Fire Alarm Designer

About the Role

The Fire Alarm Designer supports the design and development of commercial fire alarm and life safety systems. This is an entry-level opportunity for someone with drafting, AutoCAD, engineering, construction, or related technical experience who is interested in building a career in fire alarm system design. Working with experienced designers, Project Managers, Engineers, and Field Teams, this position assists with preparing design drawings, system layouts, documentation, and project updates. Training and guidance will be provided to help develop knowledge of fire alarm systems, applicable codes, design standards, and company processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the design and drafting of commercial fire alarm and life safety systems under the guidance of experienced team members.
• Prepare and update CAD drawings, including floor plans, device layouts, riser diagrams, details, and other project documentation.
• Review architectural, electrical, and construction drawings to support accurate fire alarm system layouts.
• Assist with preparing design packages, submittments, bills of materials (BOMs), and supporting documentation.
• Learn and apply applicable fire alarm and life safety codes, including NFPA 72, NFPA 70 (NEC), IBC, IFC, and local requirements.
• Coordinate with Project Managers, Engineers, Field Teams, and other internal partners to support project requirements.
• Incorporate field changes, project revisions, and redlines into design drawings.
• Assist with maintaining accurate as-built drawings and project documentation.
• Support permit and AHJ submittals, including revisions and responses to design comments.
• Learn fire alarm device placement, system layouts, basic calculations, and integration with other building systems.
• Maintain organized project files and complete assigned design tasks within established schedules.
• Communicate professionally with team members and ask questions when additional technical guidance is needed.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in using AutoCAD, CAD drafting, or supporting design/engineering projects.
• Basic proficiency with AutoCAD and the ability to create, modify, and maintain technical drawings.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, electrical, engineering, or construction drawings.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability and willingness to learn fire alarm design standards, codes, and processes.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to stay organized, manage assigned tasks, and work on multiple projects with guidance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical degree, certificate, or coursework in Drafting, CAD, Engineering Technology, Electronics, Fire Protection, Construction, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in Fire CAD, CAD drafting, fire alarm design, electrical design, low-voltage systems, or a related technical field preferred.
• Previous fire alarm CAD/design experience is a plus.
• Experience with AutoCAD features such as XREFs, blocks, layers, plotting, and page setups.
• Familiarity with NFPA 72, NFPA 70 (NEC), fire alarm systems, or general life safety requirements.
• Exposure to commercial construction, electrical, low-voltage, or other building systems.
• Familiarity with Bluebeam, Revit, or BIM coordination is a plus.
• Exposure to fire alarm systems from manufacturers such as Notifier, Siemens, Edwards, Simplex, Potter, or Fire-Lite is a plus.
• NICET Fire Alarm Systems certification, or interest in pursuing NICET certification, is a plus.

Additional Information

• Compensation: $25 - $35 per hour
• Working Hours: This position generally works Monday- Friday, overtime and on call when necessary
• Travel Requirements: Local if needed.
• Benefits:
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K w/ company match
• Life/AD&D/LTD
• Paid Vacation/Sick/Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pet Insurance