Sprinkler Designer - Continental Fire Protection

Kiewit; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical dental and vision coverage

Life insurance & disability

Retirement plan with matching

Paid parental leave & PTO

Job summary

Continental Fire Sprinkler Company, a subsidiary of Kiewit Corporation, is seeking Sprinkler Designers with 2+ years of design experience to support fire suppression projects across the Central United States. You will design wet, dry, pre‑action, and foam systems, create 3D models, and perform hydraulic calculations.

Based in Iowa offices (Davenport, Cedar Rapids, or Des Moines), this full‑time role offers on‑site work with relocation assistance for qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent in design/engineering related field.
• 6+ years of experience in mechanical design for construction if no degree.
• Experience with fire suppression systems preferred; other mechanical piping is acceptable.
• Experience with BIM/3D design tools (Revit, AutoCAD, etc.).
• Strong communication and teamwork; safety and quality focus.

Responsibilities

• Design fire suppression systems (wet, dry, pre‑action, foam).
• Prepare detailed shop drawings and hydraulic calculations.
• Coordinate with building structure and other MEP subs.
• Prepare plan and material submittals for review by stakeholders.
• Assist field engineering and resolve installation conflicts on site.
• Create as‑built drawings and track job costs.

Skills

Team player

Communication skills

Time management

Safety focus

Independence

Initiative

Education

Associate’s degree in design, engineering, fire protection engineering, engineering technology, construction management, or related fields

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

AutoSprink

HydroCAD

SprinkCAD

MicroStation

BIM

Job description

Position Overview

We are adding Sprinkler Designers to our team to support project growth in our Fire Suppression market. We are looking for Designers with 2 or more years of experience in design, who have experience or interest in Fire Suppression systems, and who want to grow their career while working on a variety of projects.

Continental has been in business for over 50 years and has the expertise and resources to handle every aspect of fire sprinkler protection for any size project. We support Fire Suppression Systems design, installation, and services for Energy, Educational, Healthcare, Retail, Sports Facilities/Entertainment, high-rise offices, manufacturing, casinos, and residential customers. Our collaborative team of designers and project managers supports work in various regions throughout the Central United States, handling Fire suppression design, installation, 3D modeling, Design/Build, alarm/detection, service, and inspection. Designers perform design, 3D models, work with fluid mechanics to prepare fire protection installation drawings and hydraulic calculations, visit project sites for walkdowns, and troubleshoot installation conflicts in the field.

District Overview

Continental Fire Sprinkler Company, a subsidiary of Kiewit Corporation, is a turnkey fire protection contractor that has been operating since 1971. We offer comprehensive fire protection services across the United States, including consultation, design, installation, maintenance, testing, and inspections. With our talented team and extensive resources, we can successfully handle all aspects of fire protection.

Location

This position could be based out of any of our Iowa Offices – Davenport, Cedar Rapids, or Des Moines.

This is a full‑time opportunity in office, with relocation assistance available for qualified applicants.

Responsibilities

• Design fire suppression systems including wet, dry, pre‑action, and foam fire sprinkler systems.
• Perform detailed shop drawings (field installation drawings and hydraulic calculations), field engineering functions (on the jobsite support and review), and operation planning (field installation support).
• Compile and prepare plan submittals (shop drawings) and material submittals for review by architects, engineers, clients, and authorities having jurisdiction.
• Coordinate fire sprinkler design with the building structure and other MEP subcontractors.
• Prepare project material stock lists for material procurement.
• Assist with field engineering troubleshooting and support for the installation operations on the jobsite.
• Prepare “as‑built” drawings for in‑house archive and client files.
• Maintain a general understanding of job costs related to engineering, material and fabrication, and labor.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in design, engineering, fire protection engineering, engineering technology, construction management, or related fields.
• If no associate’s degree, must have 6+ years of experience in mechanical design for construction.
• Prior experience with Fire Suppression systems is highly desired; if none, other mechanical piping system experience is preferred.
• Design experience using BIM, Revit, AutoCAD, AutoSprink, HydroCAD, SprinkCAD, or MicroStation.
• Experience in design for construction preferred, or interest in supporting design for construction.
• High level of self‑discipline, motivation, and ability to operate in a team environment with strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Team player, able to work independently; highly motivated with a demonstrated passion for excellence and initiative.
• Passion for safety and quality, interest in learning new technologies and growing design skills.
• Strong organizational skills, time‑management, and attention to detail.

Other Requirements

• Work productively and meet deadlines in a timely manner.
• Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others.
• Perform work safely and effectively; understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
• Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines; work overtime and weekends as required.
• May work at various locations, with conditions that may vary.

Benefits

We offer our full‑time staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that’s among the best in our industry, including top‑tier medical, dental, and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, voluntary wellness and employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, retirement plans with matching, paid parental and maternity leave, and generous paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.