Mechanical VDC Designer - Fire Protection

Hooper Deforest; DeForest (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Matching 401(k) plan

Profit sharing

Paid time off (PTO)

9 paid holidays

Identity theft protection

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Job summary

Hooper is seeking a Mechanical VDC Designer to layout and design fire protection systems in accordance with local, state, and national codes for assigned contracts. This role sits primarily in an office setting with occasional travel to field locations.

You will coordinate with HVAC, plumbing, and electrical teams to ensure proper system integration, and you will produce hydraulic calculations, submittal packages, and detailed material lists to support fabrication and installation.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of fire protection design experience.
• 2-year associate degree in engineering, preferably in fire protection technology.
• Solid understanding of NFPA and related codes.

Responsibilities

• Design fire protection systems in accordance with codes and contract scope.
• Prepare hydraulic calculations, submittal packages, and material cut lists.
• Coordinate design with HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades for proper integration.
• Secure approvals from architects, engineers, owners, and authorities; maintain project records.
• Communicate with stakeholders to resolve design issues, manage changes, and assist with RFIs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Fire protection design

NFPA codes

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree in engineering (fire protection tech)

Job description

Description

Since 1913, Hooper has grown into a well‑respected electric power and mechanical contractor, headquartered in Wisconsin with offices in Colorado, Florida, and Ohio. Serving commercial and residential clients, Hooper delivers expert services built on safety, outstanding craftsmanship, respectful collaboration, and community engagement. We foster a culture of collaboration, integrity, and growth. Joining Hooper means joining a century‑strong legacy of excellence and people‑first values. Hooper also provides competitive compensation and many supportive benefits including Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Matching 401(k) plan, Profit Sharing, Paid Time Off (PTO), 9 paid holidays, Identity Theft Protection, Life Insurance, as well as Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability coverage.

General Summary

The Mechanical VDC Designer is responsible for the layout and design of fire protection systems in compliance with all applicable government codes and standards. They will ensure all designs align with the scope, specifications, and requirements of each assigned contract.

Principal Accountabilities

• Designs fire protection systems in accordance with local, state, and national codes, ensuring compliance with contract scope and customer requirements; performs field surveys as needed to verify conditions.
• Prepares hydraulic calculations, submittal packages, and detailed material cut lists to support fabrication and installation, addresses questions from fabrication shop and field personnel.
• Coordinates design layouts with other trades (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) to ensure proper system integration and fit within the building structure.
• Secures necessary approvals from architects, engineers, owners, local authorities, and insurance companies; maintains organized project records throughout the design process.
• Communicate with stakeholders to resolve design issues, manage change orders, and assist with technical documentation such as RFIs.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Experience: At least 3 years in fire protection design
• Education: 2-year associates degree in engineering, preferably in fire protection technology
• Technical Skills: Understanding of NFPA and other local and state codes
• Behavioral Skills: Working in a team environment

Description of Physical Working Environment

• Primarily office‑based, with occasional travel to field locations or corporate meetings.
• May require lifting of supply boxes or materials up to 30 lbs.

Hooper is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. This company considers candidates regardless of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.