Fire Sprinkler Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Fire Sprinkler Design Manager

Company: S. A. Comunale Co., Inc.

Location: West Lawn, PA (Spring Township, Berks County)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Fire Protection & Mechanical Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-10

Experience Level: 10+ years (with 5+ years in management)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage a team of Sprinkler Layout Technicians, ensuring efficient project design and execution across multiple locations.

• Drive revenue growth and profitability within the Sprinkler Operations division by maintaining high standards of customer satisfaction and NFPA compliance.

• Provide critical technical design guidance and problem-solving support to internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, staying abreast of the latest code requirements and industry best practices in fire protection design.

• Manage administrative, organizational, and data management aspects of the Sprinkler Design Department to support overall business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a key leadership function within S.A. Comunale's Sprinkler Operations, requiring a blend of technical expertise in fire sprinkler design, strong management capabilities, and a strategic understanding of business growth and compliance. The focus on both "revenues" and "profits" indicates a performance-driven operational role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise Sprinkler Design Department employees, including involvement in hiring and staff development.

• Provide comprehensive technical design guidance to owners, architects, general contractors, and internal Comunale staff.

• Actively participate in or lead sprinkler design meetings, ensuring all project design items are thoroughly addressed and completed.

• Coordinate effectively with sales, project managers, and designers to gather all necessary project information and requirements.

• Liaise with the blueprint room to manage permits and submittals, ensuring timely and accurate processing.

• Maintain accurate logs of pipe updates and job dates, ensuring data integrity for project tracking.

• Verify the completion and accuracy of head count sheets for all assigned projects.

• Conduct on-site design surveys and field checks at job sites nationwide, utilizing necessary equipment like ladders and man lifts.

• Collaborate with sub-contractors to ensure seamless project integration and execution.

• Resolve design issues that arise on projects across the country, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills.

• Ensure sales and design staff are knowledgeable and compliant with the latest NFPA guidelines and code requirements.

• Support the sales department by providing technical expertise and criteria for bid proposals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on management approach, requiring the Design Manager to be involved in both strategic oversight and practical execution, including field visits and direct technical support. The emphasis on cross-functional coordination and nationwide project support underscores the complexity and scope of this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• A degree from an accredited college or university is a plus. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of direct sprinkler design experience.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a management or supervisory role. Required Skills:

• Technical Proficiency: Significant knowledge and hands-on experience with AutoSprink and/or HydraTec systems.

• Software Skills: Experience with Navisworks and a basic understanding of Revit.

• Code Compliance: Thorough knowledge of NFPA guidelines and other relevant fire protection codes.

• Project Coordination: Ability to coordinate with sales, project managers, designers, and sub-contractors.

• Field Operations: Experience performing on-site design surveys and field checks, including the use of ladders and man lifts.

• Management & Leadership: Proven ability to oversee, supervise, and develop a team of design professionals.

• Communication: Excellent technical communication skills to provide guidance to owners, architects, and contractors.

• Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to resolve complex design issues effectively.

• Data Management: Strong organizational skills with experience in data management and reporting.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Significant experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Skills:

• NICET Certification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific software like AutoSprink, HydraTec, Navisworks, and Revit, coupled with extensive experience in sprinkler design and management, points to a highly specialized and experienced candidate. The emphasis on both technical software skills and NFPA code knowledge is critical for this role's success.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Examples: Showcase a range of fire sprinkler system designs (e.g., wet, dry, pre-action, deluge systems) for various building types and complexities.

• Software Proficiency Demonstration: Include examples of designs created using AutoSprink, HydraTec, Navisworks, and Revit, highlighting the specific features and workflows utilized.

• Code Compliance Documentation: Present case studies or project summaries that clearly demonstrate adherence to NFPA guidelines and other relevant codes.

• Project Management & Coordination: Provide examples of how you've coordinated design efforts with sales, project managers, and sub-contractors, illustrating process flow and communication strategies.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Detail specific design challenges encountered and the systematic approach taken to resolve them, showcasing analytical and technical problem-solving skills.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss and illustrate the typical workflow for sprinkler system design from initial survey to final submittal, and how you optimize these processes for efficiency and accuracy.

• System Implementation Standards: Demonstrate understanding of how design processes translate into successful on-site implementation, including coordination with field teams.

• Performance Measurement: Be ready to discuss how you measure the success of design processes, including metrics related to project timelines, budget adherence, design accuracy, and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio might not be explicitly requested in the initial application, candidates should prepare to discuss their experience and demonstrate their capabilities through detailed examples and case studies during interviews. Highlighting the use of specific design software and adherence to NFPA standards will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Fire Sprinkler Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in fire protection design and 5+ years of management experience in the Pennsylvania region, the estimated salary range is $95,000 - $130,000 annually. This estimate considers the specialized technical skills, management responsibilities, and the company's operational scope.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary.

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with company match.

• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Travel reimbursement for site visits. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be required to attend meetings or address urgent design issues outside of standard hours, especially given the national scope of some projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from analyzing similar roles in the construction and engineering sector in the Pennsylvania area, considering the required experience level and management duties. Benefits are typical for a full-time managerial role within a reputable construction firm.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fire Protection, Mechanical Services, HVAC, Construction. S. A. Comunale operates within the critical infrastructure and building services sector, focusing on safety and operational efficiency for its clients.

Company Size: Over 1,450 employees across 16 locations, indicating a large, established organization with significant reach and resources.

Founded: Nearly 100 years of operation, signifying stability, deep industry expertise, and a strong reputation.

Team Structure:

• The Sprinkler Design Manager will lead the Sprinkler Design Department, which supports both Harrisburg and Reading locations.

• This role reports to the Vice President of Eastern Pennsylvania, suggesting a clear reporting line within regional management.

• Close working relationships are expected with Sprinkler Design staff, sales personnel, project managers, and potentially field technicians.

• Collaboration extends cross-functionally with sales, project management, and blueprint room staff. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasizes adherence to NFPA guidelines and continuous updates on code requirements, suggesting a methodology rooted in compliance and technical accuracy.

• Customer-Centric Operations: Focuses on satisfying customer requirements and maintaining strong client relationships through technical support and service.

• Growth & Profitability: A core objective is to continuously grow revenues while maintaining profits, indicating a performance-oriented operational approach.

• Efficiency & Organization: The role requires a focus on administration, organization, reporting, and data management to support efficient operations.

Company Website: www.comunale.com

📝 Enhancement Note: S.A. Comunale presents itself as a seasoned and substantial player in its industry, emphasizing its financial strength, bonding capacity, and safety record. The company culture likely values expertise, reliability, and a commitment to client service, with a structured management hierarchy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a management-level position within the operations function of a specialized division (Fire Sprinkler Design). It requires significant technical expertise combined with leadership and administrative capabilities. The role is pivotal in ensuring the operational success and profitability of the sprinkler design services.

Reporting Structure: The Sprinkler Design Manager reports directly to the Vice President of Eastern Pennsylvania. This position will, in turn, supervise and mentor Sprinkler Layout Technicians. This structure offers visibility to senior leadership and direct team management experience.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on revenue generation through efficient project design and execution, as well as profitability by managing costs and ensuring compliance. The manager's ability to provide technical guidance and resolve issues also contributes to client satisfaction and retention, which are critical for sustained business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher regional management roles within S.A. Comunale's mechanical or fire protection divisions.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in advanced fire protection systems or specific market sectors.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Lead initiatives to further optimize design workflows, implement new technologies, or enhance training programs.

• Mentorship and Training: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior designers and contributing to the company's internal training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, established company. The combination of technical leadership and management responsibility provides a solid foundation for future growth in operations and leadership roles within the construction and engineering sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily based in an office environment, supporting the Sprinkler Design Department. However, it requires significant travel to job sites. The company emphasizes an "award-winning safety program," which likely translates to a strong focus on safety protocols in all work environments, including offices and job sites.

Office Location(s): The role supports the Harrisburg and Reading locations, suggesting the manager may split time between these offices or be based at one and travel to the other. The company has 16 locations across multiple states, indicating a broad operational footprint.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Office Space: Expect a professional office setting where collaboration with design staff, project managers, and sales is routine. This may include shared workspaces or dedicated team areas.

• Technical Resources: Access to necessary design software (AutoSprink, HydraTec, Navisworks, Revit), blueprint facilities, and standard office technology.

• Field Interaction: Regular interaction with field teams and job sites, requiring adaptability to different work environments and safety protocols.

Work Schedule:

• The standard schedule is 40 hours per week.

• Given the nature of construction projects and client demands, occasional flexibility may be required to meet deadlines or address urgent issues. This could involve early starts, late finishes, or weekend work on rare occasions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is a hybrid model, blending office-based management and technical coordination with essential on-site field responsibilities. A strong emphasis on safety and professional conduct is expected, reflecting the company's industry and size.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the core requirements (experience, software proficiency, management background).

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the VP of Eastern Pennsylvania or a senior operations leader to delve deeper into your management style, technical expertise, and understanding of the role's objectives.

3. Technical Assessment/Case Study: You may be presented with a design challenge or asked to walk through a past project. This is where you'll demonstrate your proficiency with AutoSprink/HydraTec, Navisworks, Revit, and your understanding of NFPA codes.

4. Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members or peers to assess collaboration style and cultural alignment.

5. Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Software Proficiency: Have clear examples ready of designs created in AutoSprink, HydraTec, Navisworks, and Revit. Highlight specific features used and the outcomes.

• Detail NFPA Compliance: For each project example, clearly state how NFPA guidelines were met and any specific code challenges addressed.

• Illustrate Management Impact: Prepare to discuss how you've managed teams, resolved conflicts, trained staff, and improved design processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use data to demonstrate the impact of your work – e.g., "reduced design time by 15%," "successfully managed projects totaling $X million," "resolved Y design issues leading to Z cost savings."

• Company-Specific Research: Understand S.A. Comunale's scope of work, their market presence, and their commitment to safety and client service. Tailor your examples to align with their values.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be prepared for scenarios involving complex building layouts, unusual site conditions, or code interpretation challenges. Think about how you would approach these using your tools and knowledge.

• Team Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing underperforming employees, resolving team conflicts, or motivating a design team.

• Process Improvement Ideas: Consider how you would approach optimizing the current design workflow, incorporating new technologies, or enhancing training for the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh technical software skills, management experience, and knowledge of fire protection codes. Candidates should be ready to provide concrete examples and quantify their achievements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design & Modeling Tools:

• AutoSprink / HydraTec: Essential for fire sprinkler system hydraulic calculations and design layout. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Navisworks: Required for clash detection, 3D model coordination, and project review.

• Revit: Basic knowledge is required, indicating its use in BIM (Building Information Modeling) workflows and integration with other design disciplines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Crucial for data management, logging pipe updates, head count sheets, and generating reports.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: For presentations to management, clients, and internal teams.

• Potential BI Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, larger companies may use tools like Tableau or Power BI for advanced reporting and dashboarding; understanding these is a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Project Management Software: Likely used for tracking project progress, deadlines, and communication.

• Document Management Systems: For managing permits, submittals, and blueprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on specialized fire protection design software. Mastery of AutoSprink/HydraTec and Navisworks, along with foundational Revit skills, is non-negotiable. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for data management, is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: Given the industry and EMCOR Group's emphasis, a strong commitment to safety protocols and practices is paramount.

• Technical Excellence: A dedication to high-quality, accurate, and compliant fire sprinkler designs.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing client satisfaction through responsive service, effective problem-solving, and reliable project delivery.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Encouraging a supportive environment where team members work together to achieve common goals and share knowledge.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Driving operational efficiency and striving for continuous improvement in design processes and project execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands seamless collaboration with sales, project management, and field operations to ensure project success from bid to completion.

• Technical Guidance & Support: A willingness to share expertise, mentor junior staff, and provide clear technical direction.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication with all stakeholders to anticipate and address potential issues before they escalate.

• Problem-Solving Culture: Fostering an environment where challenges are met with collaborative problem-solving rather than blame.

📝 Enhancement Note: S.A. Comunale, as part of EMCOR Group, likely adheres to a culture that values safety, integrity, technical expertise, and a strong work ethic. The emphasis on "award-winning safety program" and "significant financial strength" suggests a stable, professional, and results-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Remote Teams/Projects: Effectively overseeing design staff and projects located across various regions, potentially requiring strong remote management skills and communication strategies.

• Staying Ahead of Code Changes: Continuously updating knowledge of evolving NFPA guidelines and local building codes across different jurisdictions.

• Balancing Growth with Quality: Ensuring that the drive for increased revenue and project volume does not compromise the quality and compliance of designs.

• Resolving Complex Design Issues: Tackling intricate design problems that may arise from unique building structures, system requirements, or integration with other building systems.

• Resource Allocation: Optimizing the allocation of design staff and resources across multiple projects and locations to meet demanding timelines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced NFPA Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific NFPA standards or emerging code requirements.

• BIM/Revit Specialization: Further developing skills in Building Information Modeling and Revit for more integrated design workflows.

• Management & Leadership Development: Access to training programs focused on leadership, team management, and operational strategy.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend industry events and conferences to network and stay current on best practices and new technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges inherent in managing complex technical operations across a broad geographic scope. The company's commitment to growth provides ample opportunities for professional development and advancement for individuals who can navigate these challenges effectively.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a team of designers across different locations. How do you ensure consistency and quality?" (Focus on communication, performance metrics, remote team management strategies).

• "Walk me through a complex fire sprinkler design project you managed. What were the key challenges, how did you use AutoSprink/HydraTec and Navisworks, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight technical skills, problem-solving, and project lifecycle management).

• "How do you ensure your team stays up-to-date with the latest NFPA guidelines and code changes? Provide specific examples of how you've implemented new requirements." (Demonstrate commitment to compliance and continuous learning).

• "What is your experience with BIM and Revit in fire protection design? How do you see it impacting the future of sprinkler design?" (Showcase forward-thinking and understanding of industry trends). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about S.A. Comunale and EMCOR Group? Why are you interested in working with us?" (Research their website, values, and recent projects).

• "How do you foster a safety-conscious culture within a design team?" (Align with their "award-winning safety program").

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with sales and project management on a difficult project. What was your role, and how did you ensure success?" (Highlight cross-functional collaboration skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Examples: Use the STAR method for case studies. Clearly define the Situation, your Task, the Actions you took (emphasizing software and code knowledge), and the Result (quantify if possible).

• Visual Aids: If possible, prepare visuals (screenshots of designs, flowcharts of processes) to illustrate your points.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your design choices and management decisions contributed to project success, profitability, and client satisfaction.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Expect questions about specific hydraulic calculations, system types, or software functionalities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong blend of technical expertise, leadership capability, and a clear understanding of operational efficiency and compliance within the fire protection industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Fire Sprinkler Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the EMCOR Group careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of sprinkler design experience and 5+ years in management. Specifically mention AutoSprink, HydraTec, Navisworks, Revit, and NFPA guideline knowledge. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., project value managed, team size led, efficiency improvements).

• Prepare Your Portfolio/Examples: Have detailed case studies ready that showcase your design process, software proficiency, problem-solving skills, and management experience. Be prepared to discuss these during an interview.

• Research S.A. Comunale: Understand their company history, services, market presence, and commitment to safety. Formulate thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company culture.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on the STAR method and highlighting your unique qualifications and experience relevant to this specific role.

⚠️ 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.