Senior Designer (Fire Sprinkler)

Job Description: Position Summary

The Senior Designer independently develops and delivers complex fire sprinkler system designs for commercial, industrial, institutional, and other projects. This role serves as a senior technical resource, reviewing design work, solving challenging design and field issues, and mentoring Designers and Junior Designers.

The Senior Designer remains accountable for assigned project deliverables, technical accuracy, quality, and deadlines while supporting the development and technical capabilities of less-experienced designers. This position provides technical guidance and mentorship but does not have direct personnel management responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Design and Project Delivery

• Independently interpret contract drawings, specifications, applicable NFPA standards, local requirements, and customer expectations to develop accurate, code-compliant sprinkler system designs.
• Prepare and review detailed layouts, hydraulic calculations, shop drawings, coordination models, fabrication documents, material takeoffs, stocklists, and submittal packages.
• Determine sprinkler head locations, piping routes, system components, water supply requirements, and constructible solutions appropriate to project conditions.
• Manage assigned design schedules and milestones, proactively communicating constraints, changes, and risks to the project team.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, authorities having jurisdiction, purchasing, fabrication, and field teams to resolve clashes, revisions, and installation issues.
• Perform site visits or field verification when needed and incorporate approved changes into accurate project records.
• Lead and actively participate in complex Building Information Modeling (BIM) coordination projects and processes, collaborating with other trades to identify and resolve design conflicts, coordinate system layouts, and ensure constructability and efficient installation.

Technical Leadership and Mentorship

• Provide day-to-day technical guidance, coaching, and constructive design feedback to Designers and Junior Designers.
• Review drawings, calculations, stocklists, and submittals prepared by less-experienced designers; identify errors and help develop corrective solutions before release.
• Demonstrate design methods, software workflows, code interpretation, and practical constructability considerations through hands-on mentoring.
• Serve as a resource for complex technical questions and escalate material compliance, scope, or schedule risks to the Branch Design Manager.
• Share lessons learned and recommend improvements to templates, checklists, workflows, design accuracy, and team productivity.
• Support onboarding and technical development without assuming responsibility for formal personnel decisions.

Job Requirements

Core Competencies

• Technical Expertise: Advanced knowledge of fire sprinkler system design, hydraulic calculations, applicable codes, and constructability.
• Quality and Accuracy: Consistently produces accurate, complete, and compliant design documents while identifying potential errors and risks.
• Problem-Solving: Independently evaluates complex technical challenges and develops practical, effective solutions.
• Mentorship and Development: Effectively teaches, coaches, and supports the technical growth of Designers and Junior Designers.
• Planning and Accountability: Manages competing priorities, meets project commitments, and takes ownership of assigned deliverables.
• Communication and Collaboration: Clearly communicates technical information and works effectively with project teams, field personnel, and external partners.
• Continuous Improvement: Identifies opportunities to improve design processes, productivity, quality, and technical capabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible fire sprinkler design experience.
• NICET Level III certification in Water-Based Systems Layout.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and coordinate complex sprinkler projects and perform hydraulic calculations.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and applicable sprinkler design, hydraulic calculation, and stocklisting tools.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant NFPA codes, construction documents, materials, fabrication, and installation practices.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to mentor less-experienced designers and communicate technical information effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Revit, HCAD, HLIST, BIM coordination, and design automation or templates.
• Experience reviewing other designers' work and delivering structured technical training.
• Experience with complex commercial, industrial, or institutional projects.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in drafting, engineering technology, construction, or a related discipline.

Work Environment and Travel

• Primarily office-based, with regular computer and design-software use and coordination with project and field personnel.
• Occasional visits to active construction sites, customer meetings, or other company locations; local and overnight travel may be required based on project needs.
• Work outside normal business hours may be required to meet project deadlines or resolve urgent issues.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated and work at a computer for extended periods, with periodic standing and walking.
• Ability to review detailed plans and drawings and communicate clearly in person and electronically.
• Ability to visit active construction sites when necessary, including walking on uneven surfaces and using required personal protective equipment.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

This job description summarizes the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Duties may evolve based on business needs.