Senior Fire Protection & Life Safety Engineer

We are seeking a highly specialized Senior Fire Protection & Life Safety Engineer to lead the architecture, installation, and long-term operational integrity of all fire suppression and life safety systems for a state-of-the-art manufacturing complex. This role is responsible for ensuring the total safety of personnel and high-value equipment through the deployment of advanced sprinkler systems, clean-agent suppression, and sophisticated alarm integration.

Based initially at our Tempe and Peoria, AZ sites during the infrastructure and commissioning phase, you will transition into a permanent leadership role as our flagship Peoria facility moves into full-scale factory operations.

Key Responsibilities

System Design & Project Execution

• Technical Integration: Collaborate with specialized consultants to ensure all fire protection requirements and specifications are met for high-complexity manufacturing environments.

• Construction & Validation: Review engineering submittals and blueprints; monitor construction progress to ensure as-built accuracy and compliance with global fire codes.

• Commissioning Leadership: Lead functional testing and system validation, identifying and resolving system abnormalities during the critical startup and handover phases.

Operational Stewardship & Reliability

• Active Suppression Support: Provide advanced engineering oversight for wet-pipe, pre-action, and clean-agent suppression systems specifically designed for sensitive production equipment.

• Alarm & Life Safety Integration: Oversee the performance and integration of fire alarm systems with site-wide life safety and emergency notification networks.

• Continuous Improvement: Conduct regular system evaluations and implement upgrades through capital and expense projects to enhance facility resilience.

Compliance, Risk & Response

• Code Mastery: Ensure all systems and procedures maintain 100% adherence to NFPA codes, local fire regulations, and corporate safety standards.

• Audit Readiness: Support fire safety audits, site inspections, and emergency drills, maintaining meticulous documentation for operational and maintenance procedures.

• 24/7 Support: Provide on-call technical expertise to support a high-volume, 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Professional Experience: 3+ years in fire protection system design and operations, specifically within high-tech manufacturing, pharmaceutical, or aerospace environments.

• Regulatory Expertise: Deep understanding of NFPA codes, fire suppression methodologies, and integrated life safety standards.

• Technical Skills: Ability to interpret complex drawings and specifications; proficiency in AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and MS Office.

Physical & Operational Readiness:

• Field Capability: Ability to climb ladders, work at elevation, navigate confined spaces, and work in varied weather conditions with appropriate PPE.

• Medical Fitness: Must be medically qualified to wear a respirator and capable of lifting up to 50 lbs.

• Industry Background: Previous experience with facility design, construction, and commissioning for industrial manufacturing is highly preferred.

Preferred Assets:

• Professional Credentials: A Professional Engineering (PE) license or NICET Fire Protection Certification.

• Knowledge of ISO standards and emergency response planning.