$87,360–$120,000 Per Year
Alternative Energy, Architectural Services, Asset Management, AutoCAD, Clinical Laboratory, Communication Skills, Compensation Management, Construction, Consulting, Contact Management, Cross-Functional, Customer Relations, Data Collection, Dental Insurance, Design Evaluation, Educational Methods, Electricity, Emerging Technology, Healthcare, Housekeeping/Cleaning, Hydraulic Engineering, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Mechanical Engineering, Mentoring, Network Operations Center, Plumbing, Professional Engineer, Professional Services, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Robotics, Technical Delivery, Technical Leadership, Technical Support, Technical/Engineering Design, Vision Plan, Willing to Travel
The expected base salary range for this role is $87,360 - $120,000 per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.
This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- 5 weeks of paid time off and company holidays
- Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
- Professional development support
For more information, visit our full benefits overview here - www.salasobrien.com/benefits
Job Summary
The Senior Plumbing / Fire Protection Engineer is a key technical leader responsible for directing the design of plumbing and fire protection systems across all phases of building projects-from concept through construction completion. This role independently drives engineering solutions, supports project teams, partners with clients, and upholds the firm's standards for technical excellence.
Senior Engineers balance design leadership, client communication, and field involvement while mentoring junior staff and contributing to the long-term success of the engineering practice.
General Duties
- Lead the design and detailing of plumbing and fire protection systems, ensuring accuracy, coordination, and compliance with QA/QC standards
- Perform and review engineering calculations in accordance with office standards, including hydraulic calculations for fire protection systems
- Design systems including:
- Fire protection systems (wet, dry, pre-action, deluge)
- Plumbing systems and equipment
- Medical and laboratory gas systems
- Listen to client needs and develop value-driven solutions considering performance requirements, first cost, and life-cycle cost
- Communicate design recommendations through meetings, presentations, written correspondence, and technical discussions
- Maintain regular contact with clients to support long-term partnerships and repeat business
- Conduct site observations, gather field data, and interact with contractors during design and construction phases
- Collaborate within integrated, multidisciplinary teams and coordinate with mechanical, electrical, structural, architectural, and other disciplines
- Evaluate design alternatives and support development of technical deliverables
- Stay informed on emerging technologies, materials, and design methods through continuing education
- Mentor junior engineers and designers, providing technical guidance and oversight
Skills
- Demonstrated ability to independently lead engineering tasks and mentor others
- Strong proficiency performing and reviewing hydraulic and plumbing calculations
- Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, and hydraulic modeling tools
- Excellent communication, organization, and client-facing skills
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, or a related discipline
- Professional Engineering (P.E.) license preferred or ability to obtain
- 8+ years of experience in plumbing and fire protection system design
Travel
Travel to project sites may be required on an occasional basis. 25-50%
Location: Buffalo, New York & Rochester, New York
About Us
Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow's requirements are today's opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired wit