Fire Alarm and Detection System Designer

Cosco Fire Protection; Brea (CA); On-site; USD 38,572 - 46,838; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Paid time off

Certification reimbursement

Job summary

Cosco Fire Protection is seeking a Fire Alarm and Detection Designer in Brea, CA. You will use AutoCAD to draft fire alarm layouts, work with engineers and field teams, and ensure compliance with NFPA 72, NEC, and local codes.

Training is provided for new designers, with growth opportunities for experienced professionals. The role supports commercial, industrial, and residential projects with mentorship and ongoing learning in fire alarm design.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in AutoCAD for drafting complex drawings.
• Some knowledge of fire alarm systems, low-voltage electrical design, or related fields.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, electrical diagrams, and technical drawings.
• Willingness to learn fire alarm codes and design principles (NFPA 72, NEC, etc.).
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to take direction.

Responsibilities

• Use AutoCAD to create detailed fire alarm system drawings, layouts, riser diagrams, and schematics.
• Develop fire alarm system designs based on customer requirements, building layouts, and fire codes.
• Ensure all designs comply with NFPA 72, NEC, and local AHJ regulations.
• Assist with project documentation, submittals, and coordination with AHJs for approval.
• Perform basic system calculations such as voltage drop, battery sizing, and circuit loading (training provided).
• Work with engineers, project managers, and installation teams to ensure smooth execution.
• Stay up to date on industry codes, fire alarm technologies, and design best practices.

Skills

Drafting

Blueprint reading

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Education

NICET certification (Level I–III)

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

BIM

Job description

Fire Alarm and Detection Designer

Job Summary: We are looking for a Fire Alarm Designer to join our team in Brea, CA. This role is open to candidates with solid AutoCAD skills and varying levels of fire alarm design experience, from entry‑level designers looking to expand their expertise to seasoned professionals ready to take on more complex projects.

For those new to fire alarm design, this position provides an opportunity to gain experience through on-the-job training, working alongside experienced designers and engineers. For experienced designers, this is a chance to apply your skills, take on larger projects, and mentor junior team members.

In this role, you will use AutoCAD to develop fire alarm system layouts, schematics, and documentation while ensuring compliance with NFPA 72, NEC, and local building codes. You will collaborate with engineers, project managers, and field teams to support the design and implementation of fire alarm systems for commercial, industrial, and residential projects.

If you are detail-oriented, eager to grow, and have strong AutoCAD proficiency, we encourage you to apply!

Key Responsibilities

• Use AutoCAD to create detailed fire alarm system drawings, layouts, riser diagrams, and schematics.
• Develop fire alarm system designs based on customer requirements, building layouts, and fire codes.
• Ensure all designs comply with NFPA 72, NEC, and local AHJ regulations.
• Assist with project documentation, submittals, and coordination with AHJs for approval.
• Perform basic system calculations such as voltage drop, battery sizing, and circuit loading (training provided if needed).
• Work with engineers, project managers, and installation teams to ensure smooth execution.
• Stay up to date on industry codes, fire alarm technologies, and design best practices.

Qualifications

Entry to Mid-Level Candidates:

• Proficiency in AutoCAD (ability to efficiently draft, modify, and organize complex drawings).
• Some knowledge of fire alarm systems, low‑voltage electrical design, or related fields.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, electrical diagrams, and technical drawings.
• Willingness to learn fire alarm codes and design principles (NFPA 72, NEC, etc.).
• Strong attention to detail, problem‑solving skills, and ability to take direction.

Experienced Candidates (Preferred but Not Required):

• Fire alarm design experience (2+ years preferred).
• Knowledge and application of BIM within AutoCAD and Revit.
• Strong working knowledge of NFPA 72, NEC, and local fire codes.
• Experience with fire alarm system manufacturers (Notifier, Kidde, etc.).
• NICET certification (Level I, II, or III) or willingness to pursue certification.
• Revit or BIM coordination experience is a plus.

What We Offer

• Hands‑on experience and mentorship for entry‑level designers.
• Growth opportunities for experienced professionals.
• Competitive hourly pay (~$30/hr, depending on experience).
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• Professional development and certification reimbursement.