Senior Engineer of Design Fire Prevention Suppression

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); On-site; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Commuting Assistance

Pension plans

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Long Island Rail Road is seeking a Senior Engineer of Design Fire Prevention Suppression to lead the design of fire protection systems for employee facilities, shops, yards, terminals, and stations. This role requires strong project leadership and adherence to safety standards.

Based at Hillside Support Facility in Jamaica, NY, you will oversee the design effort, coordinate engineers and draftsmen, and ensure compliant, safe, and reliable fire

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Electrical, Mechanical or related field; +4 years experience may be substituted for degree.
• Five years in design or project management of commercial fire protection systems.
• Background in building fire/life safety systems; ability to interpret blueprints.
• Ability to manage staff and review design plans.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Revit.

Responsibilities

• Manage design projects from inception to completion as lead engineer.
• Coordinate scope, schedule, and costs; lead design team meetings.
• Perform Construction Phase services; review shop drawings and conduct field visits.
• Mentor design personnel and pursue ongoing professional development.
• Support safe work environment following policies.

Skills

Project management

Design engineering

Fire protection

Leadership

Blueprint interpretation

Code compliance

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

Senior Engineer of Design Fire Prevention Suppression

Job ID: 14219

Business Unit: Long Island Rail Road

Location: Jamaica, NY, United States

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department: Eng Civil Design & Inspections

Date Posted: May 7, 2026

Description

Job Title: Senior Engineer of Design Fire Prevention Suppression

MTA Agency: Long Island Rail Road

Primary Location(s): Hillside Support Facility

100% Hourly Rate of Pay: $60.086629 (See Wage Progression Chart)

Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive

Union Affiliation: BRS 241

Shift (if applicable): Day

Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles – from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.

JOB SUMMARY:

Perform, manage, and lead the daily activities required to successfully complete the design related work for fire prevention and suppression systems for MTA/LIRR employee facilities, shops & yards, major terminals, stations and any other areas applicable to the Fire Protection Engineering discipline under the jurisdiction of the Manager – Fire Protection Systems. This position will act as the leader in managing the design effort of the most complex projects. Practice the profession with the paramount concern of safeguarding the life, health, property, and public welfare.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the performance of all assigned design projects as lead engineer, from inception through design completion. Develop alternate plans, providing analysis, evaluation of impacts & recommendations. Actively participate in design development through field investigations and applying best engineering practice. Actively participate in design and project meetings by leading the design team towards accomplishing the intended results.
• Manage scope, schedule and costs to ensure timely and efficient completion of all design projects. Coordinate efforts of Engineer Design, Designers and Draftsmen to assure timely & accurate completion of projects. Develop management skills as required for increased responsibilities.
• Timely perform Construction Phase services leading to successful work completion. Review shop drawing submittals; perform periodic field visits to ensure work is being performed in accordance with design intent and documents.
• Maintain and improve professional and technical knowledge. Mentor and train design personnel to support talent development. Complete continuing education courses, seminars, workshops, and other professional development activities.
• Actively participate in creation and maintenance of a safe work environment following corporate and Engineering Department guidelines and safety policies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Senior Management.
• Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions. Create a professional environment that respects personal difference and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or other construction related field. An additional four years of demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree.
• Must possess five years of experience with increased responsibility in the design AND/OR project management of commercial fire protection systems.
• Must possess a background in building fire/life safety systems, with knowledge of engineering principles and best practices.
• Must possess the ability to understand and interpret blueprints.
• Must possess the ability to manage staff.
• Must possess strong knowledge and experience with plan design review.
• Must possess strong knowledge and experience with fire sprinkler design including layouts and hydraulic calculations using commercially available software.
• Must possess strong knowledge and experience with design and layout of fire alarm systems for major projects.
• Knowledge of design and/or specifying fire-stopping systems.
• Must possess strong knowledge and experience Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems.
• Must be proficient in AutoCAD and / or Revit.
• Must possess knowledge in the chemistry of hazardous materials.
• Must possess knowledge of building egress modelling tools.
• Must possess effective project management skills.
• Must demonstrate professional development with gradually increasing responsibilities.
• Must possess effective oral & written communication and organizational skills.
• Must be available 24hr/7 days a week and must possess the ability to respond to emergencies.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Progressive experience within the LIRR Engineering Department.
• Must have proven track record of successful completion of design projects, preferably related to the Railroad Industry.
• NYS Professional Engineer License.
• Maintain certification as a NYS Building Code Enforcement Officer.
• Proficiency in fire modelling software such as CFAST, Fire Dynamics Simulator and Smokeview.
• Knowledge (Design and layout) of Gaseous Suppression Systems.

WAGE Progression:

Step 1 - 80% Rate of Pay $48.069303
Step 2 - 90% Rate of Pay $54.077966
Step 3 - Full Rate of Pay $60.086629

BENEFITS:

• Commuting Assistance – based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA’s jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)
• Low Premium – High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)
• Pension plans and retirement savings accounts for eligible employees
• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided.
• Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees
• Employee Assistance Programs
• MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs
• Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit
• Employee Resource Groups

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience.
• Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
• Safety Sensitive
• LIRR: In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include but is not limited to, a pre‑screening assessment (i.e., physical, written, and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make‑up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety‑sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY / ADA DISCLAIMER:

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply. If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.