Fire Alarm and Low Voltage Designer Position
Qualifications and Expertise
Introduction In the rapidly evolving field of fire safety, the role of a Fire Alarm Designer is crucial to ensuring the protection and safety of buildings and their occupants. With a decade of experience and a high level of proficiency in AutoCAD, a seasoned Fire Alarm Designer brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to any project. This position also entails the layout and design of Low Voltage Scopes.
Professional Experience With 10 years of hands-on experience, a veteran Fire Alarm Designer [and Low Voltage Designer] has likely worked on a diverse array of projects, ranging from residential buildings to large commercial and industrial complexes. Their extensive experience ensures a deep understanding of fire safety codes, regulations, and best practices necessary to design effective and compliant fire alarm and low voltage systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop fire alarm and low voltage systems for various types of buildings.
- Fire alarm would include standard notification, voice evac notification, Class A and B SLC circuits, Two-Way Communication for Area of Refuge.
- Low Voltage would include Access Control, CCTV, Vehicular Gate Control, Wifi, Audio Visual, Security and Voice/Data/Video systems.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal fire safety codes and standards. Collaborate with architects, engineers, and contractors to integrate fire alarm and low voltage systems seamlessly into overall building designs.
- Prepare detailed drawings and specifications using AutoCAD software.
- Provide technical support and guidance during the installation and commissioning of fire alarm systems.
- Perform regular reviews and updates of fire alarm system designs to ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness.
AutoCAD Proficiency
A high level of proficiency with AutoCAD is essential for a Fire Alarm and Low Voltage Designer. This software is a critical tool for creating accurate, detailed, and scalable drawings that are integral to the design and implementation of fire alarm systems. Over the years, the designer has honed their skills in AutoCAD, becoming adept at:
- Creating and modifying detailed technical drawings and blueprints. An in-depth knowledge and experience in: o Creating, modifying, and using external references, including nesting of xrefs.
- Creating, modifying, and using blocks, which would include creating and editing dynamic blocks, creating and editing block Attributes.
- Creating, modifying, and using annotative objects and scales.
- Creating, modifying, and using layers to control drawing content
- Creating, modifying, and using Viewports and Paperspace to create drawing sheets. Integrating fire alarm and low voltage system designs with other building systems and architectural plans.
- Collaborating with other design professionals using AutoCAD's interoperability features.
Training and Certifications
To maintain a high level of proficiency, a Fire Alarm and Low Voltage Designer with 10 years of experience has likely attended multiple training sessions and earned certifications related to AutoCAD and fire alarm system design. These may include:
- AutoCAD Certified User or AutoCAD Certified Professional certifications preferred but not required.
- NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) certification in Fire Alarm Systems preferred but not required.
- Continuing education courses on the latest fire safety codes and technologies.
Technical Skills and Knowledge
Beyond AutoCAD proficiency, a Fire Alarm and Low Voltage Designer possesses a robust set of technical skills and knowledge that enable them to excel in their role. These include:
- To fill this position, we will be prioritizing the candidate’s fire alarm experience over low voltage experience. However, any relevant low voltage experience will be properly considered.
- Thorough understanding of NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) codes and standards, the IBC and IFC, and municipality specific code amendments.
- Knowledge of various fire alarm system manufacturers, devices, and where and when to apply the right device for the situation.
- Ability to perform calculations for system design, including battery load calculations and voltage drop calculations.
- Familiarity with other design and modeling software, such as Revit or BIM (Building Information Modeling) is preferred but not required.
- Proficiency in using Excel. This would include but is not limited to: Copy/Paste across platforms, creating and editing formulas, templates, tab manipulation, cell formatting, filtering, sorting, and data validation.
- Proficiency in using Word and Outlook.
- Proficiency in using Adobe editing and mark-up tools.
- Experience with Procore is preferred but not required.
- Huge plus, but not required: VBA Coding, Visual C# or C++ coding skills.
Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills
Designing a fire alarm [or Low Voltage] system is not without its challenges. A seasoned Fire Alarm and Low Voltage Designer draws on their problem-solving and analytical skills to address issues such as:
- Identifying potential design conflicts and resolving them proactively.
- Ensuring designs are not only compliant but also cost-effective and practical. Adapting designs to accommodate unique building requirements or constraints. Conducting thorough risk assessments and developing mitigation strategies.
Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication and collaboration are essential for a Fire Alarm Designer. They must work closely with various stakeholders, such as:
- Cornerstone Sales, Design, and Installation Departments; to provide a design that conforms to what is sold and what will be installed, providing and receiving feedback to improve the Sales to Design to Installation process.
- Architects and engineers; to integrate fire alarm systems into building designs. Contractors and installers; to ensure systems are implemented correctly.
- Authorities Having Jurisdiction [AHJ]; to obtain necessary approvals and inspections, or handle code issues in the field in a businesslike manner when an inspector may misapply or does not understand the relevant code sections.
- Clients; to understand their needs and provide clear explanations of our design choices.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
