Entry-level Plumbing​/Fire Protection Design Engineer

Job Category: Design

Requisition Number: PLUMB
002937

Posted: January 31, 2026 |
Employment Type: Full-Time |
Work Location: On-site

Locations: 1 location

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Department: Plumbing / Fire Protection Engineering

At Salas O’Brien we are engineered for impact and committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. Each member of our team has limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high‑impact career, and receives great total rewards along the way.

The Plumbing / Fire Protection Design Engineer supports the design, layout, analysis, and documentation of plumbing and fire protection systems for a variety of building types. This role performs foundational engineering tasks, develops system layouts, and supports senior staff while contributing to coordinated, code‑compliant building system designs.

• Assist in preparing plumbing and fire protection system layouts based on design criteria, sketches, and project requirements
• Perform basic engineering calculations including fixture unit analysis, pipe sizing, flow and pressure considerations, and preliminary hydraulic evaluations
• Develop design drawings using AutoCAD and/or Revit under the guidance of senior staff
• Prepare drawings from architectural plans and convert redlines, markups, and design notes into accurate system documentation
• Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and architectural teams to ensure proper routing, space allocation, and system integration
• Assist with specification formatting and document organization
• Participate in site visits to verify existing conditions and support design development
• Support review of submittals and shop drawings for conformance with design intent
• Develop understanding of applicable codes and standards, including New York State Plumbing and Fire Codes, NFPA standards, and IPC/IMC requirements
• Provide support to Senior and Project Engineers on tasks requiring advanced analysis or coordination
• Build skills toward independent design responsibilities and future advancement

• Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology, Drafting/Design, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience
• 1–2 years of experience in building systems design; plumbing and/or fire protection experience strongly preferred
• Basic understanding of plumbing and fire protection system fundamentals
• Experience with AutoCAD and/or Revit
• Familiarity with mechanical code interpretation, pipe sizing, and basic fluid dynamics preferred

Travel to project sites may be required on an occasional basis. Field visits may include ladder use and mobility around construction sites. 5-10%

The expected base salary range for this role is $30.00 - $34.86 USD per hour. This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable laws.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.