Senior Fire Protection Engineer

Clayco; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking design and engineering firm as a Senior Fire Protection Engineer specializing in mission-critical facilities. This role involves leading the design of innovative fire protection systems for data centers and telecommunications hubs, ensuring safety and compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions while mentoring junior engineers. Enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career advancement in a culture that values creativity and collaboration. Make a significant impact on the safety and operational continuity of critical infrastructure.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plans

Paid Time Off

Professional Development Opportunities

Career Growth Opportunities

Qualifications

• 8-12 years of experience in fire protection engineering, focusing on mission-critical facilities.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required; certifications like CFPS are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of fire protection systems for data centers and command centers.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Skills

Fire Protection Engineering

Project Management

Communication Skills

Risk Assessment

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering

Master’s degree in a related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

HydraCAD

Job description

About Clayco Design & Engineering (CDE):

Clayco Design & Engineering (CDE) is a top-tier design and engineering firm known for its innovative and sustainable solutions. We specialize in complex, high-performance projects across various sectors, including commercial, industrial, healthcare, and mission-critical facilities. We are dedicated to delivering cutting-edge engineering solutions, ensuring safety, efficiency, and operational excellence in every project. We are currently seeking a highly skilled Senior Fire Protection Engineer - Mission Critical to join our team and lead the design and implementation of fire protection systems for data centers, command centers, and other mission-critical environments.

Position Overview:

The Senior Fire Protection Engineer - Mission Critical will play a key role in designing fire protection systems tailored to mission-critical facilities, ensuring the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance. This role requires extensive experience in fire protection engineering, a deep understanding of the unique challenges of mission-critical environments, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative, compliant, and cost-effective solutions. The ideal candidate will have experience in the design of fire protection systems for data centers, telecom facilities, and other high-security, high-availability environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, implementation, and coordination of fire protection systems for mission-critical facilities, including data centers, server farms, telecommunications hubs, and command centers.
• Design and specify advanced fire protection systems, including fire suppression (e.g., clean agent systems, pre-action sprinkler systems), fire alarm systems, smoke detection, and emergency life safety systems tailored to mission-critical environments.
• Perform detailed fire protection system calculations, including hydraulic calculations for sprinklers, and assessments of fire suppression system effectiveness, including special hazard systems.
• Develop and maintain fire protection system design criteria, technical specifications, and project documentation, ensuring compliance with industry standards and codes (NFPA, IBC, UL, local building codes, etc.).
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, civil) and architects to ensure seamless integration of fire protection systems into the overall building design.
• Conduct risk assessments, system evaluations, and fire protection system analysis to determine the most effective solutions for mission-critical applications.
• Oversee system commissioning, testing, and inspections to ensure that fire protection systems are installed and functioning correctly, meeting design specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical expertise and support during construction and project implementation phases, addressing any issues or design changes that arise on-site.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and technical staff, providing leadership and fostering professional growth in fire protection engineering practices.
• Stay current with industry trends, new technologies, and emerging best practices in fire protection engineering, particularly as they relate to mission-critical facilities.
• Manage and track project schedules, budgets, and deliverables, ensuring timely and cost-effective completion of fire protection designs.
• Prepare and present detailed reports, technical documentation, and presentations to clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies as needed.
• Ensure the highest level of safety, operational continuity, and compliance with all applicable regulations and industry standards.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 8-12 years of professional experience in fire protection engineering, with a focus on mission-critical facilities (e.g., data centers, telecom facilities, control rooms).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required; Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) or other fire protection-related certifications are highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of fire protection system design for mission-critical applications, including clean agent systems, pre-action sprinklers, and smoke detection technologies.
• Expertise in relevant codes and standards, including NFPA (particularly NFPA 75, NFPA 76, NFPA 2001), IBC, UL standards, and local building codes.
• Proficiency in fire protection system design software (AutoCAD, Revit, HydraCAD, etc.) and hydraulic calculation tools.
• Strong experience with commissioning, testing, and inspections of fire protection systems in mission-critical environments.
• Ability to perform risk assessments and system evaluations tailored to the specific needs of mission-critical infrastructure.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to interact with clients, contractors, regulatory bodies, and internal team members at all levels.
• Strong project management skills, with experience handling multiple complex projects simultaneously while ensuring adherence to budget, schedule, and quality standards.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment to deliver integrated solutions.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience designing fire protection systems for large-scale data centers or other mission-critical facilities, such as server farms, control rooms, or telecommunications buildings.
• Familiarity with advanced fire suppression technologies such as clean agent systems (FM-200, Novec 1230), inert gas suppression systems, and pre-action sprinkler systems.
• Experience with BIM (Building Information Modeling) and its application in fire protection design.
• Knowledge of energy-efficient and sustainable fire protection design solutions for mission-critical facilities.
• Familiarity with global fire protection standards and best practices, including experience working in international markets.

Why Join Clayco Design & Engineering?

• Work on innovative, high-impact projects that push the boundaries of technology and safety.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunities for career growth, advancement, and leadership within a growing and dynamic organization.
• A culture that values collaboration, creativity, and work-life balance.
• The chance to make a lasting impact on the safety and operational continuity of mission-critical infrastructure.

Clayco Design & Engineering is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

If you are a seasoned Fire Protection Engineer with experience in mission-critical facilities and a passion for innovative safety solutions, we encourage you to apply today!