Fire Sprinkler Service Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Fire Sprinkler Service Designer

Company: WAYNE AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRINKLERS INC

Location: Concord, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations - GTM/Sales Support, Operations - Project Management

Date Posted: April 14, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Manage the end-to-end design and submittal process for fire sprinkler systems, ensuring compliance with all relevant codes and standards.

• Execute hydraulic calculations and system layouts using specialized software to optimize cost-effectiveness and performance.

• Collaborate with internal teams, external trades, and authorities to ensure seamless project coordination and timely permit acquisition.

• Maintain accurate project documentation and generate precise stock lists to support efficient procurement and installation.

• Provide technical support to field personnel and sales teams, contributing to project success and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges technical design with project management and GTM support, requiring a blend of engineering acumen, operational efficiency, and client-facing communication skills. The emphasis on "Service Designer" implies a focus on client needs and system optimization post-sale.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and draw comprehensive fire sprinkler systems, including underground and overhead piping, pumps, standpipes, and tanks, utilizing AutoCAD 2024 or later and Hydratec.

• Perform hydraulic calculations for all projects using the Hydratec calculation program, ensuring code compliance and cost-effective sizing.

• Conduct field surveys to verify structural elements, confirm code compliance for sprinkler spacing, and identify potential design challenges.

• Schedule and attend project coordination meetings with other trades, meticulously documenting all resulting coordination efforts and design adjustments.

• Submit drawings, calculations, and material submittal data to appropriate authorities (building/fire departments) and other stakeholders (contractors, insurance, owners) in a timely manner to secure necessary permits and approvals.

• Follow up on submittals with jurisdictions and Permit Coordinators to ensure permits are secured before the scheduled installation start dates.

• Accurately produce and submit purchasing stock lists to the Purchasing department to prevent installation delays.

• Maintain individual job status reports, tracking project progress and communicating workload and scheduling updates to supervisors.

• Communicate with and assist field personnel on design-related job issues, responsible for making corrections to working plans and completing final as-built drawings.

• Maintain proper project documentation using the paperless system, archiving project documents in accordance with company policies.

• Coordinate with the WAFS QA design review team to facilitate timely reviews without impeding project progress.

• Assist the sales team in procuring necessary AutoCAD drawings as time permits.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the fire sprinkler design and project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for meticulous attention to detail in design, a strong understanding of regulatory compliance, and proactive project management to ensure project timelines and budgets are met. The "paperless system" and "QA design review" indicate a structured, process-driven environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of direct fire sprinkler design experience.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in AutoCAD 2024 or later for technical drawing and design.

• Demonstrated experience with the Hydratec third-party application for AutoCAD.

• Solid understanding and application of NFPA codes and applicable Building Codes relevant to fire sprinkler systems.

• Strong mathematical skills essential for accurate hydraulic calculations.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficient use of computers, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook for communication and data management.

• Excellent professional verbal and written communication skills for effective stakeholder interaction.

• Superior organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.

Preferred Skills:

• REVIT experience is a strong advantage for advanced modeling and coordination.

• Field experience in fire sprinkler installation or service.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of NICET certification, specific software proficiencies (AutoCAD, Hydratec), and code knowledge points to a role that requires both technical expertise and regulatory awareness. The emphasis on managing multiple projects and strong communication skills suggests a need for robust organizational and interpersonal capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct fire sprinkler system design projects, demonstrating a range of complexity and system types (e.g., wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action).

• Include examples of AutoCAD drawings (layouts, schematics) and corresponding hydraulic calculations performed using Hydratec or similar software.

• Present documentation of project coordination efforts, such as meeting minutes or RFI responses related to design integration with other trades.

• Demonstrate experience in preparing and submitting project documentation packages to authorities for permit approval.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of systematic approaches to design workflow, from initial survey and schematic development to final submittals and as-built documentation.

• Illustrate understanding of code compliance processes, including how NFPA and building codes are integrated into the design and review phases.

• Showcase experience with electronic documentation and archiving systems, highlighting practices for maintaining organized and accessible project records.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio will be critical for demonstrating practical application of design skills, code knowledge, and project management capabilities. The emphasis on "paperless system" and "QA design review" suggests a need for candidates to highlight their experience with structured digital workflows and quality assurance processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Annual Salary: $60,000 - $85,000 USD.

Benefits:

• Performance Incentive Pay (PIPs): Performance-based bonuses tied to individual work, branch, and department performance.

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Eligible team members are employee-owners, sharing in the company's long-term growth and success.

• Weekly Pay: Regular and predictable salary disbursement.

• 401(k) Plan: With a company match based on profits, offering a strong retirement savings vehicle.

• Comprehensive Insurance: Excellent medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance plans.

• Paid Time Off & Holidays: Generous allocation for work-life balance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for employees and their families.

• General Motors Vehicle Discount Program: Exclusive discounts for WAFS employees.

• Home Fire Sprinkler System Discounts: Benefits for employees on company-provided services.

• Training & Development: Access to "Wayne Academy" and ongoing training opportunities for continuous skill enhancement.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday.

• While the role is primarily on-site, the company culture and technology may allow for some flexibility in work schedule management, provided project deadlines and coordination meetings are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The ESOP structure is a significant differentiator, offering employees a direct stake in the company's success. The combination of performance incentives and robust benefits provides a compelling total compensation package. The salary range is an estimate based on typical operations roles with similar requirements in the region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fire Protection / Construction Services

Company Size: 250-500 Employees (Estimated based on 7 branches across FL and NC)

Founded: Over 47 years ago, indicating a legacy of experience and stability in the life-saving industry.

Team Structure:

• The Design team likely operates within a larger Engineering or Project Management department, supporting field installation crews.

• Reporting structure typically involves a Design Manager or Project Manager overseeing a team of Designers and Drafters.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing hydraulic calculations and code requirements to inform design decisions and ensure optimal system performance.

• Process Optimization: Emphasis on efficient workflow from design inception to submittal, aiming to reduce project timelines and material costs through accurate planning and coordination.

• Automation & Efficiency: Leveraging specialized software like AutoCAD and Hydratec to automate repetitive tasks, improve drawing accuracy, and streamline calculation processes.

Company Website: www.waynefire.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history, family business core, and ESOP structure suggest a culture that values long-term relationships, employee well-being, and shared success. The "life-saving industry" aspect implies a strong emphasis on quality, reliability, and meticulous execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an experienced technical specialist position within the operations and project delivery side of the business. It requires a solid foundation in fire protection design principles and a proven ability to manage project-specific design tasks independently.

Reporting Structure:

• Typically reports to a Design Manager or Senior Project Manager, who oversees multiple projects and provides guidance on complex design challenges and client interactions.

Operations Impact:

• The Fire Sprinkler Service Designer directly impacts project profitability through cost-effective design, efficient material ordering, and timely permit acquisition.

• Accurate designs and seamless coordination minimize installation delays, rework, and potential safety incidents, contributing to client satisfaction and repeat business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Designer/Lead Designer: Advancement to lead complex projects, mentor junior designers, and take on more significant design challenges.

• Project Management: Transition into a Project Manager role, taking full responsibility for project execution, client relationships, and overall profitability.

• Sales Engineering/Estimating: Leverage design expertise to support the sales team in bidding and proposal development.

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific types of fire protection systems or advanced design technologies (e.g., BIM, Revit integration).

• Management: Potential to move into management roles overseeing design teams or departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth within Wayne Automatic appears to be focused on increasing technical responsibility, project scope, or moving into leadership and client-facing roles, leveraging the company's commitment to internal promotion and training.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an on-site role, likely operating from one of the company's branch offices. This environment supports direct collaboration with design teams, project managers, and potentially sales personnel.

Office Location(s): Concord, North Carolina (4370 MOTORSPORTS DR SW, Concord, NC 28027).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close interaction with other designers, project coordinators, and potentially field staff. Team-based problem-solving and knowledge sharing are likely encouraged.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art technology and tools, including advanced CAD workstations, specialized design software (AutoCAD, Hydratec), and potentially paperless documentation systems.

• Operations Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to connect with colleagues during design reviews, project meetings, and informal discussions to tackle technical challenges.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours (e.g., 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday-Friday) are expected, with 40 hours per week.

• The ability to manage frequent schedule changes and unexpected events is noted, suggesting a dynamic work environment where flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles involving complex technical design and direct team collaboration. The Concord office will serve as the primary hub for this designer's activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess minimum qualifications (experience, NICET Level I).

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: A key stage will involve presenting and discussing your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 1-2 of your most relevant projects, explaining your design process, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the impact of your work.

• Technical Interview: Questions focusing on AutoCAD proficiency, Hydratec usage, NFPA/building code knowledge, hydraulic calculations, and problem-solving scenarios.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions assessing your ability to manage multiple projects, communicate with stakeholders, work in a team, and handle stress in a deadline-driven environment.

• Meet the Team/Manager: Opportunity to interact with potential colleagues and supervisors to assess cultural fit and discuss team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose projects that best showcase your design skills, code compliance knowledge, and project management capabilities.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your designs (e.g., cost savings achieved through efficient sizing, reduction in installation time due to clear coordination).

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design workflow, from initial survey to final documentation, emphasizing how you ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Explain Technical Choices: Be ready to justify your design decisions, software usage, and code interpretations.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Show examples of how you've worked with other trades or field personnel to resolve design conflicts.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions where you might be asked to troubleshoot a design issue, optimize a system for cost, or explain a complex code requirement.

• Practice explaining your thought process clearly and concisely, as if you were presenting to a client or a senior engineer.

• Review key NFPA standards (e.g., NFPA 13) and common building code requirements related to fire sprinkler systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is highlighted as a critical component. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also articulate the "why" and "how" behind their design decisions and project management approaches.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD 2024 (or later): Essential for creating detailed fire sprinkler system drawings, including piping layouts, component placement, and system schematics. Proficiency implies creating accurate, layered drawings suitable for submittal.

• Hydratec: A third-party application integrated with AutoCAD, specifically designed for fire sprinkler system design, including hydraulic calculations and component management. Expertise here is crucial for efficient and compliant design.

• REVIT (Preferred): While not strictly required, experience with REVIT offers an advantage for Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows, enabling better clash detection and coordination in 3D environments.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Used for managing stock lists, tracking job status, performing preliminary calculations, and generating reports.

• Custom Job Status Reports: The role requires maintaining individual job status reports, indicating a need for organized tracking and reporting methodologies.

CRM & Automation:

• Paperless System: The company utilizes a paperless system for documentation and archiving, emphasizing digital workflow management and record-keeping.

• Microsoft Outlook: For professional communication, scheduling meetings, and managing project correspondence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of AutoCAD and Hydratec is non-negotiable. Familiarity with REVIT is a significant plus, indicating a forward-thinking approach to design and coordination. The reliance on a "paperless system" underscores the importance of digital organization and workflow management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Life-Saving Mission: A core value rooted in the company's industry, fostering a commitment to quality, safety, and precision in all design and operational aspects.

• Family & Ownership: As a family business and an ESOP company, values likely include teamwork, mutual respect, long-term commitment, and a shared sense of responsibility for the company's success.

• Continuous Growth: Emphasis on career development and learning, encouraging employees to expand their skills and take on new challenges.

• Efficiency & Accuracy: Driven by the need for cost-effective solutions and code compliance, operations professionals are expected to be detail-oriented and process-driven.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers must effectively collaborate with sales, purchasing, field teams, and external regulatory bodies to ensure seamless project execution.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that likely encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes to drive continuous improvement and maintain quality standards.

• Knowledge Sharing: With "Wayne Academy" and internal training, there's an implied value placed on sharing expertise and best practices within the operations and design teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of a life-saving mission, family-oriented culture, and employee ownership creates a unique environment where technical excellence is paired with a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Cost and Compliance: Ensuring designs are both cost-effective for the client and company, while strictly adhering to complex and evolving NFPA and building codes.

• Coordination Complexity: Effectively coordinating intricate piping layouts with other building systems (HVAC, electrical, structural) within tight project timelines and often in challenging site conditions.

• Dynamic Project Scope: Adapting to frequent schedule changes, unexpected site conditions, and client-driven modifications while maintaining design integrity and project momentum.

• Technology Evolution: Staying current with advancements in design software (e.g., BIM, REVIT) and fire protection technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in AutoCAD, Hydratec, and potentially gain proficiency in REVIT.

• NICET Certification Advancement: Support for pursuing higher levels of NICET certification, which signifies increased expertise and professional recognition.

• Code Updates & Seminars: Access to training and resources on the latest NFPA standards and building code changes.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced senior designers and project managers within the organization.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Opportunities to learn about aspects of sales, project management, and field operations to gain a holistic understanding of the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to the fire protection design field, requiring adaptability and problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing technical proficiency and expanding career horizons within the company's structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a tight project budget with strict code requirements for a fire sprinkler system. How did you approach it?" (Focus on cost-optimization strategies within compliance).

• "Walk me through your process for coordinating a sprinkler design with other trades, such as HVAC and structural engineers. What tools or methods do you use?" (Highlight collaboration and documentation).

• "How do you ensure the accuracy of your hydraulic calculations and stock lists?" (Emphasize attention to detail and verification processes).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers, particularly our ESOP structure?" (Show you’ve researched the company and value its unique aspects).

• "How do you contribute to a team environment, especially when working on complex, deadline-driven projects?" (Align your teamwork style with the company's family-oriented culture).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation: Start with an overview of your role and responsibilities, then dive into 1-2 key projects.

• Project Deep Dive: For each project, explain the scope, your specific contributions, the design challenges, the solutions you implemented, and the outcomes (e.g., project completion on time, cost savings, successful permit approval).

• Quantify results: Use numbers and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate impact.

• Highlight technical skills: Clearly show your proficiency with AutoCAD, Hydratec, and your understanding of codes.

• Be prepared for questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, problem-solving approaches, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be assessing not only technical competence but also your ability to integrate into the company's culture, manage projects efficiently, and contribute to the overall success of the team and company.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Fire Sprinkler Service Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Paycom link: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/2F554E62B4F7831AE68D7765FB6DE314/jobs/264526

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience with AutoCAD, Hydratec, NFPA codes, and hydraulic calculations. Focus on projects that demonstrate effective project management from design to submittal.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your NICET Level I certification and any relevant field experience. Use keywords from the job description to align with ATS requirements.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with project coordination. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to teamwork, managing deadlines, and handling unexpected situations.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers, Inc., its history, its ESOP structure, and its commitment to a life-saving industry. Understand their values and how your contributions align with their mission.

⚠️ 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.