Fire Alarm Designer

About us

Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in rapidly expanding industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.

For more than 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where it really matters. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services and an industry-leading field organization, we elevate customer performance, turn goals into real-world results and help move society forward.

What you will do

Johnson Controls delivers fire and security solutions for buildings and critical infrastructure. In this role, you will design fire alarm systems for Johnson Controls projects and help turn project requirements into code-compliant, buildable solutions.

As a Fire Alarm Designer, you will act as a key technical contributor on fire alarm projects, including large and complex multi-faceted work. You will design systems, coordinate detailed technical submissions, and support project teams from early design through construction handoff.

How you will do it

• Design fire alarm systems for Johnson Controls projects.

• Act as a design lead on large, complex projects and direct other members of the design team when needed.

• Organize and plan your own workload while helping direct the workload of less experienced design team members.

• Review initial designs and develop value-engineered, code-compliant solutions.

• Coordinate with CAD Support Technicians to prepare fully detailed technical submissions, including schematics and drawings.

• Oversee CAD Support Technicians in the preparation of project submissions for medium-complexity systems, including system operation, drawings, and calculations.

• Complete detailed calculations to verify that system design meets code and standard requirements.

• Participate in pre-project and post-project design meetings, as well as customer and site coordination meetings as applicable.

• Develop bills of materials to support construction.

• Review completed submissions with CAD Support Technicians for equipment application, compatibility, and compliance with specifications and scope.

• Support Project Managers after orders are received to help maintain and improve project margins.

• Take ownership of your work by planning effectively, meeting commitments, and keeping design deliverables moving forward.

• Approach each project with accountability, safety, and integrity when verifying calculations, compliance, and technical accuracy.

• Stay close to the work and focus on what matters by partnering with CAD Support Technicians, Project Managers, and site stakeholders to resolve issues early.

• Use clear, candid problem-solving to improve initial designs, identify gaps, and strengthen project outcomes.

• Work as one team by sharing knowledge, supporting less experienced colleagues, and coordinating smoothly across design and project functions.

• Continuously look for better solutions that improve quality, code compliance, and margin performance.

What we look for
Required

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in design of Fire and Security systems.

• NICET Certification Level III, or Level II with Level III attainability

• Experienced with NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm Code)

• Experience in Fire Alarm, Security, Nurse Call, CCTV and/or Construction Industry. High school degree or equivalent required.

• Demonstrated ability in drafting/CAD, computer skills estimating/pricing, and project management.

• Proficient in reading and understanding architectural and electrical diagrams

• Knowledge of multiple electronic building systems.

• Advanced understanding of mechanical systems and their interface to fire alarm systems.

• Fundamental understanding of Microsoft Office Suite including, Excel, Access, Word, Outlook, Adobe

• Effective written and oral communications

• Ability to obtain appropriate licenses required by national, state and local codes.

• Ability to work a full-time schedule

• Available for local travel

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $68,000-93,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at

Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.