Design Manager - Sprinkler Department

Since 1946, Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Co. has been providing full-service fire sprinkler, suppression, alarm, and security systems to its customers, while maintaining our reputation as being one of the best companies in the business in the Northeast region. Davis-Ulmer contributes its success to their loyal employees and customers. The company's overall work force has grown and as we move forward, we foresee continued expansion throughout the Northeast.

At Davis-Ulmer we believe that investing and empowering our employees as leaders develops an organization that delivers innovative solutions and services that create a superior customer experience. The unique blend of our leader's abilities and the ownership of their work, combined with our culture and values, creates something that is simply described as the Davis-Ulmer difference.

Due to continued growth, we are looking for a Sprinkler Design Manager to join our team in Corning, NY. As a Sprinkler Design Manager, you will lead the design and engineering of fire sprinkler systems from concept through permit and construction support. This role manages internal and/or subcontract design resources, ensures code-compliant and cost-effective designs, coordinates with project stakeholders, and drives schedule, quality, and continuous improvement across the design function.


Key Responsibilities:

Design Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the development of fire sprinkler system designs for new construction, tenant improvements, and retrofit projects.
• Manage design workload planning, prioritization, and on-time delivery of drawings, calculations, and submittals.
• Review and approve design packages including shop drawings, hydraulic calculations, product data, seismic bracing layouts, hanger details, and valve/alarm riser configurations.
• Provide constructability input and value engineering recommendations to improve installation efficiency and reduce cost.

Code Compliance & Technical Standards

• Ensure designs comply with applicable codes and standards (e.g., NFPA 13, NFPA 13R/13D as applicable, NFPA 14, NFPA 20, NFPA 24, local AHJ requirements, FM Global/insurance criteria where required).
• Interpret project specifications, building plans, water supply data, and fire protection criteria to produce compliant system layouts.
• Maintain and enforce department standards for drafting practices, calculation methodology, and documentation.

Project Coordination & Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate with Project Managers, estimators, field operations, GCs, owners, architects, and other trades (mechanical, electrical, structural).
• Serve as the primary design point of contact for RFIs, design clarifications, clash coordination, and plan review comments.
• Support permitting and AHJ submittal processes; attend plan review meetings when needed.

Team Management & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop designers/drafters/engineers (direct reports and/or outsourced resources).
• Set goals, conduct performance reviews, and identify training needs (codes, tools, detailing standards, coordination of best practices).
• Build a scalable design workflow, including templates, checklists, and QA/QC processes.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC)

• Implement and maintain a structured QA/QC review process for all deliverables prior to release.
• Conduct root-cause analysis on design-related field issues and implement corrective actions.
• Track and report key metrics (on-time submittals, rework rates, permit turnaround, revision cycles).

Tools, Technology & Process Improvement

• Oversee use of design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit/BIM as applicable, hydraulic calculation software such as HASS/AutoSPRINK/Elite Fire or equivalent).
• Drive standardization and continuous improvement for BIM coordination, detailing, and documentation practices.
• Maintain drawing and document control procedures.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of fire sprinkler design experience, including project leadership responsibility.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Strong working knowledge of NFPA standards and AHJ permitting practices.
• Demonstrated experience producing and reviewing shop drawings and hydraulic calculations.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and hydraulic calculation software; BIM/Revit experience preferred where applicable. St
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical requirements clearly.

Preferred Qualifications

• NICET certification in Water-Based Systems (Level III or IV).
• Experience with BIM/VDC coordination in Revit/Navisworks (or similar).
• Experience designing across multiple occupancies (healthcare, industrial, high-rise, warehouses, multifamily, etc.).
• Familiarity with performance-based design approaches and special hazards (where applicable).

Key Competencies

• Technical leadership and attention to detail
• Planning, prioritization, and accountability
• Collaborative coordination across trades and project teams
• Coaching and developing design talent
• Continuous improvement mindset

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Office-based with periodic jobsite visits and plan review meetings.
• Ability to read construction documents for extended periods and work at a computer.

Why Choose Davis-Ulmer Family of Companies?

• Competitive Compensation: We offer competitive pay rates for experienced professionals, ensuring your skills are recognized and rewarded appropriately.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Enjoy an industry-leading benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and additional perks, ensuring your health and well-being are taken care of.
• Strength of the Family: The Davis-Ulmer Family of Companies, with over 30 locations across the East Coast and Midwest, epitomizes the strength of a team-first mindset. Embracing a culture of collaboration, we unite to share knowledge, resources, and best practices across our network of branches. This collective approach strengthens us as a cohesive group, amplifying our impact far beyond what any individual business unit could achieve alone.
• Backed by APi Group: As a subsidiary of APi Group, a publicly traded, multi-billion-dollar corporation headquartered in Minnesota, we provide the financial stability and support needed for success. Benefit from world-class training and leadership development opportunities, backed by a powerhouse in the Fire Life Safety & Security industry.
• Long-Term Career Relationships: Many of our employees have been with us for 20+ years! We believe in investing in the right people, fostering enduring professional relationships that benefit both individuals and the company alike. Join us and become part of a community where your dedication is recognized and valued for the long term.
• Values Match: We prioritize hiring individuals whose values align with ours. Our commitment to value-driven recruitment is a cornerstone of our People/Talent Development Operating Code.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.


DAVIS-ULMER'S ENDURING PURPOSE: "To protect what people value most."


All offers of employment are expressly contingent upon the satisfactory completion, in accordance with Company policy, of a pre-employment drug screening and background check.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.