Fire Alarm Designer

Join our growing fire protection services team to provide best-in-class service to our clients!
RCM has been one of California’s most diversified fire protection contractors since 2001. We provide the same level of commitment, quality, and professional service no matter the scale of the project. Our field technicians average 17 years of experience and are an advocate of continued education. We make sure our employees continue to learn and grow new techniques within the industry, and we are constantly developing and investing in them. RCM offers in house design and installation to ensure that the quality of our work is consistent from beginning to end. We care about our customers continued safety and provide after installation care and servicing. RCM offers a fun and collaborative work environment where individuals are given the opportunity to learn and grow!

We are seeking a Fire Alarm Designer who will be responsible for creating fire alarm system layouts and ensuring compliance with safety codes and regulations. They will use specialized software to design systems for buildings, considering factors such as occupancy type and fire risk. This job involves selecting appropriate equipment, coordinating with engineers and contractors, and preparing documentation for installation and approval. Fire Alarm Designers must have knowledge of fire codes (such as NFPA 72, NEC and IBC).

Core responsibilities

• System design: Design systems in accordance with NFPA and project specifications. Participate in the review process with other design team members and drafters, as requested by management. Using software such as AutoCAD, develop floor plans, riser diagrams, schematics, system power calculations, and control panel layouts. Review all designs before submitting them for approval to ensure they meet RCM Fire quality standard and code requirements. Oversee project scheduling, onsite operations planning, quantity tracking, material fabrication and procurement. Follow all RCM Fire policies and procedures during daily work activities.

• Coordination: Work independently or with others as a team to complete all tasks and related design functions. Routinely work with sales and project managers to ensure the most efficient design while maintaining the highest quality standards. Assist and provide feedback to the sales and project managers for organizing, planning, and prioritizing work. Assist management in developing and implementing a quality service program to increase efficiencies and proficiencies for the FA design department. Assist management / Sales team to ensure that the project goals and objectives are met.

• Site assessment / Survey: Conduct site surveys to understand building layouts and identify potential design challenges and gather all pertinent site information to Create Scaled CAD Files if needed. Ability to travel to construction jobsites and other office locations as the business requires up to 50%, exposed to wide-ranging climates and environments.

• Equipment selection: Choose appropriate fire alarm devices, control panels, and other components as directed by A&D Sales based on Sold projects and Spec equipment.

• Documentation: Prepare Submittal packages to include but not limited to technical drawings, bills of materials, and other documents for permitting and installation. Prepare and submit all necessary documentation, including plans, specifications, and calculations, for review and approval by authorities and clients.

• Project support: Provide technical assistance to sales, installation teams, and project managers throughout the project lifecycle on projects assigned. Be able to teach others how to read construction, engineering, architectural, and structural plans. Be able to teach the fundamental understanding of general construction methods, practices, and terminology.

Essential skills and qualifications

• 3+ years fire alarm design experience and/or direct field experience.

• Associates degree preferred or equivalent working experience.

• Commercial / Industrial or similar project experienced preferred.

• Experienced with AutoCAD.

• NICET certification strongly preferred.

• Experienced with MS Excel and Word.

• High level of self-discipline, motivation, and ability to operate in a team environment.

• Highly motivated, with a demonstrated passion for excellence and taking initiative.

• Strong work ethic, willing to do what it takes to get the job done right the first time.

• Demonstrated commitment to ethics and integrity.

• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Team player with the ability to work independently to meet deadlines, goals and objectives.

• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail.

• Work productively and meet deadlines timely.

• Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment.

• Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work overtime and weekends as required.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At RCM Fire Protection, we believe in investing in our employees’ success. Here’s what you can expect:

• Competitive Pay: Compensation tailored to your experience and expertise.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Future Savings: A 401(k) savings plan with employer match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO and paid holidays to support work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Certification reimbursement, ongoing training, and opportunities for career growth.

• Additional Perks: Access to tools, resources, and support for success.

We Value All Experiences

We understand that no candidate is perfectly qualified for any job. Experience comes in different forms; many skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. Even more important than your resume is a clear demonstration of dedication, impact, and the ability to thrive in a fluid and collaborative environment. We want you to learn new things in this role and encourage you to apply if your experience is close to what we’re looking for.

We also know that diversity of background and thought makes for better problem-solving and more creative thinking, so we’re dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team.

Our Commitment to Diversity

RCM Fire, a Guardian Fire Services Company, is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

RCM Fire is committed to an inclusive experience for all applicants and will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations in the interview process, to the known physical or mental limitations of qualified employees with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and join a team that values expertise, innovation, and growth, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and become part of the RCM Fire team.