Fire Alarm Designer III

Snowdon Recruitment Limited; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Quarterly bonuses

Technical training & certifications

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Snowdon Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Fire Alarm Designer for a senior role. You will manage complex designs, support installation teams, and mentor developing designers from initial drawings through approvals and installation.

The role involves producing detailed layouts, performing calculations, coordinating with building systems, and supporting estimation efforts. A strong NFPA knowledge base and NICET III are preferred, with field site visits as required.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of fire alarm design/technical experience.
• Knowledge of NFPA 72 and NFPA 70 and applicable codes.
• Experience with addressable systems and networked panels.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• NICET III preferred; driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Produce detailed fire alarm layouts, installation drawings, riser diagrams, and equipment schedules for commercial/industrial projects.
• Prepare battery capacity and voltage-drop calculations, circuit layouts, and sequences of operation.
• Review specs and requirements to develop practical designs meeting codes.
• Coordinate fire alarm with sprinkler monitoring, elevator recall, HVAC shutdown, and other systems.
• Prepare submission packages and respond to review comments from authorities.
• Check drawings and calculations by others and identify issues before site.
• Support field teams with technical queries, site conditions, and revisions.
• Contribute to estimating, material takeoffs, and equipment selection.
• Improve installation efficiency through accurate layouts and early coordination.
• Provide guidance to less experienced designers.

Skills

NFPA 72 knowledge

NFPA 70 knowledge

Addressable systems

Networked panels

Voice evacuation

Project coordination

Strong communication

NICET III preferred

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Drafting/engineering technology education

Tools

AutoCAD

Fire alarm design software

Job description

We're recruiting an experienced Fire Alarm Designer for a senior position with an established fire protection business.

This opportunity suits someone who can manage complex designs independently, support installation teams, and help developing designers improve their technical skills. You'll work across projects from initial drawing preparation through approvals and installation, with opportunities to take on broader responsibilities as you progress.

The Role

• Produce detailed fire alarm layouts, installation drawings, riser diagrams, and equipment schedules for commercial and industrial projects.
• Prepare battery capacity and voltage-drop calculations, circuit layouts, and sequences of operation.
• Review specifications and project requirements to develop practical designs that meet applicable codes.
• Coordinate fire alarm connections with sprinkler monitoring, elevator recall, HVAC shutdown, and other building systems.
• Prepare submission packages and respond to comments from reviewing authorities and project consultants.
• Check drawings and calculations prepared by other designers, identifying issues before work reaches site.
• Support field teams with technical queries, site conditions, and drawing revisions.
• Contribute to estimating, material takeoffs, and equipment selection.
• Help improve installation efficiency through accurate layouts and early coordination.
• Provide guidance and practical support to less experienced designers.

What We’re Looking For

• Ideally five or more years of relevant fire alarm design or technical experience.
• Confidence using AutoCAD and fire alarm design software.
• Strong working knowledge of NFPA 72, NFPA 70, and applicable building and fire codes.
• Experience with addressable systems, networked panels, voice evacuation, and emergency communications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and produce accurate work within agreed deadlines.
• Clear communication skills and confidence working with installation teams, contractors, and reviewing authorities.
• NICET Level III in Fire Alarm Systems strongly preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; further education in drafting, engineering technology, or a related subject is advantageous.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to attend project sites when required.
• $25-$40 per hour, dependent on experience.
• Quarterly bonuses.
• Ongoing technical training and support with professional certifications.
• Opportunities to progress into technical leadership or project management.