Job 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.

The Opportunity

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.

What You'll Do

• 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.

What We're Looking For

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Compensation is based on experience and the level at which the candidate joins AFP:

Designer II: $23.25–$26.25/hour

Designer III: $26.50–$28.00/hour

In addition to base compensation, AFP provides a discretionary quarterly bonus opportunity based on company profitability.

Why Join AFP?

• Four-day workweek: Monday–Thursday
• Three-day weekends as the standard schedule
• 100% of the employee's base medical-plan premium paid by AFP when enrolled
• Dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth with company match
• Paid holidays
• PTO eligibility based on hiring level/offer
• Life and disability insurance options
• Quarterly discretionary bonus opportunity
• Weekly pay
• Limited overnight travel
• Ongoing NICET and technical development
• Annual performance reviews
• Defined advancement opportunities
• Long-term, stable organization established in 1973

AFP's 2026 benefits include 100% employer-paid employee premium for the base medical plan, dental, vision, retirement benefits with a maximum 3% AFP match, paid holidays, and additional insurance offerings.

Career Growth

AFP has created a defined development path within its Design and Project Management team:

Designer ? Senior-Level Designer ? Assistant Project Manager ? Project Manager

We believe strong people should be able to see where their career can go and understand what they need to accomplish to get there.

If you're an experienced sprinkler designer who wants a stable company, a strong team, technical growth, and a schedule that gives you every Friday off under normal operations, we'd like to hear from you.