Lead Designer

Ironsmith Fire, LLC; Collierville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ironsmith Fire, LLC is seeking an Engineering Lead to guide a team of designers in fire sprinkler design, ensuring compliance with codes and standards. You will coordinate with multiple departments to deliver projects on time and within budget.

The role emphasizes leadership, performance coaching, and collaborative problem solving in a fast-paced environment, with travel to customer sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field is preferred.
• NICET Certification is advantageous.
• 5+ years in fire sprinkler design or similar leadership roles are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of designers at the local level and ensure projects meet codes and standards.
• Oversee planning, scheduling, and execution of fire sprinkler design projects.
• Coordinate with Sales, Installation, Purchasing, and Fabrication for seamless contracts.
• Review design drawings, calculations, and specs for accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare submittals and closeout documents for authorities and customers.
• Attend project meetings and mentor team members.

Skills

Fire protection

Building codes

AutoCAD

Revit

Hydraulic calculations

Microsoft Office

Leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

NICET Certification (preferred)

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Hydraulic Calculation Software

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Job Type

Full-time

Travel

May require travel to and from customer sites

Job Description

ABOUT IRONSMITH FIRE, LLC

Our mission is to empower elite teams to deliver solutions, uphold high standards, and achieve outstanding results. We work with general contractors, business owners, property developers, engineers, and many other types of clients to provide life-saving fire protection systems. Our core values are the backbone of our business and guide everything we do, including the hiring process. These core values are Workmanship, Accountability, and Results. Ironsmith Fire, LLC is privately owned and growing by the day.

POSITION SUMMARY

An Engineering Lead is responsible for leading a team of designers at the local level, and ensuring that projects are completed efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with relevant codes and standards. The Engineering Lead answers directly to the Branch Manager or Chief Operations Officer (COO), but indirectly to the Chief of Design and Engineering (CDE) who is in charge of the Engineering Department’s processes and procedures.

OBJECTIVES

• Embrace the Ironsmith Fire slogan of “OLD SCHOOL GRIT, NEW AGE EDGE”. This includes having that old school work ethic, while embracing new technologies and devices that drive innovation and job optimization.
• Oversee the planning, scheduling, and execution of fire sprinkler design projects.
• Assign tasks to design team members, set project priorities, and monitor progress to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Coordinate with other departments, such as Sales, Installation, Purchasing, and Fabrication to ensure the seamless execution of the contract.
• Lead and mentor a team of fire sprinkler designers, providing guidance, training, and support to help them develop their skills and grow professionally.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and identify opportunities for skills development and career advancement within the team.
• Must be results-driven and carry a sense of urgency of achieving those results.
• Review and approve design drawings, calculations, and specifications prepared by the design team to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Complete submittal packages prepared and delivered to the Authority Having Jurisdiction, customers, and any other required entities for that project.
• Prepare and submit closeout documents as required by the project.
• Coordinate with other trades to ensure our installation goes as smoothly as possible, helping our field teams to avoid conflicts on the jobsite. This includes BIM coordination on projects where it is required.
• Thorough analysis of construction documents, including plans and specifications, to ensure we deliver the product our customers expect.
• Prepare shop drawings that are complete and ACCURATE.
• Prepare detailed stocklist for purchasing to order the materials needed for the job.
• Be disciplined in utilizing design checklists to ensure required information is on the project documents.
• Present yourself professionally and attend project meetings leading up to the start of construction, and as required after construction has begun. Often, the job Foreman will attend project meetings once the job starts, but sometimes the designer will still need to be in attendance.

Job Requirements

COMPETENCIES

• Comprehensive understanding of fire protection systems, building codes, local regulations, and industry standards.
• Ability to perform complex calculations to determine water flow, pressure, and pipe sizing requirements for fire sprinkler systems.
• Meticulous attention to detail is necessary to ensure accuracy in calculations, drawings, and specifications.
• Ability to stay informed on industry trends, competitor activity, and market developments to adapt sales strategies.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills to evaluate options, assess risks, and make informed decisions that align with project objectives and organizational goals.
• Adherence to ethical standards and professional integrity in all aspects of work, ensuring that design activities are conducted ethically and in accordance with industry best practices.
• Technologically proficient with AutoCAD, Revit, Hydraulic Calculation software, and Microsoft Office Suite.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering technology, or a closely related field is preferred, but not required.
• 5-years in fire sprinkler design or NICET Level III is preferred, but not required.
• Comprehensive understanding of the fire protection industry and applicable regulations.
• Experience in a leadership or managerial role, such as a team lead or project manager.
• Professional certifications related to fire protection, business management, or leadership are advantageous, such as NICET Certification.
• Ironsmith Fire understands each of the listed competencies, education and experience levels may not have been met by every “qualified” candidate. We do not want to miss the opportunity to meet with you if you do not currently meet our listed requirements.

***There is always a place at Ironsmith Fire for people that care!!!***

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The ability to maintain a high level of energy and stamina to manage long hours, travel requirements, and the stress associated with high-level decision making.
• The ability to travel, sometimes extensively, to meet with clients in different locations.
• While primarily a skill, the physical aspect includes the ability to speak clearly and effectively in public and private settings, and to engage in face-to-face meetings.
• Good general health to fulfill job responsibilities effectively, including being able to work long hours when necessary.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

At Ironsmith Fire, we're dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and believe that embracing differences enhances our team's creativity and effectiveness. Regardless of race, gender, age, religion, or other characteristics, we welcome all to join us in creating a culture where everyone can thrive.