Sr. Fire and Life Safety Specialist (Sr. Building & Life Safety Specialist)

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Watch Our Story:' ' Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence. In the role of a Senior Building Code & Life Safety Specialist, we'll count on you to: Communicate the code requirements for the built environment effectively to city officials, developers, designers, and contractors. Develop non-routine and complex Life Safety designs for facilities in compliance with the International Code Council (ICC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards Develop non-routine and complex Life Safety design for facilities such as occupancy calculations, travel distances, code compliance drawings, passive fire protection systems, in compliance with the International Building & Fire codes and other Standards Effectively network with other building, fire and life safety industry professionals. Lead projects dedicated to Building Code & Life Safety Area of expertise Researching building codes, regulations, life safety issues and providing analysis, recommendations, and support to a variety of clients and projects. Building code research for project development and building design projects. Lead and manage HDR code review teams to complete plan reviews for new projects developed by outside A/E firms. Evaluate requests for alternate methods of compliance for the adopted codes. Cross-examining test data (e.g., ASTM, UL) and building codes, or similar regulations (e.g., NFPA, ADA, FGI, etc.) for sufficient evidence of compliance and recommendations to obtain compliance. Providing oversight and support for project quality control while interacting closely with project teams and authorities having jurisdiction. Draft and edit code reviews and reports as appropriate for specified scopes of work. Communicate with internal and external clients to obtain the appropriate data and quality control documentation. Review and provide feedback on client quality assurance systems. Provide education relevant to code and regulatory elements of our services and specific tools and techniques to other segments of HDR and to clients. Through written and verbal communication, inform internal and external audiences on a variety of relevant topics. Maintain membership in appropriate professional organizations as requested by or approved by HDR. Perform other duties as needed Preferred Qualifications A minimum of 15 years Building Code & Life Safety design experience in systems design or regulatory enforcement A minimum of five (5) years working in a Building Department or Fire Marshal’s Office Detailed understanding of the role of a Municipality’s Building Department, specifically in the role of plan reviews, issuing permits and completing inspections. Required Qualifications Associate degree in a closely related field or a High School diploma with a combination of education and relevant experience Advanced Levels of NFPA, ICC Certifications or other specialized credentials related to the field of Fire & Life Safety Strong computer skills using AutoCAD, Revit 3D Modeling and Microsoft Office Ability to lead designs specific to area of expertise An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must What We Believe HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve. Our Commitment As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees. Primary Location: United States-Texas-Austin Other Locations: United States-Texas-Dallas, United States-Texas-Houston, United States-Texas-San Antonio Industry: Building Engineering Schedule: Full-time Employee Status: Regular BusinessClass: Fire and Life Safety Job Posting: Sep 14, 2026 At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmitive Action and Equal Opportunity Employer ( We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records. #J-18808-Ljbffr HDR