Lead Fire Alarm/Low Voltage Technician

W3Global; Brownsville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

W3Global is seeking an experienced Lead Fire Alarm / Low Voltage Technician in Brownsville, TN to lead field installation, troubleshooting, inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of commercial fire alarm and related low‑voltage systems.

You will diagnose complex issues, guide technicians, and ensure work meets NFPA standards, local codes, manufacturer specs, and customer requirements. This hands‑on leadership role requires strong safety and quality workmanship with customer communication.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience installing, servicing, and repairing commercial fire alarm systems.
• Strong understanding of fire alarm components, wiring, and NFPA 72 requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret fire alarm drawings and installation plans.
• Lead fieldwork, coordinate tasks, and guide junior technicians.

Responsibilities

• Lead installation and commissioning of conventional and addressable fire alarm systems.
• Install, terminate, label, and connect fire alarm devices and panels.
• Coordinate device placement, cable routing, and system integration with project teams.
• Provide technical guidance to technicians and supervise field activities.
• Perform testing, inspections, and documentation per NFPA and codes.
• Troubleshoot faults, perform repairs, and manage after‑hours service as needed.
• Interface with customers, contractors, and AHJs to demonstrate system status.

Skills

Fire alarm systems

Low voltage systems

Team leadership

Field troubleshooting

Reading drawings

Education

NICET certification in Fire Alarm Systems (Level II or higher)

Tennessee licensing or applicable state credentials

Tools

Fire alarm control panels

Initiating devices

Notification appliances

SLC/IDC wiring

Job description

Lead Fire Alarm / Low Voltage Technician

Location: Brownsville, Tennessee

Employment Type: Full-Time

Department: Low Voltage / Fire & Life Safety Systems

Reports To: Low Voltage Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Lead Fire Alarm / Low Voltage Technician to lead and perform field installation, troubleshooting, inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of commercial fire alarm and related low-voltage systems. The ideal candidate will have strong hands‑on technical expertise in commercial fire alarm systems, the ability to diagnose complex system issues, and experience leading field activities and providing technical guidance to other technicians. This individual will ensure that projects are completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and in compliance with applicable NFPA standards, local codes, manufacturer specifications, and customer requirements. This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring independent technical work, team coordination, customer communication, and a strong commitment to safety and quality workmanship.

Key Responsibilities

• Fire Alarm Installation and Commissioning
• Lead and perform installation of commercial conventional and addressable fire alarm systems.
• Install, terminate, label, and connect fire alarm control panels, smoke and heat detectors, manual pull stations, horns, strobes, modules, relays, and related devices.
• Install and troubleshoot initiating device circuits (IDC), signaling line circuits (SLC), notification appliance circuits (NAC), and associated wiring.
• Read and interpret construction drawings, wiring diagrams, riser diagrams, specifications, and system layouts.
• Coordinate device placement, cable routing, panel installation, and system integration with project teams and other trades.
• Perform system programming, configuration, startup, functional testing, and commissioning within applicable qualifications and authorization.
• Verify that installations meet approved drawings, manufacturer requirements, and applicable codes.
• Troubleshooting, Service, and Repair
• Diagnose and resolve ground faults, open and short circuits, communication failures, device faults, and intermittent system issues.
• Troubleshoot fire alarm control panels, power supplies, batteries, initiating devices, notification appliances, and networked components.
• Identify root causes of system failures and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Perform repairs, component replacements, system upgrades, retrofits, and modifications.
• Service fire alarm systems installed by other contractors when required.
• Respond to service calls, prioritize urgent issues, and communicate system status and repair recommendations to customers.
• Support emergency service calls and after‑hours work when required.
• Inspection, Testing, and Code Compliance
• Perform and lead functional testing and inspections of fire alarm devices and associated systems.
• Test smoke detectors, heat detectors, pull stations, horns, strobes, supervisory devices, and other connected components.
• Verify alarm, supervisory, trouble, and notification functions.
• Perform inspections and testing in accordance with applicable NFPA 72 requirements, local fire codes, manufacturer procedures, and project requirements.
• Identify deficiencies, document findings, recommend corrective actions, and verify completed repairs.
• Prepare accurate inspection reports, test documentation, deficiency lists, and service records.
• Assist with final inspections, acceptance testing, customer demonstrations, and coordination with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), as applicable.
• Low‑Voltage Systems Installation and Service
• CCTV and video surveillance systems.
• Electronic access control and building security systems.
• Structured cabling, data networks, and fiber‑optic infrastructure.
• Intercom, paging, and nurse call systems.
• Emergency responder communication enhancement systems (ERCES), including BDA/DAS installations.
• Install and terminate low‑voltage cabling, connectors, devices, and related hardware.
• Perform continuity checks, cable testing, signal verification, and troubleshooting.
• Assist with integration between fire alarm systems and other building safety or security systems.
• Follow manufacturer installation procedures and equipment documentation.
• Field Leadership and Team Coordination
• Lead daily field activities and coordinate work assignments for technicians and helpers.
• Provide hands‑on training, technical guidance, and troubleshooting support to junior technicians.
• Review completed work for workmanship, proper labeling, device placement, wiring quality, and compliance with project requirements.
• Coordinate schedules, materials, tools, equipment, and jobsite access with management and other trades.
• Identify project delays, material shortages, design conflicts, and technical issues and communicate them promptly to management.
• Promote productivity, accountability, teamwork, and consistent installation standards.
• Serve as a technical point of contact for customers, general contractors, project managers, and field personnel.
• Safety, Documentation, and Customer Service
• Follow jobsite safety procedures and applicable occupational safety regulations.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment when working with ladders, lifts, power tools, electrical equipment, and overhead cabling.
• Maintain organized work areas, tools, vehicles, materials, and equipment.
• Complete service tickets, time records, material usage reports, inspection forms, and project documentation accurately.
• Explain technical issues, repair recommendations, and maintenance requirements to customers professionally.
• Maintain a reliable, responsive, safety‑conscious, and customer‑focused approach.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated professional experience installing, servicing, troubleshooting, and repairing commercial fire alarm systems.
• Strong understanding of fire alarm control panels, initiating devices, notification appliances, circuits, wiring, and system components.
• Ability to read and interpret fire alarm drawings, wiring diagrams, installation plans, and technical manuals.
• Hands‑on experience diagnosing electrical and communication faults in fire alarm and low‑voltage systems.
• Knowledge of applicable NFPA 72 requirements, local fire codes, and manufacturer installation and testing procedures.
• Ability to lead fieldwork, coordinate tasks, and provide technical guidance to other technicians.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem‑solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to prepare accurate documentation and communicate technical findings clearly.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites and work in commercial and industrial environments.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record, if required for field travel or company vehicle operation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of hands‑on fire alarm installation, service, inspection, or troubleshooting experience, including lead technician responsibilities.
• NICET certification in Fire Alarm Systems, preferably Level II or higher, or willingness to pursue certification.
• Relevant Tennessee licensing or applicable state and local credentials.
• Manufacturer‑specific training or certifications for fire alarm control panels and associated equipment.
• Experience with addressable fire alarm systems, programming, networked panels, and commissioning.
• Additional experience with access control, CCTV, structured cabling, fiber optics, intercom, nurse call, or BDA/DAS/ERCES systems.
• Experience coordinating inspections, acceptance testing, deficiency corrections, and customer handoffs.
• Familiarity with commercial construction, retrofit projects, service agreements, and preventive maintenance programs.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work on active construction sites and in occupied commercial, industrial, healthcare, and other customer facilities.
• Ability to climb ladders, work from lifts, access ceiling spaces, and perform overhead installation work as required.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and work in confined or elevated spaces where safely accessible.
• Ability to lift and carry tools, equipment, cable, and materials within applicable safety limits.
• Ability to travel between job sites and work occasional overtime or respond to after‑hours service needs when required.

Measures of Success

• Complete fire alarm and low‑voltage installations according to established quality and safety standards.
• Diagnose and resolve technical issues efficiently and accurately.
• Maintain compliance with applicable codes, approved plans, and manufacturer specifications.
• Lead field personnel effectively and support the development of junior technicians.
• Complete projects and service calls within agreed timelines.
• Maintain accurate inspection, testing, and service documentation.
• Deliver professional customer service and contribute to long‑term customer relationships.