FIRE SPRINKLER DESIGNER

Company: Columbia Fire, LLC
Location: Seattle, WA

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Columbia Fire, LLC is a growing leader in the fire protection industry, committed to safeguarding lives and property through exceptional service and innovative solutions.  We are based in south Seattle, likely relocating to the Greater Tacoma market in March 2026, but servicing Bellingham to Olympia currently with 60 employees currently only through the fire sprinkler service offering.

Guided by core values of Customer Centricity, Effective Communication, Consistency, Initiative, and Trustworthiness, we are building a strong team to drive customer-focused growth in all aspects of fire protection.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Sprinkler Designer 

The Sprinkler Designer will play a critical role in designing, planning, and managing fire sprinkler systems for commercial, industrial, and residential projects at Columbia Fire, LLC. This position requires a deep understanding of fire protection engineering principles, local codes, and NFPA standards, along with strong technical skills and attention to detail to ensure the timely and accurate completion of designs.

The Designer will be responsible for creating detailed system representations using drafting tools, planning projects from initial scheduling to material stock listing, and solving design challenges. Additionally, the role involves close collaboration with project managers, superintendents, and sales representatives throughout the project lifecycle to ensure seamless execution and customer satisfaction. This position reports directly to the Design Manager.

SPRINKLER DESIGNER CORE COMPETENCIES 

  • Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet requirements.
  • Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
  • Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
  • Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
  • Tech Savvy: Anticipating and adopting innovations in business-building digital and technology applications.

SPRINKLER DESIGNER ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Review construction contract documents and coordinate with sub-contractors and General Contractor/owner to gather the required information to design the project’s sprinkler system
  • Thorough use of analytical thinking and problem solving, determine construction feasibility and systems possibilities
  • Create detailed drawings through extensive use of AutoSprink. Familiarity with Revit and other 3-D modeling coordination is important.
  • Create stock list for all material required throughout the project
  • Perform hydraulic calculations
  • Develop initial schedules for preliminary project work
  • Maintain design historical records for future use 
  • Develop positive and ongoing relationships with customers to ensure company is meeting customers’ expectations
  • Coordinate with other departments within office to ensure proper handover of job information
  • Perform Project Management functions as required 
  • Complete other assigned responsibilities as directed by supervisor (Design Manager)

  SPRINKLER DESIGNER EXPECTATIONS 

  • Review design concepts with sales representatives
  • Bring design in under budgeted hours
  • Review materials lists thoroughly before hand-off to sales and/or purchasing
  • Ensure all plans have accurate dimensions before hand-off to fitters
  • Conduct self-study to build a strong understanding of codes and regulations and stay abreast of code updates

 MINIMUM EXPECTATIONS 

  • 5+ years of fire sprinkler system design experience required
  • GED or High School Diploma (college education or degree in engineering preferred, but not mandatory)
  • NICET in Water Based Systems Layout or equivalent required (Level III preferred)
  • Ability to work in-person at a physical office location in the Greater Seattle area 40+ hours per week
  • Valid current driver’s license to drive to/from work and to/from jobsites for survey work
  • Physical ability and jobsite safety awareness knowledge to walk (and potentially climb) projects to complete survey work needed for proper design.

 Job Title:      Sprinkler Designer  

Job Hours:   40 hours per week, 5 days per week, in-office (currently South Seattle)

 COMPENSATION & BENEFITS OVERVIEW

  • Competitive wage of $25.00 to $40.00 per hour depending on prior experience, current licensing and certifications. Hourly pay, non-exempt (subject to overtime).
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
    • Regence $500 deductible PPO and 2500 deductible HSA medical plan options available. Company/Employee split ranges by the plan(s) selected.  Examples: Employee only 2500 plan premium is paid 100% by the company.  Full employee, spouse and children 500 plan (most expensive option) is $181.80/wk to the employee.
    • Delta Dental PPO with $2,000 per individual per year maximum, optional to employee and dependents.
    • Vision VSP Choice plan optional to employee and dependents.
    • Basic Life & AD&D. $20,000 benefit included under medical plan with option to buy additional for 100% employee premium.
  • 401(k) Qaqa Safe Harbor plan with Vestwell with employer match (max is 3.5%)
  • Paid time off (starting at 10 days/yr accrued weekly) and 8 paid holidays.
  • Professional development opportunities, including certifications and training.

 APPLICATION PROCESS

Ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role in a growing company? Apply today by submitting your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications.

Columbia Fire, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
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