Fire Alarm Engineer 1 - Life Safety Group -Tysons, VA

M.C. Dean; Tysons (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking an Engineer 1 to contribute to fire detection and alarm system projects. Key responsibilities include leading testing phases, programming, and providing training on systems. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field and 0+ years of experience. Strong knowledge of fire alarm systems, NFPA codes, and commissioning experience are preferred. This role supports mission-critical facilities while ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering discipline is required.
• 0+ years of experience in contracts of similar scope and complexity.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning and in-house testing phases.
• Perform programming and troubleshooting of fire detection systems.
• Produce accurate documentation and project records.
• Participate in design of fire detection and mass notification systems.

Skills

Knowledge of fire alarm system architecture

Programming skills

Knowledge of NFPA and building codes

Time management and organization skills

Fluent in ACAD/Revit

Strong MS Excel skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Fire Protection, Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical or related)

Job description

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation’s most mission‑critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.

Why Join Us?

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values of agility, expertise, and trust we foster a collaborative and forward‑thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.

Engineer 1 Role Overview

The Engineer 1 provides engineering tasks for design, fabrication, off‑site production, installation and commissioning activities for fire detection and alarm, mass notification, fire suppression and other life‑safety systems. This includes gathering requirements, preparation of shop drawings and documents, coordination, quality control, programming, in‑house testing, field support and acceptance testing of systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the in‑house testing (PITCO) and commissioning phases.
• Perform programming and troubleshooting of fire detection and alarm systems, in PITCO and onsite.
• Provide training on the operations and maintenance of the system and produce close‑out documentation.
• Support the day‑to‑day operations of a project or sub‑section of a project.
• Perform site surveys and produce survey reports.
• Produce takeoff sheets, bill of materials, and contribute to project proposals.
• Participate in design of fire detection & alarm systems and mass notification systems.
• Provide building and life‑safety code‑compliant set of deliverables, including shop drawings and calculations to achieve the intent of design in construction.
• Be proficient in navigating the IBC International Building Code, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, and NFPA 70 National Electrical Code.
• Produce artifacts for correct planning of fabrication, in‑house testing (PITCO), and onsite commissioning of fire detection and alarm systems.
• Maintain organized and detailed project records.
• Create a task‑oriented schedule and maintain a baseline.
• Identify, document, and resolve issues.
• Lead lessons‑learned meetings.
• Support project‑closeout including punch‑list creation, management, and closure.
• Maintain as‑built drawings as work is completed.
• Read and interpret blueprints and project specifications.
• Uphold the business unit and company culture, and sponsor the correct use of processes, flowcharts, and standards.
• Communicate direction and ensure that it has been understood and carried out.
• Communicate with people outside the Company, represent the Company to customers, the public, the government, and other partners while maintaining a professional and courteous image.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering in Fire Protection, Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical or related discipline is required with 0+ years of experience in programs and contracts of similar scope, type and complexity.

Clearance / Citizen Type

Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements including U.S. citizenship for access to classified information. Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance required.

Desired Skills

• NICET II in fire detection and alarm a strong preference.
• Intimate knowledge of fire alarm system architecture and programming.
• Intimate knowledge of NFPA and building codes.
• Experience commissioning and testing fire alarm systems.
• General life‑safety design knowledge along with programming and commissioning of FA systems; experience with Notifier & VESDA is a plus.
• Fluent in ACAD/Revit or other design tools.
• Proficient in complete system layout in accordance with code, battery calculations and develop sequence of operations/scripts for complete FA systems.
• Commissioning experience is a must.
• Demonstrated background working with multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated time management and organization skills to meet deadlines and quality objectives.
• Strong MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint skills is a plus.

Abilities

• Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
• Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Identify and understand the speech of another person.

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