Special Hazards Technician III

M.C. Dean, Inc.; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology solutions provider in Fairfax, Virginia, is seeking a Special Hazards Technician III to inspect and maintain fire suppression systems. The role involves providing technical recommendations and mentoring junior technicians. Candidates must have a high school diploma with relevant experience and the ability to obtain a Top-Secret clearance. This position requires advanced technical knowledge and strong customer service skills, as well as the capacity to work under pressure in time-sensitive environments.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience or 6+ years with a technology degree.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass background checks and meet site-specific access requirements.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, test, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair special hazard fire suppression systems.
• Provide technical recommendations to customers and internal teams.
• Train and mentor junior technicians.

Skills

Advanced technical knowledge of special hazards fire suppression systems

Ability to perform site assessments

Strong customer service skills

Effective communication skills

Education

High School Diploma

2 years technology degree

Tools

NICET Level II Certification

NICET Level III Certification (Preferred)

Job description

Overview

About M.C. Dean

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation’s most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.

Why Join Us?

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values agility, expertise, and trust we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.

Special Hazards Technician III is responsible for the inspection, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of special hazard fire suppression systems. This role also performs site surveys, provides technical recommendations, and supports the development of junior technicians. The position requires strong technical expertise, high levels of self-organization, and the ability to work independently in demanding, time‑sensitive environments while delivering exceptional customer service.

Clearance/Citizen Type: Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements including U.S. citizenship for access to classified information.

(Ability to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret clearance required.)

Responsibilities

• Inspect, test, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair special hazard fire suppression systems in accordance with applicable codes and standards
• Perform service on systems including (but not limited to) clean agent, foam, CO₂, dry chemical, and other engineered suppression systems
• Conduct site surveys and system evaluations to assess existing conditions, compliance, and service needs
• Provide technical recommendations to customers and internal teams regarding system performance, upgrades, deficiencies, and corrective actions
• Plan and organize daily work activities to meet service schedules and customer commitments
• Coordinate with service coordinators, project managers, engineers, and customers to ensure timely and effective service delivery
• Accurately document inspections, deficiencies, repairs, test results, and site survey findings
• Communicate system conditions, recommendations, and compliance issues clearly and professionally to customers
• Train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior technicians and apprentices
• Support quality control by reviewing work performed by junior technicians and ensuring adherence to company standards
• Maintain compliance with NFPA standards, manufacturer requirements, and company procedures
• Respond to service calls, including urgent and emergency situations, as required
• Work effectively under pressure while managing multiple tasks, job sites, and priorities
• Maintain tools, equipment, and service vehicles in safe and working condition
• Support continuous improvement of service quality, safety, and customer satisfaction

Qualifications

• High School Diploma (required) with 8+ years of relevant experience or
• 2 years technology degree and 6+ years of relevant experience.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• Ability to pass background checks and meet site-specific access requirements.
• This position has been identified as requiring an additional client background check.

Certification

• Posses NICET Level II Certification in Special Hazards Fire Suppression Systems Or
• Pass NICET Level II Certification in Special Hazards Fire Suppression Systems exam within 90 days of employment
• NICET Level III Certification in Special Hazards Fire Suppression Systems (Preferred)

Required Skills and Competencies

• Advanced technical knowledge of special hazards fire suppression systems
• Ability to perform site assessments and develop practical, code‑compliant recommendations
• High level of self‑organization and ability to work independently
• Strong planning, time management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to work under stress and in time‑sensitive environments
• Strong customer service skills with a professional, consultative approach
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail with a strong focus on accuracy, documentation, and compliance
• Ability to train, mentor, and support junior technical staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multiple special hazard system types and manufacturers
• Strong working knowledge of applicable NFPA standards
• Experience working in mission‑critical or high‑risk environments (e.g., data centers, industrial facilities, clean rooms)
• Prior experience mentoring or training technicians

Working Conditions

• Field‑based role with work performed at customer sites
• May require travel, flexible hours, on‑call rotation, and emergency response
• Work may involve confined spaces, lifting, and exposure to industrial environments

Abilities

• The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and stamina to perform various tasks, including but not limited to, loading, and unloading, operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting techniques and safety protocols must be followed to ensure personal and team safety.
• Relocates a 12 foot stepladder without assistance.
• Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks and all types of ladders.
• Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.
• Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.
• May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.
• Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
• See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.