Fire Sprinkler Designer

Description

Job Title: Fire Sprinkler Designer

Location: Clayton, NC

Pay: $23.25–$28.00 per hour + quarterly bonus opportunity

Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 7:00 AM–5:30 PM

Job Type: Full-time, On-site

About Associated Fire Protection

Associated Fire Protection (AFP) has been protecting people and property since 1973. Based in Clayton, NC, we provide fire protection design, fabrication, installation, inspection, and service for commercial and industrial customers throughout North Carolina.

We are continuing to grow our Design Department and are looking for an experienced Fire Sprinkler Designer who wants more than just another design job. AFP offers a structured career path, strong technical mentorship, ongoing NICET development, and a four-day workweek.

Our culture is built around four core values:
Integrity, Courteousness, Accountability, and Commitment to Excellence.

As a Fire Sprinkler Designer, you will design and coordinate commercial and industrial fire sprinkler systems from initial plans through permitting, fabrication, and project completion.

We are open to candidates at the Designer II or Designer III level, depending on experience. The right candidate will already have hands‑on fire sprinkler design experience and be capable of working with increasing independence.

AFP's Designer II role is designed around 2–4 years of experience, while Designer III is the senior technical level for designers with 4+ years of experience and the ability to handle more complex systems, quality control, and mentoring.

• Design commercial and industrial fire sprinkler systems using AutoCAD and HydraCAD.
• Produce accurate, code‑compliant construction and fabrication drawings.
• Perform hydraulic calculations using HydraCALC.
• Interpret architectural, structural, mechanical, and civil plans.
• Apply NFPA requirements and applicable building codes.
• Prepare material lists and fabrication documentation.
• Coordinate sprinkler layouts with other building systems and trades.
• Prepare permit submittals and respond to AHJ comments.
• Process field revisions, RFIs, and design modifications.
• Work closely with Project Managers, Sales, fabrication personnel, field teams, engineers, contractors, and AHJs.
• Help identify design conflicts before they become field problems.
• Manage assigned design responsibilities and communicate scheduling concerns early.
• Continue developing your technical knowledge and NICET certifications.

Senior‑level designers may also handle complex systems involving standpipes, fire pumps, multiple hazards, seismic bracing, BIM coordination, field verification, quality‑control reviews, and mentoring developing designers.

• 2+ years of fire sprinkler design experience.
• Working proficiency with AutoCAD.
• Knowledge of NFPA 13 and fire sprinkler design fundamentals.
• Experience with hydraulic calculations.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings.
• Strong organization and attention to detail.
• Clear, professional communication.
• Ability to manage deadlines and multiple priorities.
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and accountability.
• Interest in building a long‑term career in fire protection.

• NICET certification in Water‑Based Systems Layout.
• HydraCAD and HydraCALC experience.
• Revit/BIM experience.
• NFPA 14 and NFPA 20 knowledge.
• Experience with standpipes and fire pumps.
• Seismic bracing experience.
• Commercial and industrial sprinkler design experience.

Don't rule yourself out solely because of NICET. While certification is highly valued at AFP, we are also interested in experienced sprinkler designers whose current or previous employers may not have emphasized NICET development.

Compensation is based on experience and the level at which the candidate…