Fire Protection Designer

IMEG Corporation; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP (employee ownership)

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Health insurance

Job summary

IMEG Corporation in Urbandale, IA is seeking a Fire Protection Project Designer to lead design efforts for fire alarm, suppression, and smoke control systems. You will manage project design, budgeting, and scheduling while mentoring staff and coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure client satisfaction.

The role requires a BS in Fire Protection Engineering or related field, EIT preferred, NICET certification preferred, and 3+ years in building design consulting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in a relevant engineering field; EIT preferred.
• NICET certification at Level II or III is preferred or required for alternate track.
• Minimum 3 years of building design consulting experience; 4+ preferred.
• Strong knowledge of fire protection design, codes, and standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead design efforts for fire alarm, fire suppression, and smoke control systems.
• Create detailed designs, calculations, and specifications per codes and IMEG standards.
• Mentor junior staff and collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet client goals.
• Engage with clients to gather requirements and communicate technical information.

Skills

Fire protection design

BIM proficiency

Engineering software

Client communication

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Travel up to 10%

Education

BS in Fire Protection Engineering / Mechanical / Electrical

EIT Certification

NICET Level II or III (Fire Alarm or Water‑Based Systems Layout)

3+ years building design consulting experience

Associate/BIM certificate (optional)

NICET Level II or III required (alternate track)

Tools

Fire dynamics software

Hydraulic simulation

Intelligibility software

MS Office

BIM software

Job description

Fire Protection Project Designer | Urbandale, IA

IMEG is hiring a Fire Protection Project Designer in Urbandale, Iowa. In this role, you will lead design efforts as a project manager or lead engineer for low to moderate complexity projects and collaborate with senior staff on larger, high complexity work. You will support engineering analysis, design, and implementation oversight of fire protection systems for buildings. This role includes working within project budgets, mentoring less experienced staff, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to meet project goals and client expectations. You will also support work through bidding and construction administration while joining a fire protection‑led specialty team with strength in public‑safety, industrial, and federal facility applications.

At a Glance

• Location: Urbandale, IA; Boston, MA; Buffalo, NY
• Discipline: Fire Protection
• Markets: Executive Leadership; Strategic Growth Services
• Ownership: 100% employee‑owned (ESOP)
• Travel: Up to 10%
• Sponsorship: Not available

What You'll Do

• Lead design efforts for the analysis of fire alarm, fire suppression, and smoke control systems for buildings.
• Create detailed designs, specifications, and calculations using engineering software and tools according to code requirements and IMEG standards.
• Work closely with engineers and consultants to provide engineering solutions and advice that support positive client outcomes.
• Interact with clients to gather project requirements, communicate technical information, and build professional relationships.
• Support project execution and lead planning, budgeting, and scheduling tasks to meet deadlines and objectives.
• Document design decisions and client instructions while monitoring project progress, percent complete, and fee expended.
• Analyze engineering problems and collaborate with senior engineers and consultants to develop practical, efficient solutions.
• Provide in‑process design reviews of fire alarm, fire suppression, and smoke control system designs, calculations, and specifications.
• Implement quality control processes to ensure designs and solutions meet IMEG quality standards, industry standards, and client requirements.
• Train, mentor, and collaborate with cross‑functional and multidisciplinary teams to meet project goals.
• Prioritize safety in all aspects of engineering work and identify and mitigate potential risks associated with fire protection systems.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, contribute to research and innovation efforts, and oversee projects through bidding and construction administration.

What You'll Bring

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent
• Engineer In Training (EIT) Certification preferred
• National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II or III certification in Fire Alarm Systems or Water‑Based Systems Layout preferred
• 3 years of experience minimum required, 4 preferred, in the building design consulting industry

OR

• Associates degree, or certificate, in Building Information Modeling (BIM) or Engineering
• NICET Level II or III certification in Fire Alarm Systems or Water‑Based Systems Layout required
• 7 years of experience minimum required, 8 preferred, in the building design consulting or construction industry

Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in design techniques, tools, and concepts involved in the production of technical plans and specifications
• Strong technical and analytical skills including knowledge in principles of thermodynamics, fire dynamics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics as it relates to fire protection systems design in fire alarm, fire suppression, and smoke control systems for buildings
• Ability to train and mentor less experienced staff
• Proficiency of industry standard engineering software and tools including fire dynamics simulation, hydraulic simulation, and intelligibility software
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Attention to detail and problem‑solving skills
• Eagerness to adapt to new challenges
• Proficiency in the use of BIM software
• Proficient with MS Office Suite including but not limited to Word, Excel, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to clearly communicate in both oral and written communication to individuals or groups
• Ability to travel up to 10% with occasional overnight stays

Why IMEG

We put people at the center of who we are, creating positive outcomes for people, communities, and our planet.

• Employee ownership (ESOP), fully vested at all times, with a 3% to 6% company contribution, plus year‑end profit sharing
• IDEA Program: a firm‑wide innovation accelerator where employees across every discipline develop and scale new tools, from VR and AI to carbon‑reduction technology
• PE, SE, and other license exam prep and support, with a clear path from EIT to PE
• Dress for Your Day flexibility (wear what fits your day)
• Generous time off, including 6 paid holidays and 3 additional floating holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting day one, with preventive care at 100%, a $50/month wellness credit, and a Calm subscription
• MEG, our in‑house AI platform, helps employees find information and build agents that streamline project workflows and calculations

State of Massachusetts Salary Range: $80,000-$105,000 per year
State of New York Salary Range: $71,000-$94,000 per year

The range listed above represents the base pay IMEG reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position in the work location identified above at the time of posting. For positions available in multiple locations, the minimums and maximums may vary based on work location.

Individual compensation will be determined based on job‑related factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, abilities, and licensure and certifications. Other rewards may include annual bonuses and stock ownership options. In addition, IMEG provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO). This information is being provided in compliance with local laws. Additional information regarding employee benefits may be found on our company website at www.imegcorp.com.

Bring Your Career to IMEG

IMEG, an employee‑owned corporation, is committed to investing in employees’ futures through professional development programs and opportunities for career advancement. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO, flexible schedule, and assistance with tuition reimbursement. Additionally, employees are eligible to enroll in health, dental, vision, and life insurance on their first day of employment.

IMEG is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices, without regard torace, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), gender, national origin, disability, age, genetic information(including family medical history), parental status (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation), ethnic origin, hair type (including hairstyle or hair texture), citizenship status, marital status, military service, veteran'sstatus, political affiliation, non‑merit‑based factors, or any other characteristic protected by law. In accordance with antidiscrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to put into effect these principles and mandates. IMEG prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. IMEG conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

All applicants have the right to request access, correction, and deletion of their personal information from our system. In order to make a request, please email [e-mail].