Design Coordinator

Who We Are

Symons Fire Protection, Inc. is a premier, full-service fire-life safety contractor based in San Diego, CA. For over 30 years, we have specialized in the design, installation, inspection, and maintenance of residential and commercial fire sprinkler and fire alarm/low voltage systems across Southern California.

We pride ourselves on operational excellence, high-quality craftsmanship, and unwavering safety standards. We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to providing opportunities for employees to learn, grow, and build a rewarding career in the fire protection industry.

As a Design Coordinator, you will play an important role in supporting the planning, design, estimating, and coordination of fire sprinkler projects from initial proposal through completion. You will work closely with project managers, supervisors, contractors, customers, and other team members to develop accurate designs, maintain project schedules, and help ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
How We'll Take Care of You

• 401(k) + Company Matching
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and AD&D Insurance, including FREE Employee Only premium for SIMNSA and Kaiser Permanente Bronze Base medical plans
• Vacation, Holidays, Birthday Holiday, and Sick Pay
• Discretionary Bonus Program
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Opportunities for career advancement within the fire protection industry
• Company Celebrations, including summer picnic and holiday events
• Employee Referral Program
• FREE Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• FREE Onsite Gym
• FREE premium coffee and snacks

Compensation

Competitive compensation based on experience, qualifications, and technical knowledge.
Job Summary

We are seeking a dependable, detail-oriented, and motivated Design Coordinator to join our Fire Sprinkler Department. The Design Coordinator will provide planning, design, estimating, documentation, and project coordination support for residential and commercial fire sprinkler projects.

The successful candidate will use problem-solving, critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, organization, and visualization skills to develop accurate and detailed drawings and project documentation. Responsibilities may include fire sprinkler system layout and design, hydraulic calculations, estimating, code review, sustainable design analysis, contractor coordination, and project scheduling.

The Design Coordinator must be able to read and understand construction documents, blueprints, contracts, specifications, and submittals and have the ability to review and understand scopes of work for service and construction contracts.

Previous experience designing and calculating fire sprinkler, standpipe, and fire pump systems is strongly preferred. Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal codes is preferred; employees will be expected to develop and maintain working knowledge of applicable fire protection codes and standards.
Core Responsibilities
1. Project Planning & Coordination

• Review project proposals, plans, specifications, and contract documents to establish project objectives and requirements.
• Work with supervisors, project managers, and management to define project scope, responsibilities, and deliverables.
• Identify project phases, required resources, and project elements.
• Coordinate project activities with internal teams, contractors, customers, and other project stakeholders.
• Assist with reviewing contractor bids and determining project responsibilities.
• Monitor project progress and assist with maintaining project schedules.
• Identify potential project issues and work with the appropriate team members to develop solutions.
• Recommend changes or corrective actions when project conditions require adjustments.

2. Fire Sprinkler Design & Engineering Support

• Develop accurate and detailed fire sprinkler system drawings using AutoCAD and other applicable design software.
• Assist with the layout and design of residential and commercial fire sprinkler systems.
• Perform or assist with hydraulic calculations for fire sprinkler systems.
• Assist with the design and calculation of standpipe and fire pump systems.
• Review product information, system requirements, customer requirements, and performance standards when developing project designs.
• Review construction documents, architectural plans, specifications, and submittals for design requirements and potential conflicts.
• Perform code reviews and assist in determining compliance with applicable fire protection requirements.
• Develop an understanding of applicable local, state, and federal codes, standards, and regulations.
• Assist with evaluating sustainable design criteria when applicable to projects.
• Conduct technical studies and design reviews as required.
• Assist with testing and verification of system designs and product performance when applicable.

3. Estimating & Cost Control

• Prepare material and labor estimates for fire sprinkler projects.
• Review project plans and specifications to determine project requirements and quantities.
• Assist with preparing project proposals, budgets, and cost estimates.
• Review contractor bids and pricing for accuracy and scope alignment.
• Monitor project costs and assist with controlling expenditures.
• Assist with the administration and coordination of contractor agreements and scopes of work.
• Identify changes in project scope that may affect cost, schedule, or design.

4. Project Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare and maintain accurate project documentation.
• Prepare project status reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing project information and trends.
• Maintain project drawings, specifications, submittals, calculations, correspondence, and other project records.
• Enter, maintain, and back up project information in company systems and databases.
• Communicate project updates, changes, and concerns to supervisors and project managers.
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with company procedures and applicable regulations.

5. Communication & Teamwork

• Communicate effectively with project managers, supervisors, customers, contractors, vendors, and other team members.
• Participate in project meetings and coordination activities as required.
• Listen carefully and ask appropriate questions to clarify project requirements.
• Use strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills to effectively manage multiple priorities.
• Work collaboratively with team members to resolve design, scheduling, cost, and construction issues.
• Maintain professional relationships with customers, contractors, and coworkers.
• Contribute to a positive team environment and support company goals.

6. Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized working environment.
• Follow applicable OSHA, Cal/OSHA, fire protection, building, and other regulatory requirements.
• Maintain company and project quality standards.
• Protect the company's reputation by complying with applicable laws, regulations, codes, and company policies.
• Identify and communicate potential safety, quality, or compliance concerns to the appropriate supervisor.

7. Training & Professional Development

• Maintain and expand knowledge of fire sprinkler design, installation, estimating, and applicable codes and standards.
• Participate in company-sponsored and external training programs.
• Develop proficiency with AutoCAD, design software, hydraulic calculation software, and other company technology.
• Pursue NICET certification and other relevant professional development opportunities.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn new technologies, processes, and industry requirements.
• Continuously improve technical knowledge, design skills, and overall job performance.

8. Attendance & Work Standards

• Maintain reliable and predictable attendance.
• Arrive at work and scheduled meetings on time and prepared to perform assigned duties.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting established deadlines.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, honesty, and a strong work ethic.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Reliable and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Duties and responsibilities may be changed at any time based on business needs.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university preferred; or one to two years of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience in fire sprinkler design, engineering, estimating, construction, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience designing and calculating fire sprinkler, standpipe, and fire pump systems is strongly preferred.
• Experience estimating fire sprinkler systems is preferred.
• NICET Level I certification is preferred but not required.
• NICET certifications are a plus.

Design & Technical Skills

• Computer-Aided Design (CAD) experience or equivalent design experience.
• AutoCAD training and experience required.
• Ability to develop accurate and detailed technical drawings.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, construction documents, plans, specifications, contracts, and submittals.
• Ability to review and understand scopes of work for service and construction contracts.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations related to design, estimating, measurements, quantities, and project requirements.
• Ability to visualize three-dimensional systems and translate design requirements into accurate drawings.
• Knowledge of fire sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, and fire pumps preferred.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal codes preferred, with the ability and willingness to learn applicable requirements.

Computer & Technology Skills

• Proficient with basic computer skills and common business software applications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
• Ability to learn and effectively use company-specific software, databases, design programs, and project management systems.
• Ability to maintain accurate electronic project files and documentation.

Communication & Language Skills

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical information to coworkers, customers, contractors, and other project stakeholders.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Strong listening and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to negotiate and clarify project scope and requirements when appropriate.

Reasoning & Problem-Solving

• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to use practical judgment and common sense when evaluating project requirements.
• Ability to identify potential design, scheduling, cost, and construction issues.
• Ability to analyze information and make appropriate recommendations.
• Strong mathematical reasoning and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting deadlines.

Professional Qualities

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Strong drive and work ethic.
• Dependable, honest, reliable, and punctual.
• Eager to learn and committed to continual professional improvement.
• Ability to accept direction and incorporate feedback from supervisors and project managers.
• Professional and respectful interaction with customers, contractors, vendors, and coworkers.
• Team-oriented approach to completing projects and achieving company goals.
• Valid driver's license and excellent driving record.

Physical Requirements

This position is primarily office-based but may require occasional travel to construction sites, project locations, meetings, or other company-related locations. Employees must be able to perform the following physical activities as necessary to perform the essential functions of the position:

• Sitting: Remain seated at a desk and computer workstation for extended periods.
• Standing: Remain standing for periods of time as required for meetings, site visits, and other job duties.
• Walking: Walk throughout office environments and construction sites as required.
• Handling: Seize, hold, and work with documents, plans, computer equipment, and other materials.
• Lifting: Raise and lower paperwork, plans, files, and other miscellaneous materials.
• Reaching: Extend hands and arms in various directions.
• Stooping: Bend the body downward and forward by bending at the knees or waist.
• Vision: Possess sufficient visual acuity to read computer screens, blueprints, construction documents, drawings, specifications, and other printed or electronic materials.
• Talking & Hearing: Communicate effectively by telephone, in person, and through other communication methods.
• Computer Use: Perform repetitive hand and finger movements associated with computer keyboard and mouse use.
• Construction Site Access: Ability to safely navigate active construction sites when required, including walking on uneven surfaces and accessing areas necessary to review project conditions.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Interpersonal Skills

The Design Coordinator must demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization and with external customers, contractors, vendors, and project partners.

The position requires the ability to listen actively, communicate clearly, build professional relationships, influence outcomes when appropriate, resolve conflicts, negotiate project requirements, and work collaboratively toward project goals. Professionalism, sound judgment, accountability, and sensitivity to the perspectives and needs of others are essential.
Other

• No Third-Party Agency Solicitation.
• This position is open to local candidates currently residing in the Southern California area.
• Candidates must be able to reliably report to the office and assigned project locations as required.
• Remote work is not available for this position.
• Reliable and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Symons Fire Protection, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of legally protected characteristics.

M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status