Our client is a well-established fire protection contractor serving the Seattle area, delivering high-quality fire sprinkler design and installation services across a range of commercial and complex projects. They are known for their commitment to technical excellence, professional development, and a collaborative team culture.

They are seeking an experienced Fire Sprinkler Design Manager to lead and develop their sprinkler design team. This is a hands-on leadership role — not a purely administrative position. The ideal candidate will remain actively engaged in complex design work while simultaneously setting technical standards, managing workflow, and building a structured training and development program for the department. For a licensed Professional Engineer, this role also offers the unique opportunity to supervise and sign off on qualifying engineering hours for designers pursuing their own P.E. licensure.

Our client offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance (with the company covering approximately 90% of the employee premium on the HSA-qualified medical plan), a Health Savings Account with a $600 annual company contribution, a 401(k) with Safe Harbor employer match up to 3.5%, paid time off, eight paid holidays, company-paid life and AD&D insurance, and paid training, certifications, and continuing education. A company laptop, dual monitors, and design software are provided, along with paid P.E. and NICET renewal and professional membership dues.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the fire sprinkler design team, fostering technical growth and professional advancement
• Review sprinkler drawings for code compliance, hydraulics, efficiency, and constructability
• Establish and maintain consistent design standards and review processes across the department
• Manage design workload, assignments, priorities, and deadlines to ensure timely project delivery
• Design complex fire sprinkler projects as needed, maintaining active involvement in technical work
• Stamp and submit compliant design packages to Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)
• Coordinate closely with project management, purchasing, and field leadership teams
• Develop structured training programs for junior and entry-level designers
• Guide designers in progressing toward NICET certification and greater technical proficiency
• Continuously improve design processes with the goal of increasing first-pass AHJ approvals and reducing field rework

Qualifications

• 7+ years of fire sprinkler design experience, including complex commercial systems
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) — strongly preferred
• Candidates holding NICET Level III or IV – Water-Based Systems Layout will also be considered
• Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, or formally training sprinkler designers
• Strong working knowledge of NFPA 13, 13R, 13D, 14, 20, and 24
• Strong hydraulic calculation and fire sprinkler system design expertise
• Proficiency with AutoSprink or comparable fire sprinkler design software
• Experience preparing and submitting design packages to AHJs
• Previous design management or department leadership experience is preferred
• Revit, BIM, and 3D coordination experience is a plus
• Field installation or project management experience is a plus

If you are a technically strong fire sprinkler design professional with a passion for leadership, mentorship, and building high-performing teams, this is an exceptional opportunity to make a lasting impact. Our client is committed to investing in the right candidate's continued growth and professional success. We encourage qualified individuals to apply today and take the next step in their career.