Fire Alarm Foreman

About M.C. Dean

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation’s most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises.  With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.

Why Join Us?

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values—agility, expertise, and trust—we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment.  At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.  

The Fire Alarm Foreman is responsible for leading and executing fire alarm system installations, retrofits, and turnkey projects from start to completion. This role oversees field installation activities, coordinates labor and materials, performs system programming, and ensures projects are completed safely, on schedule, and in compliance with applicable codes, standards, and project specifications. The position requires strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced construction environment.

Clearance/Citizen Type: Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements including U.S. citizenship for access to classified information.

(Ability to obtain US Clearance, minimum Top-Secret Clearance.)

• Lead and supervise fire alarm installation and retrofit projects, including turnkey installations

• Plan, coordinate, and direct daily field activities for assigned projects

• Install, modify, and upgrade fire alarm systems in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, and codes

• Perform programming, configuration, and commissioning of fire alarm control panels and associated devices

• Coordinate with project managers, general contractors, inspectors, and other trades to ensure smooth project execution

• Interpret construction drawings, shop drawings, submittals, and technical documentation

• Ensure compliance with NFPA standards, local codes, manufacturer requirements, and company procedures

• Conduct system testing, troubleshooting, and final acceptance testing

• Identify field issues, propose solutions, and support project closeout activities

• Maintain accurate project documentation, redlines, and as-built information

• Train, mentor, and supervise installers and junior technicians

• Enforce safety requirements and promote a culture of safe work practices

• Manage materials, tools, and equipment on job sites

• Work effectively under pressure while managing schedules, labor resources, and project deadlines.

• High school diploma or GED required with Minimum of 10 years of experience years of related experience.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge of fire alarm system installation and retrofit practices

• Proven experience programming fire alarm control panels and devices

• Ability to lead field crews and coordinate multiple work activities

• Strong planning, organization, and time-management skills

• Ability to multitask and adapt to changing project conditions

• Ability to work under stress and meet tight construction schedules

• Strong communication skills with field teams, customers, and project stakeholders

• Attention to detail with a focus on quality, compliance, and documentation

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills

Required Qualifications

• Experience as a Fire Alarm Foreman, Lead Technician, or equivalent role

• Proven experience with fire alarm system installation, retrofit, and turnkey projects

• Hands-on experience programming fire alarm systems

• Knowledge of applicable NFPA standards (including NFPA 72) and local codes

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record

• Ability to pass background checks and meet site-specific access requirements

• This position has been identified as requiring an additional client background check.

Certification

• Posses NICET Level II in Fire Alarm Systems or
• Obtain NICET Level II in Fire Alarm Systems within 90 days of employment.
• NICET Level III Certification in Fire Alarm Systems (preferred)

Preferred Qualifications

• Manufacturer certifications for fire alarm systems

• Experience coordinating AHJ inspections and final acceptance testing

• Prior experience training or mentoring installation personnel

Working Conditions

• Field-based role with work performed at construction and customer job sites

• May require travel, flexible hours, and overtime based on project schedules

• Work involves ladders, lifts, construction environments, and physical labor

We offer an excellent benefits package including:

• A competitive salary
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Military Reserve pay offset
• Paid maternity leave

Abilities:

• The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to [50 pounds] on a regular basis. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and stamina to perform various tasks, including but not limited to, loading, and unloading, operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting techniques and safety protocols must be followed to ensure personal and team safety.
• Relocates a 12 foot stepladder without assistance.
• Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks and all types of ladders.
• Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.
• Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.
• May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.
• Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
• See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.