Fire Protection Designer III

Fire Protection Designer | HFA

Design systems that save lives. Protect what matters. Build your future.

Are you ready to take your Fire Protection career to the next level? At HFA, we design systems that safeguard lives and property every single day—and we’re looking for a talented designer who wants to make an impact. If you enjoy solving complex design challenges, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, and seeing your work come to life across the U.S., this is your opportunity.

As a Fire Protection Designer III at HFA, you’ll play a key role in designing and hydraulically calculating fire protection sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems for a variety of commercial, industrial, and retail facilities nationwide.

You’ll take ownership of your projects from start to finish—working under the direction of a licensed fire protection engineer—and be a trusted expert on design decisions, system performance, and code compliance.

You’ll also mentor junior designers, review designs for quality, and collaborate with other HFA disciplines—including architecture, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering—to create seamless, high-performing building systems.

• Proficient in Revit, Auto Sprink, and related design tools
• Familiar with high-rise alarm systems, voice evacuation, and Honeywell fire alarm systems
• Strong understanding of NFPA codes, fire protection standards, and building codes
• Ability to develop code-compliant sprinkler, alarm, and underground piping system designs, including riser diagrams
• Skilled in performing hydraulic and battery load calculations
• NICET Level III (or higher) in Fire Alarm Systems strongly preferred
• BSME, BS Fire Engineering, or equivalent experience

At HFA, you’ll join a team that values curiosity, collaboration, and doing work that truly matters. You’ll have the chance to grow your expertise, mentor others, and see your designs protect lives across the country.

• ✈️ Travel perks — earn airline miles, hotel points, and rental car rewards while visiting sites (15–20% travel)
• 💰 Competitive salary and benefits, including medical/dental, life and disability insurance, flexible time off, employee owned, and 401(k) with employer match
• 🧠 Access to industry-leading design tools and technology
• 🌟 A professional, engaging, and rewarding work environment where your ideas are valued

As a Fire Protection Designer at HFA, you’ll do more than draft plans—you’ll design the systems that protect people and property. You’ll collaborate across disciplines, influence how buildings perform, and grow into a recognized leader in your field.

• Designer can work, in an independent manner, to deliver completed construction documents on most client and/or project types, as well as provide high level of service for all phases of design.
• Communicate effectively to be seen as highly knowledgeable and/or an expert when discussing design challenges or projects, both internally and externally.
• Utilize education and experience to independently develop, implement, and draft construction documents for any project and/or project type (or at least major portions), as well as solve most design challenges that arise on a project. Apply their knowledge gained through experience and knowledge of recognized national standards to most project types, with minimal oversight from Fire Protection Engineer.
• Thorough knowledge of software assisting programs, such as Hydra Cad, and be able to apply throughout the design process.
• Designer should have good understanding of fire protection/building codes and how they affect design decisions in a project.
• Able to design and draft fire sprinkler, fire alarm and fire protection underground supply piping systems, including riser diagrams, for most projects.

• Designer should serve as Fire Protection Design Lead or provide major quality control, training, or other technical functions for the company.
• Designer should be proficient in AutoCAD and/or REVIT. Designer should be able to train new employees on company standards, drafting techniques, and answer technical design questions…