CAD Designer for Fire Alarm and Low Voltage Systems
2 days ago
Salem
Position Summary: Use AutoCAD to prepare detailed layouts of fire alarm systems, low voltage infrastructure, drawings, calculations, sketches, and diagrams. Details must include all views and dimensions necessary for efficient field installation. Prepare submittals, ensure timely project schedules, and demonstrate a solid understanding of design/drafting techniques, fire alarm terminology, low voltage systems, and necessary calculations. Assist the Project Manager with key project engineering tasks, including the preparation and tracking of shop drawings, submittals, RFIs, and permit applications. This includes processing permits, resolving AHJ comments, supporting material ordering and delivery tracking, conducting quality control reviews on drawings and calculations, and providing general project engineering support as needed. Required Qualifications: • Three years related experience and/or training in fire alarm and/or low voltage design, • Three years of experience in AutoCAD and fire alarm design tools, • Experience designing systems from manufacturers such as Potter, Silent Knight, or equivalent networked fire alarm platforms, • High School Diploma, • Valid driver’s license, • Computer skills, • AutoCAD, • Ability to multi-task, • Organized, • Attention to detail Desired Qualifications: • Five years related experience and/or training in fire alarm and/or low voltage design and experience in AutoCAD/FireCAD and fire alarm design tools, • NICET II or higher certification (we support continued certification and professional development)., • Knowledge of the Low Voltage or Electrical industry, • Experience with integrated low voltage systems (fire alarm + access control, surveillance, structured cabling, etc.). Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Design Responsibilities • Develop shop drawings, voltage/battery calculations, equipment lists, and low voltage designs with a strong focus on NFPA, local, and state code compliance, project specifications, and efficient, cost-effective field installation., • Complete accurate field surveys as needed., • Coordinate shop drawings with the MEP team, General Contractor, and other trades., • Develop submittal packages for AHJs, contractors, and owners. Obtain all required approvals., • Provide record set shop drawings at project closeout based on as-built markups., • Review AHJ comments, make corrections, and communicate effectively with authorities and electrical contractors., • Conduct quality control reviews on shop drawings, calculations, and equipment submittals., • Lead hand-off meetings from design to field technicians, clearly explaining the system layout, scope, and installation details., • Design and draft projects using the latest version of AutoCAD, with a fundamental understanding of NFPA 72, NFPA 70, IBC, OSSC, and all associated codes and standards.., • Support integrated low voltage designs, including fire alarm integration with access control, surveillance, and structured cabling systems. Project Engineer Support • Assist the Project Manager with shop drawing coordination and revisions., • Prepare, track, and manage submittals, RFIs, and permit applications through the approval process., • Support permit processing, tracking, and resolution of AHJ comments., • Assist with material ordering, delivery tracking, and coordination with suppliers and vendors., • Handle project-related calls, correspondence, and documentation with clients, contractors, and internal teams., • Track project progress, timelines, and deliverables to help keep projects on schedule., • Conduct quality control reviews on drawings, calculations, and submittals., • Perform other project engineering duties as assigned to support successful project execution. Success Factors / Job Competencies: • Ability to read and interpret construction documents (drawings, specifications, ASIs, etc.)., • Strong analytical and mathematical aptitude for voltage drop, battery calculations, and system sizing., • Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), AutoCAD, fire alarm design tools, and related software., • Working knowledge of low voltage calculations, equipment configuration, and project design., • Practical experience designing fire alarm systems of varying complexity, including networked systems, smoke control, emergency communication systems (ECS), VESDA, and more., • Familiarity with general construction practices and low voltage integration., • Excellent written and verbal communication skills., • Organized, detail-oriented self-starter who excels in a team environment., • Positive outlook and ability to collaborate with sales staff, other designers, field technicians, project managers, and leadership. Physical demands and work environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical Demands: • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; stoop, bend, lift, kneel; talk or hear., • There will also be lifting of 75 pounds or more over your head for an extended period and potential exposure to hazardous materials., • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal to moderate., • The employee will be exposed to dark and confined spaces, extreme temperatures, extreme weather, and heights. Performance Standards: Certain key business indicators will measure the effectiveness of this job description. These include the following: • Accuracy and quality of fire alarm and low voltage shop drawings, voltage/battery calculations, and submittals (measured by minimal revisions and timely AHJ approvals), • Timely completion of design packages and adherence to project schedules, • Successful coordination and resolution of AHJ comments and permit approvals with minimal delays, • Effective support to the Project Manager through accurate tracking of shop drawings, submittals, RFIs, permits, and material orders, • High-quality hand-off meetings and clear communication to field technicians, resulting in smooth installations with few design-related field issues or rework, • Positive feedback from internal teams (Project Managers, field technicians, sales, and leadership) on collaboration, responsiveness, and problem-solving, • Contribution to overall project success, including on-time project delivery and cost-effective installations, • Demonstrated growth in technical skills, including proficiency with AutoCAD, fire alarm design tools, code knowledge (NFPA 72, NFPA 70, etc.), and low voltage system integration, • Low number of design errors or change orders caused by design issues Indicators that will measure the effectiveness of this job description. These include the following: • Pride in our work, • Be Honest and Do what you say, • Hungry to succeed and thrive, • Serve team above self, • Positive attitude, no negativity, • Company dedicated and loyalty