Fire Protection Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Fire Protection Design Manager
Company: McKinstry
Location: Portland, Oregon, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Engineering & Design Operations / Construction Operations Management
Date Posted: October 6, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of fire sprinkler designers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the comprehensive design and development of fire sprinkler and fire suppression systems, ensuring adherence to stringent safety codes and project specifications.
• Act as a key technical liaison, coordinating design efforts with project management, sales, field operations, and external stakeholders like architects and engineers.
• Drive efficiency and quality in design processes through the implementation of best practices and advanced technologies like BIM and Revit.
• Contribute to the strategic growth of McKinstry's Fire Protection division by providing design input during the pre-bid phase and managing design labor hour estimates.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges technical design leadership and operational management within the specialized field of fire protection. While not a traditional Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role, it critically impacts project delivery, cost control, and client satisfaction, aligning with GTM success through robust operational execution. The emphasis on code compliance, design integrity, and team development points to a need for strong process management and quality control.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development:
  • Supervise, train, and mentor a team of fire sprinkler designers, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
  • Provide ongoing feedback, create development plans, and assist designers in achieving NICET certifications to enhance team expertise.
  • Assign projects and manage the design team's workload to ensure deadlines are met, tracking project progression and communicating status updates to operations and sales teams.
• Design Oversight & Quality Assurance:
  • Oversee the creation of detailed fire sprinkler and fire suppression system drawings using CAD software (e.g., AutoSprink, HydraCAD, Revit, AutoCAD).
  • Review design drawings, hydraulic calculations, and material submittals to ensure accuracy and compliance with NFPA standards, local codes, and project specifications.
  • Act as the technical design lead for large or complex projects, providing expert guidance on design challenges and solutions.
• Project Coordination & Collaboration:
  • Coordinate design efforts with project managers, sales representatives, field superintendents, architects, and engineers to ensure seamless project execution.
  • Facilitate clear and effective communication channels between the design team and other project stakeholders.
• Process Improvement & Efficiency:
  • Drive continuous improvement of design processes and workflows to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Identify opportunities for automation and leverage technology to streamline design operations.
• Pre-Bid & Estimating Support:
  • Provide input on design labor hour estimates and assist in resource allocation during the pre-bid phase.
  • Offer design suggestions and preliminary calculations to support sales and estimating efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical design leadership and operational management. This includes direct team management, quality control over design outputs, and strategic input into project bidding and resource allocation. The emphasis on code compliance (NFPA, AHJ) and software proficiency (CAD, BIM) is critical for operational success in this specialized field.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Construction Management, Business Management, or equivalent work experience required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in fire sprinkler system design.
• At least 3 years in a leadership or management role, demonstrating the ability to guide and develop a technical team.

Required Skills:

• NICET Certification: NICET Level III or IV in Water-Based Systems Layout is a mandatory requirement.
• Technical Design Proficiency: Strong understanding of hydraulic calculations and relevant NFPA codes (e.g., NFPA 13, 13R, 14, 20).
• CAD & BIM Software: Proficiency with design software, including AutoCAD and specialized programs like HydraCAD. Experience with Revit and BIM (Building Information Modeling) for complex project coordination is essential.
• Code & Standard Knowledge: Strong Knowledge of Applicable codes and standards adopted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
• Leadership & Mentoring: Excellent leadership, mentoring, and team management abilities, with a proven track record of fostering professional growth.
• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills and a solutions-based thought process, with the ability to effectively troubleshoot design challenges.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, crucial for stakeholder management and team coordination.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
• Software Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and cloud-based software systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in teaching or effectively demonstrating design practices.
• General management skills beyond direct team leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stringent requirement for NICET Level III or IV certification underscores the critical need for specialized technical expertise and validated competency in fire protection design. The combination of design software skills, code knowledge, and leadership experience points to a role that requires both technical depth and operational management acumen.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Examples: Showcase a portfolio of complex fire sprinkler and fire suppression system designs, highlighting innovative solutions and adherence to specific client requirements and code standards.
• Hydraulic Calculation Demonstrations: Include examples of detailed hydraulic calculations, explaining the methodology used and the resulting system design parameters.
• BIM/Revit Integration Case Studies: Present case studies demonstrating the effective use of Revit and BIM for clash detection, coordination with other trades, and visualization in complex projects.
• Code Compliance Documentation: Provide evidence of thorough understanding and application of NFPA standards and local AHJ requirements in design documentation.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization Evidence: Demonstrate experience in documenting and improving design workflows to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and shorten project timelines.
• Software Implementation & Training: Detail experience in implementing new design software or training teams on advanced features, showcasing the impact on team productivity and design quality.
• Quality Assurance Processes: Outline methodologies used for reviewing and approving design documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance before submittal.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a traditional "operations portfolio" might focus on CRM optimization or sales process mapping, for this role, the portfolio must heavily feature technical design work. The emphasis should be on showcasing the candidate's ability to manage complex design projects, lead technical teams, and ensure compliance and efficiency through robust design processes and software utilization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $93,600 - $155,230 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness:
  • Competitive pay.
  • Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance with low or zero deductible options and low out-of-pocket maximums.
  • McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers.
• Financial Security & Growth:
  • 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan.
  • Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University.
• Work-Life Balance & Family Support:
  • Paid time off and holidays.
  • Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave.
  • Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance.
  • Transgender inclusive benefits.
  • Commuter benefits.
  • Pet insurance.
• Community Engagement:
  • “Building Good” paid community service time.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, standard business hours, with potential for extended hours during peak project demands. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is broad, indicating that compensation will be highly dependent on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications (especially NICET level and years of leadership), and demonstrated impact. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting McKinstry's "PeopleFirst" philosophy, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being, family support, and professional development, which are attractive to operations professionals seeking a stable and supportive work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Services, Engineering, Construction, and Renewables. McKinstry is focused on innovating the built environment to reduce waste and climate harm, emphasizing sustainability and creating lasting community impact. Company Size: McKinstry is a significant player in its industry, likely employing hundreds to thousands of individuals across various locations. This size suggests a structured organization with established processes but also opportunities for impact. Founded: McKinstry was founded in 1960, indicating a long-standing history and deep experience in its core businesses, fostering a culture of stability, expertise, and continuous evolution.

Team Structure:

• The Fire Protection division is a key component of McKinstry's broader operations.
• The Design Manager will lead a team of fire sprinkler designers, reporting likely to a Director of Fire Protection or a senior operations leader within the relevant business unit.
• This role requires significant cross-functional collaboration with Project Managers, Sales, Estimating, Field Superintendents, Architects, and Engineers.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on accurate hydraulic calculations and adherence to codes to ensure system effectiveness and safety.
• Process Optimization: A commitment to continuous improvement in design processes and workflows for enhanced efficiency and quality.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Working closely with internal and external stakeholders to resolve design challenges and ensure project success.
• Sustainability Focus: Integrating sustainable practices and innovative solutions within the built environment is a core company value.

Company Website: https://www.mckinstry.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: McKinstry's mission to "innovate the waste and climate harm out of the built environment" suggests a company culture that values forward-thinking, sustainability, and social responsibility. For operations professionals, this translates to working within a purpose-driven organization that is likely to embrace efficiency, smart resource utilization, and technological advancement. The "PeopleFirst" approach indicates a strong focus on employee development and well-being.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into management within a specialized technical field. It is an experienced-level position requiring both deep technical knowledge and proven leadership capabilities. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or VP of Operations/Fire Protection, overseeing a team of designers. This position acts as a key link between technical design execution and broader operational strategy. Operations Impact: The effectiveness of the Fire Protection Design Manager directly impacts project profitability, client satisfaction, risk mitigation (through compliance), and the successful delivery of McKinstry's building services. Efficient and accurate designs are foundational to successful project execution and revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced fire protection systems, emerging codes, and new design technologies.
• Leadership Advancement: Progress into roles like Director of Fire Protection, VP of Operations, or broader management positions within McKinstry's diversified business units.
• Process & Systems Development: Lead initiatives to enhance design operations, implement new software solutions, or develop standardized design methodologies across the organization.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Gain exposure to other areas of the business, such as project management, business development, or sustainability initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within McKinstry, particularly for individuals looking to blend technical expertise with operational leadership. The company's emphasis on "McKinstry University" and learning opportunities suggests a structured approach to employee development, which is highly valuable for operations professionals aiming for long-term career growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based at McKinstry's Portland, OR office. The environment is likely a blend of professional office space for design and management tasks, with opportunities for interaction with other departments. Office Location(s): The role is specifically located at 16790 NE Mason St, Suite 200, Portland, OR 97230. This location is within the Portland metropolitan area, offering standard urban amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting will facilitate collaboration with design teams, project managers, and sales personnel.
• Technology-Enabled Workspace: Access to necessary design software (AutoCAD, Revit, HydraCAD), computing resources, and standard office technology is expected.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with a broad spectrum of McKinstry professionals, fostering a dynamic and interconnected work atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (40 hours/week) are expected.
• Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, client needs, or team coordination requirements, characteristic of project-driven environments in construction and engineering operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role, the emphasis is on the structured environment of a professional office, supporting collaboration and direct team management. The mention of "McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers" suggests a company that invests in employee well-being, even for its on-site staff.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and qualifications, focusing on NICET certification, years of experience, and leadership background.
• Technical & Behavioral Interview: Discussion of technical expertise in fire protection design, code knowledge, and software proficiency. Behavioral questions will assess leadership style, problem-solving approach, and team management capabilities.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to review the candidate's portfolio, evaluating the complexity, quality, and impact of past design projects. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their specific role, challenges faced, and solutions implemented.
• Management/Leadership Interview: Focus on strategic thinking, team development philosophy, process improvement initiatives, and how the candidate aligns with McKinstry's values and operational goals.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit and long-term career aspirations within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 of your most impactful and relevant projects that showcase your design skills, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
• Quantify Impact: For each project, highlight key metrics such as design time savings, cost efficiencies achieved, successful code compliance, or team development outcomes.
• Detail Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, challenges encountered, and the methodologies you employed.
• Demonstrate Process Improvement: If applicable, showcase examples where you improved design workflows, implemented new technologies, or mentored team members to enhance their skills.
• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Expect questions on specific design scenarios, code interpretations, and software functionalities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge or problem-solving scenario related to fire protection systems, requiring you to outline your approach.
• Process Improvement Proposal: You might be asked to propose improvements to existing design processes or workflows.
• Leadership Scenario: Expect questions about how you would handle specific team management situations, such as conflict resolution or performance development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenges indicates that McKinstry values practical demonstration of skills and experience over theoretical knowledge alone. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process, leadership philosophy, and quantifiable achievements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• AutoCAD: Core software for 2D drafting and design.
• HydraCAD: Specialized software for fire sprinkler system design, including hydraulic calculations and layout.
• Revit / BIM: Essential for Building Information Modeling, enabling 3D design, clash detection, and coordination with other building systems.
• AutoSprink: Another specialized fire protection design software that may be used.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Excel for data analysis, calculations, and reporting is expected.
• Cloud-Based Software Systems: McKinstry likely utilizes various cloud platforms for project management, document sharing, and collaboration.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM, understanding how design inputs feed into project management and sales systems is beneficial.
• Automation within design software (e.g., automated drawing generation, calculation engines) is a key area of focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with industry-standard fire protection design software, particularly HydraCAD and Revit/BIM, is non-negotiable. The ability to leverage these tools for efficient and accurate design, as well as for cross-functional coordination, is critical for operational success.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Safety: Upholding the highest standards of fire life safety and ethical conduct in all design and management activities.
• Innovation & Purpose: Driving innovation in the built environment to address climate harm and building a thriving planet together.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where team members contribute to shared goals and professional growth.
• Excellence & Continuous Improvement: Striving for excellence in design quality, process efficiency, and personal development.
• Client Focus: Delivering exceptional value and service to clients through reliable and effective fire protection solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with project management, sales, estimating, and field teams to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Actively mentoring junior designers and fostering an environment where knowledge and best practices are shared freely.
• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and transparent communication with all stakeholders, addressing concerns and providing timely updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: McKinstry's emphasis on "PeopleFirst," "Building Good," and its mission-driven approach suggests a culture that values employee well-being, community impact, and a shared commitment to sustainability. Operations professionals in this environment are likely to find a supportive culture that encourages collaboration and personal growth alongside business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Demands with Leadership: Effectively managing design staff and project workloads while maintaining personal technical expertise and oversight.
• Navigating Evolving Codes & Technology: Staying abreast of frequent updates to NFPA standards, local codes, and advancements in design software and BIM technologies.
• Managing Diverse Project Needs: Handling a portfolio of projects with varying complexities, client requirements, and deadlines.
• Fostering Team Development: Continuously motivating and developing a team of designers, particularly in supporting their NICET certification goals.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Certifications: Pursuing further NICET levels or specialized certifications in fire protection engineering.
• Leadership Training: Leveraging McKinstry University for formal leadership development programs.
• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Participating in events focused on fire protection, building codes, and construction technology.
• Mentorship: Being mentored by senior leaders within McKinstry or serving as a mentor to emerging talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex technical and managerial challenges, directly contributing to McKinstry's mission. The company's investment in learning and development provides a structured framework for continuous growth, essential for operations professionals seeking to expand their skill sets and career horizons.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Methodology: "Describe your approach to managing fire protection design projects from inception to completion. How do you ensure accuracy and compliance with codes?" (Focus on process, quality control, and stakeholder communication).
• Leadership Philosophy: "How do you motivate and develop a team of technical professionals? Provide an example of how you've mentored a designer to achieve a significant professional goal." (Highlight leadership style, team building, and development strategies).
• Problem-Solving & Innovation: "Walk me through a complex fire protection design challenge you faced and how you resolved it. Did you implement any innovative solutions or process improvements?" (Showcase critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a solutions-oriented mindset).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Alignment with Mission: "How does McKinstry's mission to 'build a thriving planet' resonate with your professional goals and values?" (Demonstrate understanding and alignment with company purpose).
• Team Collaboration: "Describe your ideal collaborative environment for a design team. How do you foster effective communication with other departments like sales and field operations?" (Assess team dynamics and cross-functional collaboration skills).
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design team and its contribution to project profitability and client satisfaction?" (Focus on metrics, operational efficiency, and business impact).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling with Data: Structure your portfolio presentation around compelling narratives for each key project, using data and visuals to illustrate challenges, solutions, and outcomes.
• Quantify Achievements: Clearly present metrics related to design efficiency, cost savings, compliance adherence, and team performance improvements.
• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical intricacies of your designs, code interpretations, and software applications.
• Highlight Leadership Impact: Showcase how your leadership influenced team performance, project success, and the development of design staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating your experience through the lens of operational efficiency, technical leadership, and team development. Be ready to provide specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex projects, ensure compliance, and drive continuous improvement within a design operations context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Fire Protection Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the McKinstry careers portal.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your NICET certification, years of experience in fire sprinkler design and leadership, proficiency with specific design software (AutoCAD, HydraCAD, Revit/BIM), and your understanding of NFPA codes and AHJ requirements. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing 3-5 of your most impactful fire protection design projects. Include examples of hydraulic calculations, BIM integration, and any process improvements you've implemented. Be ready to discuss these in detail.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions related to leadership, team management, problem-solving, and technical design challenges. Practice articulating your approach to code compliance and process efficiency.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with McKinstry's mission, values, and recent projects, especially within their fire protection division. Understand their commitment to sustainability and community impact.

⚠️ 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.