Fire Sprinkler Design Manager

Job Title: Fire Sprinkler Design Manager

Job Description

The Fire Sprinkler Design Manager leads and oversees the fire sprinkler and suppression systems design department, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, code-compliant designs for commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects. This role manages and mentors a team of designers, supports project execution and permitting, and drives continuous improvement to ensure accurate, constructible designs are delivered on time and within project requirements. The Design Manager collaborates closely with project managers, field personnel, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to resolve technical issues and maintain compliance with NFPA standards, local codes, and project specifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the fire sprinkler and suppression systems design department for commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of designers, providing technical guidance and performance feedback.
• Review and approve design drawings, hydraulic calculations, and submittals to ensure accuracy and constructability.
• Ensure all fire sprinkler and suppression system designs comply with NFPA standards, local codes, and project specifications.
• Collaborate closely with project managers to support project planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Coordinate with field personnel to address constructability concerns and resolve on-site design issues.
• Work directly with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to support permitting, inspections, and code compliance.
• Develop, implement, and maintain departmental design standards, templates, and workflows.
• Assist with resource planning, including staffing, workload allocation, and project assignments.
• Contribute to budgeting efforts for the design department and support cost control initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance design quality, efficiency, and consistency.
• Ensure design deliverables are completed accurately and submitted on time to meet project deadlines.
• Interpret construction drawings, specifications, and project requirements to guide the design process.
• Utilize AutoCAD, HydroCAD, Revit, and fire protection design software to support and review design work.
• Support technical problem-solving throughout the project lifecycle, from concept through construction.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 8+ years of fire sprinkler design experience.
• At least 3+ years of design team management or supervisory experience.
• Extensive knowledge of fire sprinkler systems, including system types and components.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics as they relate to fire sprinkler system design.
• In-depth knowledge of NFPA standards and their application to fire protection systems.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or HydroCAD for fire sprinkler design.
• Experience using Revit and fire protection design software.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, and project requirements accurately.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with project managers, field personnel, and AHJs.
• High school diploma required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Technical training or a degree in a related field is preferred.
• A diploma or certification in Fire Protection Engineering (such as a Level III or IV credential) is preferred.
• Experience developing departmental standards, templates, and workflows.
• Experience in resource planning and budgeting within a design or engineering environment.
• Proven track record of implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Detail-oriented approach with a focus on accuracy and constructability.
• Employee ownership opportunities, including the ability to purchase company stock.
• Flexible work schedules supporting work-life balance.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Voluntary life insurance options.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Employee Assistance Program and Employee Relief Fund.
• Supplemental insurance options, including critical illness, hospitalization, and accident coverage.

Work Environment

This is an in-office role based in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The Design Manager works in a professional office environment, collaborating closely with project managers, designers, and field personnel. The position involves daily use of design technologies and software such as AutoCAD, HydroCAD, Revit, and fire protection design tools. The work setting supports flexible schedules and offers an employee-owned culture with comprehensive benefits. The environment is structured, team-oriented, and focused on delivering high-quality, code-compliant fire protection designs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Odenton, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $46.08 - $67.31/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Odenton,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.