Fire Sprinkler Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Fire Sprinkler Design Manager

Company: CENTURY FIRE PROTECTION LLC

Location: Ashburn, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Operations - Fire Protection Design Management

Date Posted: July 28, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of fire sprinkler designers, ensuring high-quality project deliverables and adherence to industry standards.

• Oversee the comprehensive design process for fire sprinkler and suppression systems across diverse project types, including commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential.

• Drive departmental standards, workflows, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and accuracy in design operations.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with project managers and field teams to ensure seamless project execution from design to installation.

• Support permitting processes and serve as a technical point of contact for Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior-level management position within the fire protection design department. The emphasis on leading a team, overseeing departmental standards, and contributing to budgeting indicates a strategic operational focus rather than purely technical execution. The requirement for 8+ years of design experience and 3+ years of management experience, combined with a salary range up to $150,000, further supports this senior operational and leadership classification.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development: Manage, mentor, and guide a team of fire sprinkler designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment. Conduct performance reviews and support professional development for design staff.

• Design Oversight & Quality Assurance: Ensure all fire sprinkler and suppression system designs meet NFPA standards, local building codes, project specifications, and contractual requirements. Review and approve all design drawings, hydraulic calculations, and submittals generated by the design team.

• Process & Workflow Optimization: Develop, implement, and maintain departmental design standards, templates, and efficient workflows. Lead initiatives for continuous improvement in design processes, incorporating best practices and new technologies.

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Act as a key liaison between the design department, project management, sales, and field installation teams. Ensure clear communication of design requirements, scope changes, and project timelines.

• Technical Problem Solving: Provide expert technical guidance and lead problem-solving efforts for complex design challenges, ensuring constructible and effective solutions are developed.

• Permitting & AHJ Liaison: Support the permitting process by preparing necessary documentation and responding to inquiries from Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to ensure timely project approvals.

• Resource & Budget Management: Assist in resource allocation for design projects, contribute to departmental budgeting, and monitor design department expenditures against approved budgets.

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Participate in client meetings, pre-construction conferences, and represent the design department in cross-functional discussions to ensure alignment and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed cover both people management and technical oversight, with a strong emphasis on process standardization and cross-functional collaboration. This suggests the role requires not only deep technical expertise in fire sprinkler design but also strong operational management skills to ensure departmental efficiency and project success.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Technical training or a degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is preferred. Experience:

• Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in fire sprinkler system design.

• Minimum of 3+ years of direct experience in managing or supervising a design team. Required Skills:

• Fire Protection System Design: In-depth knowledge of fire sprinkler and suppression systems, including design principles, hydraulic calculations, and system components.

• Code & Standards Compliance: Expert understanding of NFPA standards (e.g., NFPA 13, 14, 20, 25, 72) and relevant local building codes and regulations.

• Design Software Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit for 2D and 3D design. Experience with specialized fire protection design software such as SprinkCad or HydroCAD is highly advantageous.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of technical professionals. Experience in performance management and fostering a collaborative work environment.

• Project Coordination: Strong ability to coordinate design activities with project managers, estimators, field personnel, and other stakeholders.

• Technical Documentation: Skill in interpreting construction drawings, project specifications, and contract documents; ability to produce clear, accurate, and constructible design documents.

• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to address complex technical challenges effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• NICET Certification: NICET Level III or IV certification in Fire Protection Engineering is strongly preferred, demonstrating a high level of technical competency and industry recognition.

• Hydraulics & Flow Calculations: Advanced understanding and application of hydraulic calculations for system design.

• Budgeting & Resource Planning: Experience in departmental budgeting, resource allocation, and project planning from a design perspective.

• Permitting Processes: Familiarity with municipal permitting processes and AHJ interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on NICET certification, specific design software (SprinkCad, HydroCAD), and advanced hydraulic calculations indicates a need for a highly specialized and experienced candidate. The dual requirement for technical design expertise and management experience points to a role that bridges technical leadership with operational oversight.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Examples: Showcase a diverse range of completed fire sprinkler and suppression system designs, ideally including commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects. Highlight complexity and scale.

• Workflow Documentation: Present examples of developed or optimized design workflows, departmental standards, or template libraries that demonstrate efficiency improvements.

• System Implementation Case Studies: Include case studies detailing how specific design challenges were overcome, leading to successful system implementation and compliance.

• Technical Documentation Samples: Provide samples of design drawings, hydraulic calculations, and submittals that exemplify accuracy, clarity, and adherence to standards.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Candidates are expected to have experience in designing, documenting, and optimizing design workflows for fire protection systems. This includes process mapping, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing solutions.

• System Implementation & Automation: Demonstrate experience in the implementation phase of designs and any use of automation tools or techniques to streamline the design process or improve output quality.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Highlight experience in establishing metrics for design team performance, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), and analyzing results to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role in design operations, a portfolio should not only showcase technical output but also demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage processes, improve efficiency, and lead a team effectively. This includes evidence of process documentation and quantifiable achievements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $150,000 per year This salary range is based on the provided information and industry benchmarks for a Fire Sprinkler Design Manager role in the Ashburn, VA, area with the specified experience requirements. The upper end of the range reflects significant management experience and specialized technical expertise, such as NICET Level III/IV certification.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, Vision insurance.

• Financial Security: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Voluntary Life Insurance, Short-term & Long-term Disability, 401(k) with Company Match.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays.

• Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Relief Fund.

• Additional Coverage: Supplemental Insurance including Critical Illness, Hospitalization & Accident coverage.

Working Hours:

• This is a Full-Time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. While standard business hours are expected, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and ensure departmental operations run smoothly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is broad, reflecting potential variations based on specific qualifications (e.g., NICET level, software proficiency) and the candidate's overall experience. The comprehensive benefits package is typical for a full-time, professional role and aims to support employee well-being and financial stability.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fire Protection Services / Construction Engineering. CENTURY FIRE PROTECTION LLC (including its acquired entity Chesapeake Fire Protection) operates within the critical safety sector, providing essential fire sprinkler and suppression systems. This industry demands precision, reliability, and adherence to stringent safety regulations.

Company Size: The company has expanded significantly, especially after the acquisition of Chesapeake Fire Protection in 2022. The LinkedIn data suggests a company size of 201-500 employees, indicating a medium-sized enterprise with established processes but still retaining agility.

Founded: Chesapeake Fire Protection was founded in 1978, bringing decades of experience. Century Fire Protection's acquisition in 2022 signifies growth and consolidation within the industry, suggesting a forward-thinking company focused on expanding its market reach and capabilities.

Team Structure:

• The Design Department is a core operational unit, likely comprising multiple designers reporting to this Manager.

• The Manager reports to a higher-level Director of Operations or VP of Engineering/Design.

• Close collaboration is expected with Project Management, Estimating, Sales, and Field Installation teams to ensure seamless project lifecycle management. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on accurate hydraulic calculations and adherence to NFPA standards, forming the basis of all design decisions.

• Process Standardization: Development and maintenance of departmental standards and workflows to ensure consistency and efficiency across all projects.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Encouraging cross-functional input and technical expertise to resolve design and construction challenges.

Company Website: centuryfp.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's history and recent acquisition suggest a stable yet growing organization. The culture likely balances a strong emphasis on safety and technical accuracy with the operational demands of a service-based business. The Ashburn location serves as a branch office, indicating a regional presence within a larger national structure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into operations management within the specialized field of fire protection design. It's a leadership position responsible for a critical function that directly impacts project execution, client satisfaction, and company profitability.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Operations or equivalent senior leadership. They will manage a team of designers, providing direct supervision and guidance.

Operations Impact: The design department's efficiency and accuracy are paramount. Well-executed designs lead to streamlined installations, reduced rework, timely project completion, and enhanced client trust, all of which directly contribute to revenue generation and cost control. Poor design management can lead to project delays, cost overruns, safety risks, and reputational damage.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher management roles, such as Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or a broader GTM operations role within the company.

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepen expertise in complex fire protection systems, new technologies, or specific project sectors (e.g., high-rise, industrial hazards).

• Process Improvement Leadership: Lead company-wide initiatives for design process optimization, technology adoption, or interdepartmental workflow enhancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression from technical design to operational leadership. The focus on managing a team and processes positions the candidate well for broader responsibilities within the organization's operational structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The Ashburn, VA, location is a branch office, suggesting a professional office setting designed for administrative, design, and project coordination functions. It is likely equipped to support the technical needs of the design team.

Office Location(s): Ashburn, Virginia, USA (specifically 44642 Guilford Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147). This location serves the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and surrounding regions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office likely fosters collaboration among the design team, project managers, and other local staff.

• Technical Resources: Expect access to necessary computer hardware, software licenses (AutoCAD, Revit, SprinkCad/HydroCAD), and potentially specialized plotters or viewing stations.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with direct reports and colleagues from other departments, supporting a cohesive operational unit.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time work schedule (e.g., Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM).

• While on-site, there might be some flexibility to accommodate project demands, but the core expectation is consistent office presence for team management and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role, the physical workspace and its collaborative potential are key. The Ashburn office serves as a hub for the regional design operations, emphasizing the importance of physical presence for team management and client interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical & Management Interview: Expect a deep dive into your fire sprinkler design experience, team management capabilities, and understanding of NFPA standards. This may involve scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results. Be prepared to discuss your approach to process optimization and team leadership.

• Cross-Functional/Leadership Interview: Meeting with key stakeholders from project management, sales, or senior leadership to assess collaborative skills and strategic alignment.

• Final Offer: Based on the cumulative assessment of technical expertise, management skills, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your design expertise, management skills, and process improvement capabilities.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:

  • The Challenge (project scope, technical hurdles, team coordination issues)
  • Your Role & Responsibilities (design leadership, team oversight, process implementation)
  • The Solution (design approach, process improvements, technical problem-solving)
  • The Outcome (quantifiable results: efficiency gains, cost savings, compliance achieved, successful project completion)

• Highlight Management: For team management aspects, discuss your approach to mentoring, performance management, conflict resolution, and fostering a productive team environment.

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate any process improvements you implemented, the tools you used (e.g., workflow software, templates), and the measurable impact they had.

• Be Ready to Discuss Software: Be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and any other relevant design software.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design problem or a complex scenario from a past project to gauge your problem-solving approach.

• Process Improvement Task: A potential task could involve outlining how you would improve a specific aspect of the design workflow or address a common design challenge.

• Team Management Discussion: Be ready to discuss how you would handle common team management situations (e.g., underperforming employee, conflicting priorities).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both technical fire protection design knowledge and operational management capabilities. A strong portfolio demonstrating process optimization and team leadership is critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD (essential for 2D drafting), Revit (essential for BIM and 3D modeling).

• Fire Protection Design Software: SprinkCad and/or HydroCAD are highly preferred for hydraulic calculations and system design. Proficiency in these is a significant advantage.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, reporting, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: For data analysis, creating spreadsheets, and basic reporting on team performance or project metrics.

• Company-Specific Reporting Tools: May utilize internal or custom reporting tools for tracking design project progress, resource utilization, and departmental KPIs.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not directly managed by design, understanding how designs integrate with CRM data for project tracking and sales handoffs can be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Experience with any tools or methods for automating repetitive design tasks or streamlining approval processes would be advantageous.

• Integration Tools: Familiarity with how design software integrates with other project management or BIM platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit is a baseline requirement. Strong preference will be given to candidates with hands-on experience in specialized fire protection design software like SprinkCad or HydroCAD, as these are critical for efficient and accurate hydraulic calculations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in the fire protection industry. Decisions and designs must prioritize life safety and property protection above all else.

• Accuracy & Precision: Designs must be technically flawless, adhering strictly to codes and specifications to ensure system effectiveness.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Delivering high-quality designs on schedule is crucial for project success and client satisfaction.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across departments to achieve common project goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to refining processes, adopting new technologies, and enhancing team capabilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where design teams work closely with project managers, estimators, sales, and field technicians. Open communication and problem-solving are key.

• Process Review Culture: A willingness to openly discuss and refine design processes, incorporating feedback from all stakeholders to improve overall efficiency and quality.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that encourages sharing best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned among team members to elevate collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture will heavily reflect the critical nature of the fire protection industry, emphasizing safety, accuracy, and reliability. This is balanced with the operational needs of a service company that requires efficient project delivery and strong teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Codes & Technologies: NFPA standards and fire protection technologies are constantly updated. Staying current requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Managing Diverse Project Requirements: Balancing the unique technical demands and timelines of commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects simultaneously.

• Resource Allocation & Team Bandwidth: Effectively managing workload distribution among designers to meet deadlines without compromising quality or causing burnout.

• Interdepartmental Handoffs: Ensuring smooth and accurate transitions of design information to project management and field teams, minimizing misinterpretations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Training: Opportunities for specialized training in new fire protection technologies, advanced software features, or complex system designs.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining advanced certifications like NICET levels or manufacturer-specific training.

• Leadership Development: Access to management training programs, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to higher-level operational strategy.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to learn about other facets of the business, such as estimating, project management, or sales, to gain a holistic understanding of the company's operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity for professional growth by tackling complex technical and operational challenges while developing leadership and strategic management skills within a vital industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to implement a new design process or workflow. What were the challenges, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses process improvement skills)

• "How do you ensure your design team stays up-to-date with the latest NFPA standards and industry best practices?" (Tests commitment to compliance and continuous learning)

• "Walk me through your approach to managing a team of designers, including performance management and conflict resolution." (Evaluates leadership and team management capabilities)

• "Describe a complex fire sprinkler design project you managed. What were the key technical challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Gauges technical depth and problem-solving)

• "How do you collaborate with project managers and field teams to ensure design intent is accurately translated into installation?" (Assesses cross-functional communication and collaboration) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Century Fire Protection and Chesapeake Fire Protection?" (Tests research and interest)

• "How do your personal values align with our company's emphasis on safety and accuracy?" (Assesses cultural fit)

• "What are your expectations regarding team culture and collaboration in a design department?" (Gauges understanding of team dynamics) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: For each project, focus on quantifiable achievements. Instead of saying "improved efficiency," say "reduced design review time by 15% by implementing standardized templates."

• Showcase Management: Be ready to discuss specific instances of mentoring a junior designer, resolving team conflicts, or implementing performance feedback.

• Highlight Process Ownership: Clearly articulate your role in defining, documenting, and refining design processes. Use visual aids if possible (e.g., flowcharts) to illustrate process improvements.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical intricacies of your designs and demonstrate a clear understanding of hydraulic calculations and code compliance.

• Conciseness: Respect the interviewer's time. Practice your presentation to be clear, concise, and impactful, focusing on the most relevant achievements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical fire protection design expertise and strong operational management skills. Candidates should be ready to provide specific examples and quantifiable results from their past projects and management experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Fire Sprinkler Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Paycom link: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/03e1751d311b80e4a029ef675b4479c7/jobs/173507

• Portfolio Customization: Select 3-5 key projects that best showcase your design management, process optimization, and team leadership experience. Tailor your presentation to highlight achievements relevant to CENTURY FIRE PROTECTION LLC's scope (commercial, industrial, multi-family).

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 8+ years of fire sprinkler design experience and 3+ years of management experience. Use keywords such as NFPA, AutoCAD, Revit, SprinkCad, Hydraulics, Team Management, Process Improvement, and NICET. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation Practice: Rehearse your responses to common interview questions, focusing on providing specific, STAR-method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) examples. Practice presenting your portfolio, emphasizing your operational contributions and leadership impact.

• Company Research: Visit the CENTURY FIRE PROTECTION LLC website (centuryfp.com) and research Chesapeake Fire Protection's history. Understand their market presence, values, and recent growth to articulate your fit and interest during the interview.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.