Fire Sprinkler Designer

Columbia Fire, LLC; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 35,817 - 66,124; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with Safe Harbor match

Paid Time Off

Paid training and certification reimbursement

Job summary

Columbia Fire, LLC in Seattle is hiring a Fire Sprinkler Designer for new construction and retrofit projects. The role involves translating field conditions into designs, reviewing plans, and ensuring compliance with NFPA standards. Candidates should have 2+ years of design experience, a high school diploma, and knowledge of relevant codes. Pay ranges from $26 to $48 per hour based on experience, and the position offers opportunities for development and career growth. Flexible work arrangements may apply based on location.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of fire sprinkler design experience.
• Working knowledge of NFPA 13 and applicable codes.
• Ability to work in-person in the Seattle area.

Responsibilities

• Translate real-world conditions into buildable designs.
• Design fire sprinkler systems compliant with NFPA standards.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Skills

Fire sprinkler design experience

Detail-oriented

Organized

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

AutoSprink

Job description

Location: Seattle, WA (in-person, with occasional jobsite visits across Western Washington)

Alternate option for remote for future markets

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Reports To: Design Manager

About Columbia Fire

Columbia Fire protects what matters — people, property, and peace of mind. We design, install, inspect, and service fire and life safety systems across the Pacific Northwest.

We are building a formidable fire protection platform rooted in trust, execution, and long-term relationships. Our core values — Customer Centricity, Effective Communication, Consistency, Initiative, and Trustworthiness — guide how we operate.

This is not a place for average performance. We value people who take ownership, solve problems, and want to grow.

The Opportunity

We’re hiring a Fire Sprinkler Designer to support new construction, tenant improvement, and retrofit projects across a wide range of commercial systems.

This role goes beyond drafting. You will:

• Translate real-world field conditions into buildable designs
• Own your work from concept through material release
• Work directly with operations, sales, and field teams

If you like solving problems, working with technical systems, and seeing your designs installed in real buildings — this is a strong career path.

Work Location & Flexibility

This position is primarily in-person or hybrid, based in the Greater Seattle area. Candidates should reside within approximately one hour of our Seattle office to support collaboration and jobsite visits.

We are open to remote-based designers in markets where Columbia Fire or its affiliated companies operate or plan to establish a presence, including:

Spokane, WA; Albany, OR; Newport, OR; Portland, OR; Boise, ID; Reno, NV; Salt Lake City, UT; St. George, UT; Las Vegas, NV; Phoenix, AZ; and San Antonio, TX.

Remote Position Expectations

For remote positions:

• Candidates must reside within approximately one hour of a current or future Columbia Fire or affiliated office location (as outlined above).
• The future office location may be operated by Columbia Fire or a sister company, depending on the broader market strategy of Columbia Safety Services.

As local operations develop, employees will be expected to:

• Perform in-person site surveys and field verification as required
• Transition to working from the local office a minimum of 50% of scheduled working hours

What You’ll Do

• Review plans, specifications, and field conditions to define project scope
• Design complete fire sprinkler systems in compliance with NFPA standards and local codes
• Produce detailed layouts using AutoSprink (primary) and support 3D coordination when required
• Perform hydraulic calculations and develop accurate material stock lists
• Conduct jobsite surveys and create background drawings where none exist
• Coordinate with project managers, superintendents, and sales to ensure clean handoffs
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Communicate clearly with internal teams, customers, and contractors
• Maintain organized design files and documentation
• Continuously improve technical knowledge of codes, systems, and design practices

Who You Are

• Detail-oriented and technically strong
• Able to work independently without constant oversight
• Organized and capable of managing multiple priorities
• A problem solver — not just a drafter
• Comfortable communicating with both office and field teams

Minimum Qualifications

• 2+ years of fire sprinkler design experience
• High school diploma or GED (required)
• Working knowledge of NFPA 13 and applicable codes
• Experience with AutoSprink (preferred, but trainable)
• Ability to work in-person in the Seattle area and visit jobsites as needed
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• NICET Water-Based Systems Layout (Level II–III preferred)
• 5+ years of design experience
• Strong understanding of field installation practices

Compensation & Development Path

Base Pay (Hourly): $26.00 – $48.00 per hour, depending on experience, certification, and demonstrated capability

This role follows a structured development-based progression, similar to our field teams:

Junior Designer (~$26–$34/hr)

• Learning systems, assisting with layouts and calculations
• Limited independence
• Working toward NICET certification

Designer (~$34–$42/hr)

• Independently produces complete, code-compliant designs
• Manages standard projects with minimal oversight
• Typically NICET II or progressing

Senior Designer (~$42–$50/hr)

• Handles complex systems and coordination
• Supports and trains junior designers
• Typically NICET III

Compensation by Location

Compensation ranges listed in this posting are based on the Greater Seattle market.

For remote positions in other regions, compensation will be adjusted based on local market conditions and cost of living, while maintaining alignment with Columbia Fire’s performance-based compensation philosophy.

Advancement is Based On:

• Technical capability and accuracy
• Ability to manage projects independently
• Certification progress (NICET)
• Communication and coordination with field teams

Schedule

• Monday–Friday, full-time
• Occasional site visits during working hours
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Regence PPO and HSA options (employee-only HSA fully covered)
• 401(k) with Safe Harbor match (up to 3.5%)
• Paid Time Off (starting at 10 days annually)
• 8 paid holidays
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Paid training and certification reimbursement

Columbia Fire is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.