Fire Protection Field Engineer

Position Summary

The Fire Protection / Sprinkler Field Engineer supports the planning, coordination, installation, testing, and closeout of fire protection systems on major construction projects throughout the New York metropolitan area.

This position works closely with project management, field supervision, union trades, engineers, general contractors/construction managers, other MEP trades, vendors, and inspectors to ensure that sprinkler and fire protection systems are installed in accordance with contract drawings, approved shop drawings, specifications, project schedules, applicable codes, and safety requirements.

The Field Engineer will provide both technical and field support throughout the construction lifecycle and will assist with coordination of sprinkler, standpipe, fire pump, and related fire protection systems.

Job Description

Project Coordination & Technical Support

• Review fire protection and sprinkler drawings, specifications, shop drawings, submittals, and contract documents for accuracy, completeness, and constructability.
• Assist with coordination of wet-pipe, dry-pipe, pre-action, standpipe, fire pump, and related fire protection systems .
• Coordinate sprinkler and fire protection installations with HVAC, plumbing, electrical, structural, architectural, and other building systems .
• Work with project managers, superintendents, foremen, engineers, architects, GC/CM teams, vendors, and other trades to resolve design and field coordination issues.
• Assist with preparation, tracking, and resolution of RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, field sketches, and coordination drawings .
• Support BIM coordination and clash detection involving sprinkler piping, standpipe systems, ductwork, plumbing, electrical systems, ceilings, structural steel, and other building components.
• Perform field measurements and verify existing conditions against drawings and coordinated layouts.
• Identify potential conflicts before installation and assist the project team in developing practical field solutions.

Field Engineering & Construction Support

• Monitor fire protection installation activities to ensure compliance with contract drawings, approved shop drawings, specifications, codes, and project requirements .
• Perform field inspections and quality checks of sprinkler piping, standpipe piping, valves, hangers, supports, seismic bracing, fire department connections, fire pumps, and associated equipment .
• Verify sprinkler head locations and coordinate installations with ceilings, lighting, diffusers, architectural features, and other trades.
• Assist field supervision with layout, installation sequencing, access requirements, material planning, and coordination.
• Maintain daily documentation and assist with field reports, progress tracking, punch lists, and deficiency lists .
• Verify equipment and material deliveries against approved submittals and project requirements.
• Assist with tracking manpower, material, equipment, and field productivity as required.
• Support union field personnel and supervision with technical information necessary to keep installations progressing efficiently.

Scheduling & Cost Control

• Assist project management in developing and maintaining fire protection construction schedules and installation sequences .
• Track sprinkler and fire protection progress against project milestones.
• Identify field conditions or coordination issues that could affect schedule or cost.
• Assist with change-order documentation, quantity verification, field tickets, extra-work documentation, and subcontractor/vendor coordination .
• Support material procurement and equipment tracking to ensure required materials are available in accordance with the construction schedule.

Testing, Inspections & Closeout

• Assist with coordination of required sprinkler, standpipe, and fire protection testing and inspections .
• Support hydrostatic testing, flushing, fire pump testing, alarm/interface testing, and system acceptance activities as applicable.
• Coordinate with project teams, testing agencies, inspectors, and authorities having jurisdiction during required inspections.
• Assist with preparation and tracking of testing documentation and inspection sign-offs.
• Support completion of punch-list work and final system acceptance.
• Ensure as-built drawings, O&M manuals, warranties, testing documentation, equipment records, and turnover packages are properly collected and submitted.
• Assist project management through final closeout and turnover.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce company and project safety policies and promote a safe working environment.
• Ensure fire protection work complies with applicable NYC and New York State building and fire codes, NFPA standards, FDNY requirements, OSHA requirements, and project specifications .
• Assist field leadership in identifying unsafe conditions and ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
• Maintain accurate and organized project documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred. High School Diploma required.
• Two (2)+ years of experience in fire protection, sprinkler, mechanical, or MEP construction preferred.
• Experience with a fire protection contractor, mechanical contractor, general contractor, or construction manager strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of commercial fire protection systems, including automatic sprinkler systems, standpipes, fire pumps, valves, piping, hangers/supports, and related equipment .
• Familiarity with wet, dry, pre-action, and standpipe systems preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, shop drawings, coordination drawings, and submittals.
• Familiarity with RFIs, submittals, change orders, punch lists, inspections, testing, and project closeout .
• Knowledge of applicable NFPA standards, NYC Building Code, NYC Fire Code, and FDNY requirements is highly desirable.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, Bluebeam, Procore, and Microsoft Office is preferred.
• BIM/MEP coordination experience is a plus.
• Experience working on large-scale commercial, institutional, infrastructure, public-sector, or high-rise construction projects is highly desirable.
• NYC construction experience and familiarity with union construction environments are strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills.
• Strong technical problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work effectively with project management, engineering teams, field supervision, union trades, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability and willingness to work onsite at project locations throughout the New York metropolitan area .