Life Safety Systems Engineer – Contract to Hire Opportunity

Location: Open to Candidates Anywhere in the United States (Remote Opportunity Available)

We are seeking a talented Life Safety Systems Engineer for a contract-to-hire opportunity supporting complex mission-critical facility projects. This position is open to candidates throughout the United States, with preference for individuals located near a major office location; however, we are committed to identifying and hiring the best-qualified professionals regardless of location.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience designing fire alarm, life safety, and low-voltage systems for large-scale facilities, with a focus on data centers and other mission-critical environments. This role offers the opportunity to work on challenging projects while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams, clients, vendors, and code officials to deliver safe, reliable, and code-compliant solutions.

Position Summary

The Life Safety Systems Engineer will support the complete design process for life safety systems, including fire alarm, fire detection, smoke control, fire protection, and related low-voltage systems. This role requires a strong understanding of applicable codes and standards, technical design expertise, and the ability to lead projects from concept through construction documentation.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing innovative solutions, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring projects are delivered on schedule and meet client expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Support all phases of life safety system design, including:
  • Preliminary assessments and system evaluations
  • Concept development and design solutions
  • Equipment selection and system layouts
  • Construction drawings and specifications
  • Technical documentation and deliverables
• Design fire alarm and life safety systems for data centers and other mission-critical facilities.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to project teams, designers, and junior staff.
• Develop code-compliant solutions involving:
  • Fire alarm systems
  • Fire detection systems
  • VESDA/smoke detection systems
  • Smoke control systems
  • Fire suppression systems
  • Gas detection systems
  • Life safety and emergency systems
• Prepare calculations, equipment sizing, system diagrams, specifications, and construction documents.
• Coordinate directly with clients, vendors, contractors, and regulatory authorities.
• Interpret and apply applicable fire protection and life safety codes and industry standards.
• Assist with design reviews, quality control, and problem resolution throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining schedules and quality standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Experience designing Fire Alarm Systems and related manufacturer equipment.
• Experience with VESDA or similar advanced smoke detection systems.
• Strong knowledge and application of:
  • International Building Code (IBC)
  • International Fire Code (IFC)
  • NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
  • NFPA 72 Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
  • NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Knowledge of general design practices, construction specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Experience leading projects and coordinating resources.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• 4+ years of Autodesk Revit design experience.
• Experience designing life safety systems for data centers or other mission-critical facilities.
• Knowledge of additional NFPA standards, including:
  • NFPA 75
  • NFPA 76
  • NFPA 2001
  • NFPA 13
• Experience mentoring and developing junior engineering staff.
• Experience with project estimating and scheduling for medium- to large-scale projects.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary engineering teams.