Job Title: Fire Alarm System Engineer
Reports to: Sales Support Manager
Salary Range: $62,400 – $83,200
*Salary based on experience and qualifications. Higher compensation may be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates with extensive fire alarm estimating experience and demonstrated industry expertise.
Job Overview:
Electronic Contracting Company (ECC) is seeking a knowledgeable and detail-oriented Fire Alarm System Engineer to develop accurate, competitive estimates and proposals for our growing Fire/Life Safety business. This position reviews project drawings, specifications, and customer requirements while working closely with Sales, Engineering, Operations, and industry partners to ensure solutions are code-compliant, properly scoped, and competitively priced. Candidates with fire alarm estimating, field, design, or project management experience are encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities:
- Review architectural, electrical, fire alarm, and life safety drawings, specifications, bid documents, addenda, and other project requirements.
- Develop detailed material, equipment, labor, subcontractor, and other project cost estimates for fire alarm projects.
- Perform accurate device counts and system takeoffs from construction drawings.
- Determine required fire alarm equipment, devices, modules, power supplies, notification appliances, initiating devices, control equipment, and other system components.
- Review specifications for system performance requirements, approved manufacturers, testing requirements, documentation requirements, and other project-specific obligations.
- Evaluate existing systems and determine requirements for additions, upgrades, replacements, and migrations.
- Identify scope gaps, conflicts, exclusions, assumptions, and project risks prior to proposal submission.
- Obtain and evaluate manufacturer, distributor, subcontractor, and specialty vendor pricing.
- Develop labor estimates based on scope, system complexity, installation, programming, testing, commissioning, and closeout requirements.
- Prepare complete scopes of work, inclusions, exclusions, assumptions, and clarifications for customer proposals.
- Review estimates with Sales and appropriate operational leadership prior to final proposal submission.
- Participate in pre-bid meetings, site surveys, project walkthroughs, and scope-review meetings as required.
- Assist Sales with technical questions and customer discussions during the proposal process.
- Support value-engineering efforts while maintaining code compliance and project requirements.
- Maintain accurate estimating documentation, pricing information, manufacturer information, and historical project data.
- Assist with estimate-to-operations handoff following project award.
- Stay current on fire alarm technologies, manufacturer products, applicable codes, and industry standards.
- Manage multiple estimates and opportunities simultaneously while meeting bid deadlines.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or technical education in electronics, electrical systems, construction, engineering technology, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum 2-3 years of experience in fire alarm systems, fire/life safety, electrical construction, estimating, design, project management, or a related field preferred.
- Working knowledge of commercial fire alarm system components and system operation.
- Ability to read and interpret architectural, electrical, and fire alarm drawings and specifications.
- Understanding of construction plans, specifications, bid documents, and project scopes.
- Strong mathematical and analytical skills with the ability to develop accurate material and labor estimates.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and standard business applications.
- Ability to learn and effectively use ECC estimating, CRM, quoting, and project-management systems.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to collaborate across departments.
Fire Alarm Code Knowledge:
The successful candidate should possess or develop a working knowledge of codes and standards applicable to fire alarm and life safety systems, including:
- NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
- NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.
- NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code (NEC).
- Applicable International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) requirements.
- ADA requirements applicable to fire alarm notification.
- Local and state fire alarm codes and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.
Certification Expectations:
Preferred at Hire
- NICET Level I or Level II certification in Fire Alarm Systems is strongly preferred.
- Candidates with significant fire alarm estimating, design, installation, programming, or project-management experience may be considered without current NICET certification.
Expected Career Development
- Employees without NICET certification will be expected to begin working toward NICET Level I after joining ECC.
- Progression toward NICET Level II in Fire Alarm Systems is expected as experience and eligibility requirements are met.
- Continued professional development and advancement toward higher NICET certification levels is encouraged based on responsibilities and career path.
- Manufacturer-specific fire alarm certifications and training may be required based on the systems supported by ECC.
- ECC may provide or coordinate appropriate training and certification opportunities based on position requirements and business needs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- NICET Level II or higher in Fire Alarm Systems.
- Previous fire alarm estimating experience with a systems integrator, electrical contractor, fire alarm contractor, or fire/life safety provider.
- Experience estimating both new construction and retrofit fire alarm projects.
- Experience with fire alarm system design and layout.
- Experience performing site surveys and evaluating existing fire alarm systems.
- Familiarity with commercial, healthcare, education, government, industrial, and other complex facilities.
- Experience with electronic takeoff or estimating software.
- Experience working with fire alarm manufacturers, distributors, electrical contractors, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
- Knowledge of fire alarm inspection, testing, programming, commissioning, and documentation requirements.
Core Competencies:
Accuracy & Attention to Detail - Produces complete estimates and identifies scope requirements that could materially affect project cost or execution.
Technical Knowledge - Understands fire alarm system operation, equipment, installation requirements, and applicable codes.
Commercial Awareness - Balances technical compliance with competitive pricing, labor requirements, project risk, and ECC margin expectations.
Organization & Prioritization - Effectively manages multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced sales environment.
Communication - Clearly communicates scope, assumptions, exclusions, risks, and technical requirements to internal and external stakeholders.
Collaboration - Works effectively across Sales, Pre-Sales Engineering, Operations, Project Management, and other ECC departments.
Physical & Work Requirements:
- Ability to work primarily in an office environment while periodically visiting active construction sites and customer facilities.
- Ability to walk project sites, climb stairs, and access areas necessary to perform site surveys and scope reviews.
- Ability to travel within ECC's service territory as required for site surveys, pre-bid meetings, and customer meetings.
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record may be required.
Performance Expectations:
Success in this position will be measured by the estimator's ability to consistently produce accurate, complete, competitive, and timely fire alarm estimates that meet customer requirements, applicable codes, ECC standards, and targeted gross profit expectations. The Fire Alarm Estimator is expected to help ECC reduce estimating risk, improve proposal consistency, increase sales effectiveness, and ensure projects are properly scoped before transitioning from Sales to Operations.
Why ECC:
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
- 401(k) with Profit Sharing
- Training and Development opportunities
- Dynamic company culture
- Merch stipend twice a year
- Laptop/tech provided
- Every Friday is payday!
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule:
- 8-hour shift
- 7:30 am – 4:30 pm (1 hour lunch)
- Day shift
Work Location: In person