Path to Design Manager - Fire Sprinkler

Path to Design Manager - Fire Sprinkler

Location: Kent, WA

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM

Employment: Full-Time | In-Person

Salary: $90,000-$110,000

Opportunity Overview

An established fire protection and life safety contractor in the Kent, WA area is seeking experienced Fire Sprinkler Designers to join its growing team, with an exciting opportunity for the right individual to advance into a Design Manager leadership role .

The company currently has two positions available , offering opportunities for professionals at different stages of their careers.

Senior Fire Sprinkler Designer | Path to Design Manager

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced designer who is ready to take the next step in their career. The company is looking for someone with strong technical design capabilities who has an interest in eventually leading a design department, mentoring junior designers, overseeing project workloads, and helping establish design standards and best practices.

This is an opportunity to grow into leadership while remaining actively involved in technical design and project execution.

Mid-Level Fire Sprinkler Designer

For candidates who enjoy the technical side of fire protection and aren't necessarily interested in management, the company is also hiring a mid-level designer. This role offers the opportunity to work on diverse projects, strengthen technical skills, and continue developing professionally without the expectation of moving into a leadership position.

Key Responsibilities

• Design fire sprinkler systems using AutoSPRINK and AutoCAD .
• Develop accurate, constructible, and code-compliant sprinkler layouts for commercial, residential, and industrial projects.
• Prepare permit drawings, hydraulic calculations, seismic calculations, and material submittals.
• Review architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical drawings to ensure proper coordination.
• Perform site surveys and field verification to support accurate system designs.
• Coordinate with project managers, estimators, field teams, customers, vendors, and other trades.
• Utilize BIM and drawing overlays to identify and resolve potential conflicts before installation.
• Respond to AHJ comments and permitting requirements.
• Generate fabrication drawings, material lists, and installation documentation.
• Monitor design schedules, project requirements, and changes that could affect construction costs or timelines.
• Provide technical support throughout installation and project closeout.

Additional Leadership Opportunities

For individuals interested in the Design Manager track:

• Help oversee design quality, project assignments, and departmental workflow.
• Mentor and support junior and mid-level designers.
• Establish and improve design standards, processes, and best practices.
• Coordinate design resources and priorities across multiple active projects.
• Collaborate with leadership to improve departmental efficiency and project delivery.
• Progress toward managing and developing the company's fire sprinkler design team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of fire sprinkler design experience , with more extensive experience preferred for the management track.
• Proficiency with AutoSPRINK and AutoCAD required.
• Strong working knowledge of NFPA 13, 13R, and 13D .
• Experience designing commercial, residential, and/or industrial fire sprinkler systems.
• Ability to independently manage multiple design projects.
• Experience with hydraulic calculations, seismic calculations, permitting, and fabrication documentation.
• Strong understanding of construction drawings and coordination with other building trades.
• NICET Level II Water-Based Systems Layout certification preferred.
• BIM/3D coordination experience is a plus.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• For the management track, demonstrated leadership ability and an interest in mentoring and developing other designers.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Clear Leadership Potential: Opportunity to grow from Senior Designer into a Design Manager role.
• Two Career Paths: Whether your goal is management or continued technical specialization, there's an opportunity to match your career interests.
• Professional Growth: Expand your technical capabilities while working on a variety of fire protection projects.
• Meaningful Responsibility: Take ownership of projects and contribute directly to design quality and successful construction outcomes.
• Collaborative Environment: Work closely with experienced professionals across design, estimating, project management, and field operations.
• Long-Term Career Opportunity: Join an established contractor where you can continue developing your career and take on greater responsibility over time.

Interested in Learning More?

Whether you're an experienced Fire Sprinkler Designer ready to move toward management or a mid-level designer looking for a strong long-term opportunity, we'd welcome the chance to connect.

Apply today to learn more about both positions and determine which opportunity best aligns with your experience and career goals.

Benefits

Competitive compensation plus health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with employer match, paid time off, and paid holidays.

If you're an experienced sprinkler designer looking for a stable, full-time opportunity where design quality and technical expertise are valued, we'd like to connect.

FootBridge is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected. We make employment decisions based on qualifications and business needs, without discrimination on any basis, and we welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.