches in Dayton, Columbus, Toledo, Akron, Cleveland and Louisville. Recognized as a Top Workplace and named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, we have a long-standing track record of success and ambitious goals for the future. Our impact extends beyond fire alarms and sprinklers; we provide peace of mind to the communities we serve. At Silco, you’re not just doing a job, you’re making a difference. Position Overview: Silco Fire & Security is seeking an experienced Security and Fire Alarm Sales Engineer. The Security and Fire Alarm Sales Engineer serve as a technical resource for the security and fire alarm sales team during the pursuit and pre-construction phases of projects. This position collaborates closely with Sales, Design, and Operations teams to review scopes, solutions being proposed, drawings and specifications, develop accurate bills of material (BOMs), and support requests for information (RFIs) as well as scope clarification. The Engineer is crucial in ensuring projects are properly established before turnover, enhancing accuracy, consistency, and overall project outcomes.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electronics, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in fire alarm, electronic security, or low-voltage system design, estimating, or technical sales support.
• Demonstrated experience designing and estimating systems including DMP, Bosch, Hanwha, IPro, Edwards Fire Alarm Systems, Potter Fire Alarm Systems, Brivo, Kantech, Axis, and Honeywell Fire Solutions.
• Strong working knowledge of NFPA codes (including NFPA 72), IBC, NEC, and local AHJ requirements, with the ability to interpret plans, specifications, and bid documents accurately.
• Proven experience generating detailed Bills of Material (BOMs), take-offs, and cost estimates for design-build and plan & spec projects.
• Experience conducting site surveys, customer meetings, and technical presentations in support of sales initiatives.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, riser diagrams, wiring schematics, and system integration layouts.
• Proficiency in estimating software, Microsoft Office Suite, and basic network/IP concepts related to security and fire alarm systems.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively between Sales, Operations, and customers.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening in accordance with company and industry requirements.

Nice To Haves

• NICET certification (Fire Alarm Systems) or manufacturer certifications preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Act as a technical resource for the Security and Fire Alarm Sales team by reviewing drawings, specifications, and applicable codes (NFPA, IBC, and local AHJ requirements) to develop accurate estimates and detailed Bills of Material (BOMs) for both design-build and plan & spec projects.
• Lead pre-bid planning efforts by defining project scope, assumptions, exclusions, and risk factors early in the process to ensure scope alignment and minimize downstream change orders.
• Recommend compliant, application-specific solutions utilizing platforms such as DMP, Bosch, Hanwha, IPro, Edwards Fire Alarm Systems, Potter Fire Alarm Systems, Brivo, Kantech, Axis, and Honeywell Fire Solutions.
• Conduct site visits, system assessments, and customer meetings in partnership with Sales to properly scope device counts, integration requirements, infrastructure needs, and system architecture.
• Interpret and clarify technical specifications and code requirements both internally and externally to reduce rework, strengthen proposal accuracy, and support AHJ compliance.
• Participate in customer presentations, technical discussions, and bid review meetings as the subject matter expert, providing insight into system design, integration strategy, and cost drivers.
• Review and validate project costs during the sales phase to ensure alignment between estimated, proposed, and projected field execution costs.
• Support project turnover meetings to facilitate a seamless transition from Sales to Operations, ensuring clear communication of scope, assumptions, and technical intent.
• Capture, document, and analyze bid feedback and project outcomes to drive continuous improvement in estimating accuracy, solution design, and overall sales engineering processes.

Benefits

• In addition to a competitive compensation package, Silco offers a wide range of benefits such as medical, dental, vision, Aflac and a Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Silco offers company paid short-term disability and life insurance, as well as company paid training.
• The Company also boasts a 401(k) program with company matching and tuition reimbursement.
• Silco provides paid holidays and generous paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED