Special Hazards Engineer - Tysons, VA

About M.C. Dean

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber‑physical solutions for the nation’s most mission‑critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values, agility, expertise, and trust, we foster a collaborative and forward‑thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.

The Special Hazards Engineer 3 is responsible for engineering, field support, quality control, inspection, testing, repair oversight, commissioning, and project execution of special hazards fire suppression and releasing systems. This role supports projects from site survey and design through final acceptance while ensuring compliance with NFPA standards, manufacturer requirements, customer specifications, and AHJ regulations.

Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements including U.S. citizenship for access to classified information. Ability to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret clearance required.

• Design and engineer special hazards fire suppression systems including clean agent, CO₂, foam, water mist, dry chemical, and pre‑action systems.
• Prepare calculations, shop drawings, sequence of operations, submittals, and technical documentation.
• Conduct site surveys, hazard analysis, and field assessments of existing systems and conditions.
• Identify code deficiencies, operational risks, and retrofit requirements; develop recommended solutions.
• Provide field QC and technical supervision for installation, inspection, testing, troubleshooting, repairs, and commissioning activities as required.
• Support integrated testing, acceptance testing, and system commissioning.
• Troubleshoot releasing systems, detection circuits, interfaces, and suppression controls.
• Coordinate with project managers, field personnel, AHJs, customers, and subcontractors.
• Review inspection/testing reports and verify compliance with NFPA standards and project specifications.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to technicians and junior personnel.
• Support estimating, proposals, and customer technical consultations.

• A competitive salary
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Military Reserve pay offset
• Paid maternity leave

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering with 5+ years of experience OR Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience in Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience with special hazards fire suppression systems.
• Strong knowledge of NFPA 72, NFPA 2001, NFPA 12, NFPA 17/17A, NFPA 750, and related codes.
• Experience with releasing fire alarm systems and integrated suppression controls.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD/Revit and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to perform site surveys, system analysis, troubleshooting, and field commissioning.
• Strong understanding of inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair procedures.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project coordination skills.
• Ability to work in office, construction, industrial, and…