Fire Alarm Programmer

AMPAM; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

AMPAM is seeking an experienced Edwards EST-4 Fire Alarm Programmer to support programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, testing, and service on commercial and multifamily projects across Southern California. The role involves coordinating with project managers, technicians, inspectors, and customers to ensure life safety systems operate as intended.

You will work with a Coast al team integrated into AMPAM’s expanding Fire & Life Safety division, leveraging the resources and stability of a

Qualifications

• NICET certification required; Level II or higher preferred.
• Experience programming Edwards EST-4 fire alarm systems.
• Ability to read and interpret fire alarm drawings, riser diagrams, sequences of operation, specifications, and as-built documentation.

Responsibilities

• Program, configure, download, upload, and maintain Edwards EST-4 fire alarm systems.
• Troubleshoot programming issues, communication faults, network problems, and system operation.
• Review project drawings, device layouts, sequences of operation, specifications, and submittals to ensure accurate programming.
• Support system startup, commissioning, pre-testing, final testing, and AHJ acceptance.
• Coordinate with field technicians to verify device addressing, network communication, panel operation, and overall system functionality.
• Program and verify integrated building interfaces including sprinkler monitoring, elevator recall, smoke control, duct detectors, access control, and related building systems.
• Participate in inspections with customers, general contractors, fire departments, and AHJs.
• Maintain programming files, as-built documentation, testing reports, and project closeout records.
• Provide technical support to project managers, service technicians, inspection teams, and customers.
• Maintain a strong commitment to safety and OSHA compliance.

Skills

Edwards EST-4

Troubleshooting

Programming

Reading drawings

Education

NICET Fire Alarm Certification

Job description

Fire Alarm Programmer (Edwards EST-4) - Poway, CA

Join a growing team delivering life safety solutions across Southern California.

AMPAM is continuing to grow, and we're expanding our Fire & Life Safety team through the recent acquisition of Coastal Fire & Integration Systems, a respected San Diego-area provider of fire protection, low-voltage, and integrated life safety systems.

This position joins the experienced Coastal team while benefiting from the stability, resources, and long-term growth opportunities of one of California's leading design-build MEP contractors.

Why technicians are joining AMPAM & Coastal:

• Newly created opportunities driven by company growth
• Join an established and respected Fire & Life Safety team
• Backed by the strength of a 1,500+ employee organization
• Diverse commercial construction and service projects throughout Southern California
• Long-term career growth with a rapidly expanding company

The Opportunity

We're looking for an experienced Edwards EST-4 Fire Alarm Programmer to support system programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, testing, and service across a variety of commercial and multifamily projects.

This role offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced project managers, technicians, inspectors, and customers while serving as a technical expert on sophisticated fire alarm systems and integrated life safety solutions.

Protect Buildings. Protect People.

As a Fire Alarm Programmer, you'll play a critical role in ensuring life safety systems operate exactly as intended.

From programming and commissioning new systems to troubleshooting existing installations and supporting final acceptance testing, your work will directly contribute to the safety and reliability of facilities throughout Southern California.

Why Join AMPAM & Coastal?

Coastal Fire & Integration Systems has built an outstanding reputation for delivering high-quality fire protection and life safety solutions throughout Southern California.

Now, as part of the AMPAM family, the Coastal team combines its technical expertise with the resources, stability, and long-term growth opportunities of one of California's premier MEP contractors.

Our employees are encouraged to leverage their talents while collaborating with experienced professionals who are passionate about delivering exceptional work. Leadership fosters an environment where ideas are valued, technical excellence is recognized, and career growth is supported.

What You'll Do

• Program, configure, download, upload, and maintain Edwards EST-4 fire alarm systems.
• Troubleshoot programming issues, communication faults, network problems, and system operation.
• Review project drawings, device layouts, sequences of operation, specifications, and submittals to ensure accurate programming.
• Support system startup, commissioning, pre-testing, final testing, and AHJ acceptance.
• Coordinate with field technicians to verify device addressing, network communication, panel operation, and overall system functionality.
• Program and verify integrated building interfaces including sprinkler monitoring, elevator recall, smoke control, duct detectors, access control, and related building systems.
• Participate in inspections with customers, general contractors, fire departments, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).
• Maintain programming files, as-built documentation, testing reports, and project closeout records.
• Provide technical support to project managers, service technicians, inspection teams, and customers.
• Maintain a strong commitment to safety and OSHA compliance.

What Success Looks Like

Within your first year, you'll:

• Become a trusted technical resource for the Coastal Fire & Integration Systems team.
• Successfully support multiple fire alarm programming and commissioning projects.
• Build strong working relationships with project managers, field technicians, inspectors, customers, and AHJs.
• Deliver high-quality programming and documentation that contributes to successful project completion.
• Help support the continued growth of AMPAM's Fire & Life Safety division.

What You Bring

Experience

• Experience programming Edwards EST-4 fire alarm systems.
• Experience troubleshooting EST-4 fire alarm systems, including network communications, programming conflicts, device troubles, and system faults.
• NICET Fire Alarm Systems certification required; Level II or higher preferred.
• Strong understanding of fire alarm systems, emergency communication systems, and integrated building systems.
• Ability to read and interpret fire alarm drawings, riser diagrams, sequences of operation, specifications, and as-built documentation.
• Familiarity with NFPA 72, the California Fire Code, local AHJ requirements, and applicable industry standards.

Technical Skills

• Strong computer skills with programming software, electronic documentation, and reporting.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel to project sites throughout Southern California.
• Professional communication with customers, contractors, inspectors, project managers, vendors, and AHJs.
• Commitment to quality workmanship, customer service, and jobsite safety.

Compensation

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $45.00–$50.00 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, certifications, and technical expertise.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without current or future employment sponsorship.

Recruitment Agencies

To protect the interests of all parties, AMPAM will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to AMPAM, including those sent directly to hiring managers or employees, become the property of AMPAM. AMPAM will not pay placement fees resulting from unsolicited submissions. External recruitment agencies should direct all inquiries exclusively to AMPAM's Talent Acquisition team.