We are seeking a skilled and motivated Fire Protection Designer II to join our growing engineering team. This role offers the opportunity to work on a wide variety of commercial and industrial projects while collaborating with Fire Protection Engineers, Architects, and multidisciplinary design teams to develop innovative and code-compliant fire protection systems. The ideal candidate will have experience designing fire sprinkler, fire alarm, and underground fire protection systems using industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, REVIT, and HydraCad. This position is perfect for a detail-oriented professional who enjoys solving technical challenges, working directly with clients, and contributing to projects from design through construction administration. Candidates will have the opportunity to further develop their technical expertise, mentor junior staff, and play an important role in delivering high-quality, efficient fire protection solutions.
About HFA – Employee Owned. People Powered.
HFA is a 100% employee-owned multidisciplinary architectural, engineering, and interior architecture firm who thrives in a people-first environment. Employee ownership isn’t just a structure – it’s a mindset that fuels everything we do. This mindset empowers us to think beyond our roles, pushing us to find innovative solutions that strengthen our client relationships and deepen our connections with our people internally. We believe that our people are our greatest asset which aligns with our culture code: We aspire to be a people-first culture of empowerment where talent thrives.
The ownership mindset also means that every team member is personally invested in the success of our projects and clients. This approach ensures that every decision aligns with our purpose: Leading our clients to fulfill their vision while building lasting partnerships.
With our focus on our people, we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, a 401(k) with company match, an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), and a flexible work schedule. We provide our team members with professional development opportunities and learning stipends to pursue professional growth, and we take any chance we can get to recognize and reward our people for their amazing work.
Job Responsibilities:
- Designer will work with Fire Protection Engineer and/or Fire Protection Design lead to communicate with client, deliver completed construction documents, and assist in construction administration as required for most project types.
- Designer should utilize education and experience to independently develop, implement, and draft construction documents for most project and/or project type (or at least major portions), as well as, solve medium to difficult design challenges that arise on a project or simple projects.
- Designer should be able to apply their knowledge gained through experience and knowledge of recognized national standards to simple projects, with minimal oversight from Fire Protection Engineer or Fire Protection Design Team Lead. Designer should have a thorough knowledge of software assisting programs, such as HydraCad, and be able to apply throughout the design process. Designer should have a basic understanding of energy codes and how it impacts design.
- Designer should be able to design and draft fire sprinkler, fire alarm and fire protection underground supply piping systems, including riser diagrams, for small to medium projects.
Job Duties:
- Designer should be proficient in AutoCAD and/or REVIT. Designer should be able to train new employees on company standards, drafting techniques, and answer most technical design questions on simple projects for Fire Sprinkler and Alarm, as well as, possess a basic understanding of national standards (IBC, IFC, NFPA).
- Designer will work in a collaborative environment with Architects and other Engineers to develop construction documents based on a clients' requirements, including performing some project management functions, quality control, or other duties as necessary.
- Designer should be able to provide a high level of quality control on all their projects and possibly others, for final review by the Fire Protection Engineer or Fire Protection Design Lead.
- Designer will, in some cases, have direct client contact.
- Designer will be able to work within established budgets. Depending upon supervisor and client needs, Designer will be responsible for financial success of projects also.
- Designer should be able to select and design sprinkler/alarm systems and equipment, controls and provide hydraulic calculations with minimal supervision on simple systems.
- Designer should be able to edit specifications for small to medium size projects.
