Fire Sprinkler Designer

Job Description

Job Description:Position Summary The Fire Sprinkler Designer is responsible for designing, coordinating, and preparing accurate, code-compliant fire protection system drawings for commercial, industrial, multifamily, and other new construction projects. This position requires a strong understanding of fire protection systems, applicable NFPA standards, hydraulic calculations, construction documents, and installation practices. The Fire Sprinkler Designer is expected to produce accurate, efficient, and constructible designs while supporting project schedules, material procurement, permitting, and field installation activities. The primary objective is to deliver fire sprinkler designs that meet applicable codes, contractual requirements, project budgets, and installation schedules while minimizing design errors, field conflicts, and unnecessary material or labor costs. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Fire Sprinkler System Design · Prepare complete fire sprinkler system layout drawings utilizing AutoCAD, Revit, or other approved design software. · Design wet, dry, pre-action, deluge, standpipe, and other applicable fire protection systems. · Perform hydraulic calculations to verify system performance and compliance with applicable design criteria. · Determine appropriate sprinkler types, spacing, locations, pipe sizes, and system configurations. · Design sprinkler piping, hangers, seismic bracing where required, risers, valves, and associated system components. · Review architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings to identify potential conflicts. · Ensure designs comply with applicable NFPA standards, adopted building and fire codes, project specifications, and AHJ requirements. · Incorporate approved design criteria, including hazard classifications, occupancy requirements, available water supply, and special protection requirements. · Evaluate design alternatives to improve installation efficiency and reduce unnecessary material and labor costs. Construction Document Review & Coordination · Review project plans, specifications, contracts, and scope documents prior to beginning design. · Identify missing information, conflicting requirements, and potential scope discrepancies. · Coordinate sprinkler system layouts with architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades. · Participate in BIM coordination meetings and resolve identified clashes. · Prepare and communicate Requests for Information (RFIs) when clarification is required. · Coordinate with project managers, general contractors, engineers, architects, and other project stakeholders. · Verify that design changes are properly documented and communicated to affected parties. · Identify potential scope changes and notify the project manager before performing additional design work. Permitting & Submittals · Prepare complete fire protection design packages for review and approval. · Include required hydraulic calculations, product data, material specifications, and supporting documentation. · Coordinate permit submissions with the appropriate responsible party and licensed personnel. · Respond to plan review comments and make necessary design revisions. · Track design approvals and communicate outstanding issues that could impact project schedules. · Ensure installation drawings are properly approved before construction proceeds when required. · Maintain current drawing revisions and documentation. Material Planning & Fabrication · Prepare accurate material takeoffs and fabrication information. · Develop pipe fabrication drawings, cut lists, and material lists as required. · Coordinate with purchasing and fabrication departments to ensure timely material availability. · Verify material specifications, pipe types, fittings, and other components comply with project requirements. · Identify opportunities for prefabrication and efficient installation methods. · Minimize unnecessary fittings, offsets, material waste, and field modifications. · Coordinate design release dates with project schedules and material lead times. Project Management & Field Support · Coordinate directly with project managers and field foremen throughout the design and installation process. · Attend project kickoff and coordination meetings as required. · Provide timely responses to field questions and installation conflicts. · Revise drawings to reflect approved changes and actual field conditions. · Support project managers in identifying potential change orders resulting from design revisions or scope changes. · Assist with resolving inspection deficiencies related to design. · Prepare accurate record drawings and closeout documentation. · Provide technical support during system testing, inspections, and project completion. Planning & Schedule Responsibilities The Fire Sprinkler Designer is expected to proactively manage assigned design responsibilities to support successful project execution. Responsibilities include: · Establish design milestones based on the overall construction schedule. · Prioritize assigned projects according to field installation requirements. · Coordinate drawing release dates with project managers. · Identify design delays and communicate potential schedule impacts immediately. · Maintain accurate progress updates for all assigned projects. · Plan material and fabrication releases sufficiently ahead of installation activities. · Avoid delays caused by incomplete drawings, late revisions, or missing design information. Performance Expectation: Design activities must support field production rather than create unnecessary delays or interruptions. Quality Control & Accountability The Fire Sprinkler Designer is responsible for the accuracy, completeness, and constructability of assigned designs. Responsibilities include: · Review drawings and calculations before submitting them for approval. · Verify pipe sizing, sprinkler locations, elevations, system components, and material specifications. · Confirm coordination with other building systems. · Minimize design-related RFIs, material shortages, fabrication errors, and field rework. · Maintain organized design files and revision histories. · Follow company design standards and quality control procedures. · Take ownership of design errors and work promptly to resolve them. · Incorporate lessons learned from field installations into future designs. Required Qualifications · High school diploma or equivalent. · Experience in fire sprinkler design, fire protection installation, or related construction design. · Working knowledge of NFPA 13, NFPA 14, NFPA 20, NFPA 24, and other applicable standards. · Ability to interpret architectural, structural, mechanical, and construction documents. · Experience with AutoCAD and fire sprinkler design software. · Understanding of hydraulic calculations and water supply requirements. · Knowledge of sprinkler system materials, installation methods, and fabrication practices. · Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects. · Effective written and verbal communication skills. · Ability to work independently while coordinating with project teams. Preferred Qualifications · NICET certification in Water-Based Systems Layout, Level II or higher. · Experience with HydraCAD, AutoSPRINK, SprinkCAD, or similar software. · Experience with Revit and BIM coordination. · Familiarity with Navisworks and 3D clash detection. · Previous field experience installing fire sprinkler systems. · Experience designing large commercial, industrial, warehouse, and multifamily projects. · Knowledge of Texas fire protection licensing requirements and local AHJ procedures. · Experience preparing fabrication packages and material takeoffs. · Experience with underground fire lines, fire pumps, and standpipe systems. Key Performance Indicators Design Schedule Compliance Complete drawings by established deadlines Design Accuracy Minimize design errors and required corrections Field Rework Reduce labor and material costs caused by design errors Permit Approval Minimize avoidable review comments and resubmissions Material Accuracy Produce complete and accurate material lists Design Productivity Complete assigned design work within budgeted hours Field Support Respond promptly to field questions and design conflicts Project Coordination Identify and resolve conflicts before installation Change Management Communicate scope changes and potential cost impacts Documentation Maintain accurate drawing revisions and project records Professional Expectations The Fire Sprinkler Designer is expected to: · Demonstrate ownership and accountability for assigned projects. · Communicate proactively with project managers and field personnel. · Prioritize the company's overall project success rather than design completion alone. · Maintain a strong focus on safety, code compliance, constructability, and cost efficiency. · Meet commitments and communicate potential delays before they impact construction. · Maintain professional relationships with customers, general contractors, inspectors, and coworkers. · Seek continuous improvement in design practices and technical knowledge. · Support company standards, policies, and operational objectives. Physical & Work Requirements · Ability to work at a computer for extended periods. · Ability to review detailed construction drawings and technical documentation. · Occasional travel to construction sites and project meetings. · Ability to access active construction sites while following required safety procedures. · Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced construction environment.Company Description:Kauffman Co. is a licensed fire protection contractor: fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, inspections, maintenance, and compliance documentation—under one roof with one point of contact and a team you can count on.

Company Description

Kauffman Co. is a licensed fire protection contractor: fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, inspections, maintenance, and compliance documentation—under one roof with one point of contact and a team you can count on.