Lead Designer - Fire Alarms

Oliver Fire Protection & Security; King of Prussia (PA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Profit Sharing

Career Growth

Job summary

Oliver Fire Protection & Security is seeking an experienced Fire Alarm Systems Lead Designer to join our Design team. You’ll design fire alarm, mass notification, and security systems in AutoCAD, prepare submittals, and mentor junior designers while coordinating with project teams.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years of fire alarm design experience, NICET III+, strong drawing and communication skills, and proficiency with AutoCAD and MS Office. This role is on-site in the Northeast region.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a fire alarm designer.
• NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level III or higher.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD.
• Ability to read blueprints and schematic drawings.
• Microsoft Office experience, including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Strong communication skills and ability to multitask successfully.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass pre-employment drug screening and background checks.

Responsibilities

• Design fire alarm, mass notification, and security alarm systems in AutoCAD for shop and record drawings.
• Prepare fire alarm system battery and voltage drop calculations.
• Create complete submittal packages, including drawings, calculations, and datasheets for permit submission.
• Communicate project status and design updates with customers, the Design Manager, sales team, and project managers.
• Support contract sales efforts by reviewing plans, specifications, and bids for technical accuracy and best practices.
• Participate in weekly design meetings and job kick-off meetings as requested.
• Assist and mentor entry- to mid-level designers when requested by the Design Manager.
• Maintain current knowledge of fire alarm design methods, materials, installation techniques, and applicable codes.

Skills

Fire alarm design

AutoCAD

Read blueprints

MS Office

Project coordination

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level III or higher

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Compensation: Based on experience, education, and certifications

About Oliver

Oliver Fire Protection & Security is a privately held, full-service life safety provider serving the Northeast Corridor. Founded in 1957, Oliver has distinguished itself as one of the most respected life safety providers in its territory by placing a high emphasis on delivering quality solutions while exceeding customer expectations. We help protect lives and property through industry-leading fire protection, life safety, and security solutions, and we’re committed to safety, customer service, teamwork, and creating long-term career opportunities for our employees.

Position Summary

We’re seeking an experienced Fire Alarm Systems Lead Designer to join our Design team. In this role, you’ll create quality life safety designs for fire alarm, mass notification, and security alarm systems that meet customer expectations, code requirements, and industry standards. You’ll prepare shop and record drawings, support technical submittals and permitting, and collaborate closely with customers, project managers, sales, and internal design leadership.

This is a great opportunity for a strong technical designer who enjoys leading by example, supporting projects from design through closeout, and helping mentor entry- to mid-level designers.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Design fire alarm, mass notification, and security alarm systems in AutoCAD for shop and record drawings.
• Prepare fire alarm system battery and voltage drop calculations.
• Create complete submittal packages, including drawings, calculations, and datasheets for permit submission.
• Communicate project status and design updates with customers, the Design Manager, sales team, and project managers.
• Support contract sales efforts by reviewing plans, specifications, and bids for technical accuracy and best practices.
• Participate in weekly design meetings and job kick-off meetings as requested.
• Assist and mentor entry- to mid-level designers when requested by the Design Manager.
• Maintain current knowledge of fire alarm design methods, materials, installation techniques, and applicable codes.
• Prepare timely O&M packages, RFIs, and project documentation for assigned work.
• Perform site surveys as needed to gather project information.
• Work with the Permit Coordinator to submit drawings, documentation, completed applications, and required transmittal forms to the proper municipalities and authorities.

What We’re Looking For

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience as a fire alarm designer.
• NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level III or higher.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD.
• Ability to read blueprints and schematic drawings.
• Microsoft Office experience, including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Strong communication skills and ability to multitask successfully.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass pre-employment drug screening and background checks.

Preferred

• Participation in industry organizations related to fire alarm system design or code requirements.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience, education, and certifications
• Medical and dental insurance
• Life and long-term disability insurance
• Profit-sharing program
• Professional growth opportunities

Why Oliver

We’re proud of the culture we’ve built at Oliver. Our team is driven by safety, customer service, and a commitment to helping one another succeed. We believe in creating opportunities for growth, recognizing hard work, and building careers that last.