Senior Associate - Fire & Life Safety

SOCOTEC US; Coral Gables (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SOCOTEC US is a leading provider of niche consulting services in high‑performance buildings and life safety systems. We seek a diligent Senior Associate to manage field operations staff, perform inspections, and ensure compliance with building, fire, and accessibility codes.

The Senior Associate will work with Senior Fire Protection Engineers in the SLS division, focusing on egress design, smoke control, fire resistance, and hazard analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in mechanical, electrical, fire protection engineering or related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in fire and life safety system inspection or design.
• Knowledge of NFPA and local fire safety codes.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to client sites.
• NICET or equivalent certification is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage projects with supporting staff.
• Perform detailed inspections of fire and life safety systems.
• Verify compliance with national and local codes and manufacturer specs.
• Prepare comprehensive inspection reports with findings and recommendations.
• Collaborate with clients, contractors, and authorities to resolve issues.
• Assist in commissioning and testing of fire protection systems.

Skills

Fire and life safety inspections

Code compliance

Report writing

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Fire Protection Engineering

Tools

NICET certification

Job description

Company Description

SOCOTEC is a provider of niche consulting services within the architecture, engineering and construction industries focusing on high-performance buildings and specialty structures. Through an integrated, holistic approach, our professionals provide solutions for building envelope, energy efficiency, sustainability, code advisory and construction advisory projects.

Company Description

SOCOTEC is a provider of niche consulting services within the architecture, engineering and construction industries focusing on high-performance buildings and specialty structures. Through an integrated, holistic approach, our professionals provide solutions for building envelope, energy efficiency, sustainability, code advisory and construction advisory projects.

At SLS Consulting, a SOCOTEC Company, life safety is the one and only driver. We are a team of consultants, engineers, and designers, and construction professionals dedicated to life safety and fire protection in the built environment. SOCOTEC’s combination of expertise, experience and methods are increasingly recognized as best-in-class fueling significant growth.

SOCOTEC is proud to announce that it has been officially certified as a Great Place to Work by the renowned global authority on workplace culture, Great Place to Work®.

Job Description

Overview

We are seeking a diligent and detail-oriented Senior Associate to manage field operations staff and perform field inspections to ensure compliance with the applicable building, fire, and accessibility codes. The successful candidate will have a thorough understanding of life safety systems, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate inspection findings effectively.

This role is specifically within the SLS division of SOCOTEC. SLS/SOCOTEC is seeking curious, dependable, and proactive learners focused on continuous improvement to join our team. Senior Associates should be prepared to explore the many building systems and design components involved in developing a safe and code compliant building design.

The Senior Associate will work with Senior Fire Protection Engineers to design and develop Life Safety and Fire Protection systems. They are encouraged to spend time developing skills in particular areas of interest. Projects will focus on adherence to quality standards through plan reviews and technical reports. Projects will have components of but will not be limited to the following: egress design, code research, smoke control system design, fire‑resistant construction analysis, performance‑based design, fire sprinkler design, and hazardous material analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently manage projects with supporting staff
• Perform detailed inspections of fire and life safety systems.
• Verify compliance with national and local building, fire, and accessibility safety codes, standards, and manufacturer specifications.
• Prepare comprehensive inspection reports, documenting system conditions, deficiencies, and recommended corrective actions.
• Collaborate with clients, contractors, and regulatory authorities to facilitate inspections and resolve compliance issues.
• Assist in commissioning, testing, and validating fire protection systems’ performance.
• Maintain accurate inspection records and oversee follow‑up inspections as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Fire Protection Engineering, or a related field is preferred, but not required.
• 5‑10 years of experience in fire and life safety system inspection or design preferred.
• Knowledge of relevant fire safety codes (NFPA, local fire codes, etc.).
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to various site locations.
• Relevant certifications such as NICET, Fire Protection Inspector Certification, or equivalent are advantageous.

Additional Information

Physical Requirements

Ability to perform site inspections in various environments, including climbing ladders, navigating confined spaces, and working in outdoor conditions.

Work Environment

Field-based role requiring travel to client sites, often involving outdoor work and exposure to different environmental conditions.

Job Type: Full-Time

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

SOCOTEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SOCOTEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.