Sprinkler Designer - Continental Fire Protection

Position Overview

We are adding Sprinkler Designers to our team to support project growth in our Fire Suppression market. We are looking for Designers with 2 or more years of experience in design, who have experience or interest in Fire Suppression systems, and who want to grow their career while working on a variety of projects.

Continental has been in business for over 50 years and has the expertise and resources to handle every aspect of fire sprinkler protection for any size project. We support Fire Suppression Systems design, installation, and services for Energy, Educational, Healthcare, Retail, Sports Facilities/Entertainment, high-rise offices, manufacturing, casinos, and residential customers. Our collaborative team of designers and project managers supports work in various regions throughout the Central United States, handling Fire suppression design, installation, 3D modeling, Design/Build, alarm/detection, service, and inspection.

Designers perform design, 3D models, work with fluid mechanics to prepare fire protection installation drawings and hydraulic calculations, visit project sites for walkdowns, and troubleshoot installation conflicts in the field.

Continental Fire Sprinkler Company, a subsidiary of Kiewit Corporation, is a turnkey fire protection contractor that has been operating since 1971. We offer comprehensive fire protection services across the United States, including consultation, design, installation, maintenance, testing, and inspections. With our talented team and extensive resources, we can successfully handle all aspects of fire protection.

This position could be based out of any of our Iowa Offices – Davenport, Cedar Rapids, or Des Moines.

This is a full‑time opportunity in office, with relocation assistance available for qualified applicants.

• Design fire suppression systems including wet, dry, pre‑action, and foam fire sprinkler systems.
• Perform detailed shop drawings (field installation drawings and hydraulic calculations), field engineering functions (on the jobsite support and review), and operation planning (field installation support).
• Compile and prepare plan submittals (shop drawings) and material submittals for review by architects, engineers, clients, and authorities having jurisdiction.
• Coordinate fire sprinkler design with the building structure and other MEP subcontractors.
• Prepare project material stock lists for material procurement.
• Assist with field engineering troubleshooting and support for the installation operations on the jobsite.
• Prepare “as‑built” drawings for in‑house archive and client files.
• Maintain a general understanding of job costs related to engineering, material and fabrication, and labor.

• Associate’s degree in design, engineering, fire protection engineering, engineering technology, construction management, or related fields.
• If no associate’s degree, must have 6+ years of experience in mechanical design for construction.
• Prior experience with Fire Suppression systems is highly desired; if none, other mechanical piping system experience is preferred.
• Design experience using BIM, Revit, AutoCAD, Auto Sprink, HydroCAD, SprinkCAD, or Micro Station.
• Experience in design for construction preferred, or interest in supporting design for construction.
• High level of self‑discipline, motivation, and ability to operate in a team environment with strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Team player, able to work independently; highly motivated with a demonstrated passion for excellence and initiative.
• Passion for safety and quality, interest in learning new technologies and growing design skills.
• Strong organizational skills, time‑management, and attention to detail.

• Work productively and meet deadlines in a timely manner.
• Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others.
• Perform work safely and effectively; understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
• Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines; work overtime and weekends as required.
• May work at various locations, with conditions that may vary.

We offer our full‑time staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that’s among the best in our industry, including top‑tier medical, dental, and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, voluntary wellness and employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, retirement plans with matching, paid parental and maternity leave, and generous paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.