Fire Sprinkler Design Manager / P.E.

CareerPaths NW; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

HSA Contribution

401(k) with Safe Harbor matching

Paid Time Off

8 holidays paid

Life & AD&D insurance

Training & Certifications

Equipment provided

Job summary

CareerPaths NW seeks a Fire Sprinkler Design Manager in Seattle to lead and grow the sprinkler design team. This hands-on role blends high-level standards setting with active participation in complex design work and sign-off on engineering hours for licensure candidates.

The ideal candidate has PE licensure or NICET-level credentials and a strong track record in NFPA-compliant systems, hydraulic calculations, and design software.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of fire sprinkler design experience
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) preferred
• NICET Level III/IV considered
• Experience leading, mentoring, or training sprinkler designers
• Strong knowledge of NFPA 13, 13R, 13D, 14, 20, 24
• Proficiency with design software and AHJ submissions

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the fire sprinkler design team
• Review sprinkler drawings for code compliance, hydraulics, efficiency, and constructability
• Establish and maintain design standards and review processes
• Manage design workload, priorities, and deadlines
• Design complex fire sprinkler projects when needed and review designs
• Stamp and submit compliant design packages to AHJs
• Coordinate with project management, purchasing, and field leadership
• Develop structured training programs for junior designers
• Guide designers toward NICET certification
• Improve design processes to increase AHJ approvals and reduce rework

Skills

Fire sprinkler design

Team leadership

NFPA standards

Hydraulic calculations

AutoSprink

Revit/BIM

AHJ submissions

NICET certification

Education

Professional Engineer license

NICET Level III/IV – Water-Based Systems Layout

Tools

AutoSprink

Revit

Job description

Our client is a well-established fire protection contractor serving the Seattle area, delivering high-quality fire sprinkler design and installation services across a range of commercial and complex projects. They are known for their commitment to technical excellence, professional development, and a collaborative team culture.

They are seeking an experienced Fire Sprinkler Design Manager to lead and develop their sprinkler design team. This is a hands-on leadership role — not a purely administrative position. The ideal candidate will remain actively engaged in complex design work while simultaneously setting technical standards, managing workflow, and building a structured training and development program for the department. For a licensed Professional Engineer, this role also offers the unique opportunity to supervise and sign off on qualifying engineering hours for designers pursuing their own P.E. licensure.

Our client offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance (with the company covering approximately 90% of the employee premium on the HSA-qualified medical plan), a Health Savings Account with a $600 annual company contribution, a 401(k) with Safe Harbor employer match up to 3.5%, paid time off, eight paid holidays, company-paid life and AD&D insurance, and paid training, certifications, and continuing education. A company laptop, dual monitors, and design software are provided, along with paid P.E. and NICET renewal and professional membership dues.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the fire sprinkler design team, fostering technical growth and professional advancement
• Review sprinkler drawings for code compliance, hydraulics, efficiency, and constructability
• Establish and maintain consistent design standards and review processes across the department
• Manage design workload, assignments, priorities, and deadlines to ensure timely project delivery
• Design complex fire sprinkler projects as needed, maintaining active involvement in technical work
• Stamp and submit compliant design packages to Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)
• Coordinate closely with project management, purchasing, and field leadership teams
• Develop structured training programs for junior and entry-level designers
• Guide designers in progressing toward NICET certification and greater technical proficiency
• Continuously improve design processes with the goal of increasing first-pass AHJ approvals and reducing field rework

Qualifications

• 7+ years of fire sprinkler design experience, including complex commercial systems
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) — strongly preferred
• Candidates holding NICET Level III or IV – Water-Based Systems Layout will also be considered
• Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, or formally training sprinkler designers
• Strong working knowledge of NFPA 13, 13R, 13D, 14, 20, and 24
• Strong hydraulic calculation and fire sprinkler system design expertise
• Proficiency with AutoSprink or comparable fire sprinkler design software
• Experience preparing and submitting design packages to AHJs
• Previous design management or department leadership experience is preferred
• Revit, BIM, and 3D coordination experience is a plus
• Field installation or project management experience is a plus

If you are a technically strong fire sprinkler design professional with a passion for leadership, mentorship, and building high-performing teams, this is an exceptional opportunity to make a lasting impact. Our client is committed to investing in the right candidate's continued growth and professional success.