Fire Alarm Project Designer III

Equiliem; Chantilly (VA); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with matching

Paid time off starting at 13 days

10 company holidays

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Wellness program

Employee assistance program

Tuition reimbursement

Vehicle reimbursement

Company vehicle

Cell phone reimbursement

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Equiliem is seeking a Fire Alarm Project Designer III to design and engineer medium- to large-scale commercial fire alarm systems. You will mentor drafters, review deliverables, and support scope management across the Mid-Atlantic while ensuring schedules and budgets are met.

The role requires NICET III (IV preferred), AutoCAD/FireCAD proficiency, and the ability to read complex drawings. Travel is under 5% annually; the schedule blends remote work with 1–2 days in the office.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years designing enterprise or large-scale fire alarm systems.
• NICET Level III certification required; Level IV encouraged within months.
• Experience with AutoCAD or FireCAD; FireCAD preferred.
• Proficient with Autodesk Design Review and Bluebeam.
• Ability to read construction drawings and electrical layouts.
• Travel less than 5% annually; strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer fire alarm systems per project requirements.
• Develop engineering docs, drawings, layouts, and system designs.
• Review drawings and specifications for accuracy.
• Mentor drafters to ensure quality deliverables.
• Support pre-sales during scope and cost estimation.
• Manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Communicate design status and issues to teams.

Skills

Design coordination

Documentation

Communication

Team mentoring

Education

NICET Level III

NICET Level IV

Tools

AutoCAD

FireCAD

Autodesk Design Review

Bluebeam

Job description

Fire Alarm Project Designer III

Location: Remote, within the United States | Schedule/Shift: 7:00 AM-4:00 PM or 8:00 AM-5:00 PM; flexible hybrid schedule with 1-2 days in office | Pay: Up to approximately $67.31 per hour ($140,000 annually)

Job Summary

The Fire Alarm Project Designer 3 is responsible for designing, engineering, and documenting medium- to large-scale commercial fire alarm systems with moderate to high levels of complexity. This role partners with Project Management and Sales to develop accurate, cost-effective solutions that meet project requirements, budgets, schedules, and applicable standards. The designer will provide technical guidance to drafters, review engineering deliverables for accuracy, and support scope management throughout the project lifecycle. This position supports fire alarm projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and requires less than 5% annual travel.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and engineer medium- to large-scale commercial and enterprise-level fire alarm systems according to project requirements.
• Develop and maintain accurate engineering documentation, drawings, layouts, and system designs.
• Review construction drawings, architectural plans, electrical layouts, diagrams, and project specifications.
• Partner with Project Management to ensure engineering deliverables accurately reflect the approved project scope.
• Guide and mentor drafters to ensure engineering drawings are complete, accurate, and consistent with project requirements.
• Support pre-sales activities by helping identify, scope, and estimate cost-effective fire alarm solutions.
• Monitor engineering resource efforts to ensure work remains within established project budgets and schedules.
• Collaborate with Sales and Project Management to identify scope changes requiring customer clarification or formal scope management.
• Apply knowledge of electrical and electronic theory and components to fire alarm system designs.
• Manage multiple design projects and priorities simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Communicate effectively with project teams and stakeholders regarding design requirements, technical issues, and project status.

Job Requirements

• 5-7 years of experience designing enterprise-level or large-scale commercial fire alarm systems.
• NICET Level III certification required, with willingness to obtain NICET Level IV within the first few months of employment.
• NICET Level IV certification strongly preferred.
• Proven experience using AutoCAD or FireCAD; FireCAD experience preferred.
• Advanced proficiency with Autodesk Design Review and Bluebeam.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings, architectural plans, electrical layouts, and technical diagrams.
• Strong knowledge of electrical and electronic theory and components.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under deadlines and changing project requirements.
• Strong customer-service orientation and ability to identify and respond to project and stakeholder needs.
• Ability to travel less than 5% annually.

Education

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with matching
• Paid time off starting at 13 days annually
• 10 company holidays
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Wellness program
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vehicle reimbursement or company vehicle
• Cell phone reimbursement, if applicable
• Paid parental leave

Additional Job Details (Commute, Attendance, etc.)

• Direct-hire, full-time position.
• Hybrid schedule with approximately 1-2 days per week in the office; onsite requirements may be flexible.
• Flexible work hours of approximately 7:00 AM-4:00 PM or 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
• Supports projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, including Virginia and Maryland.
• Less than 5% annual travel is expected.
• #FL

About Equiliem

Equiliem believes in empowering success. It's our job to cultivate relationships that connect people and employers in a way that is inclusive, intelligent, and allows both to thrive.

Across the U.S., leading companies in healthcare, government, engineering, manufacturing, professional services, and energy rely on us for their workforce solutions. Our recruiting and HR services include contract and direct hire staffing, Payrolling/EOR, Independent Contractor Compliance, and Managed Services.

For almost 30 years, we've helped shape our industry. Today, we continue to research, ask questions, and continuously enhance the candidate journey and client experience.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees, which includes:

• Medical Insurance
• Vision & Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Matching 401(k)
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Discounts & Rewards
• Payroll Payment Options

Future Communication Consent

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EEO Employer

Equiliem is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Equiliem will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at [emailprotected] or [phone].