Fire Sprinkler Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Fire Sprinkler System Design Manager
Company: THE HILLER COMPANIES LLC
Location: San Diego, California, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Engineering & Operations Management
Date Posted: January 19, 2026
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the fire sprinkler system design department to ensure operational excellence and project success.
• Oversee all design projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and in full compliance with industry regulations and client specifications.
• Drive innovation and efficiency in design processes, leveraging CAD software and advanced calculation tools.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing design team, promoting professional development and adherence to company core values.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Fire Sprinkler Design Manager," the core responsibilities and required skills indicate a strong blend of engineering design, project management, and team leadership within the specialized field of fire protection systems. This role is critical for the operational efficiency of the design department and directly impacts project delivery timelines and client satisfaction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and produce detailed fire sprinkler system designs using specialized CAD software, primarily AutoCAD-based platforms.
• Execute comprehensive hydraulic calculations to ensure system effectiveness and compliance with performance standards.
• Interpret and apply relevant NFPA standards (e.g., NFPA 13, 14, 20, 25) to design and layout sprinkler systems based on building type, construction, hazard classification, and architectural features.
• Coordinate sprinkler system piping designs with other building components and trades to prevent conflicts and ensure constructability.
• Review and interpret construction documents, including architectural, electrical, and mechanical drawings, specifications, and contracts.
• Communicate effectively with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), contractors, engineers, and other trades to resolve design issues and ensure project progression.
• Collaborate with team members to accurately list required materials and ensure efficient procurement processes.
• Coordinate with team members for permitting and inspection requirements, ensuring timely submission and approval.
• Actively participate in pre-design, review meetings, and project kick-offs to align design strategies with project goals.
• Uphold and enforce company safety policies and procedures, ensuring all design activities are performed with a focus on safety and professionalism.
• Provide exceptional customer service throughout the design and project lifecycle, fostering strong client relationships.
• Manage design department resources, including personnel, software, and equipment, to optimize productivity and cost-effectiveness.
• Mentor and develop junior designers, providing guidance on technical skills, regulatory compliance, and project management best practices.
• Stay current with industry trends, code changes, and technological advancements in fire sprinkler design and protection.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for both technical design expertise and robust management capabilities. The emphasis on coordinating with various stakeholders (AHJs, contractors, other trades) and interpreting complex construction documents points to a project-management-heavy operational role requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience specifically in fire sprinkler system design.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a leadership or management role.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong understanding and application of industry codes, including IFC, NFPA, IBC, and NEC.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable NFPA standards to system design.
• Skill in reading and interpreting construction documents (drawings, specifications, contracts).
• Proficiency in performing hydraulic calculations.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) for interacting with employees, customers, and regulatory bodies.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities with a results-oriented approach.
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail, emphasizing accuracy and quality.
• Ability to visualize 3D concepts and solve basic mathematical problems, including geometry and algebra.
• Ability to maintain accurate and auditable records.
• Capacity to work effectively in a fast-paced service/construction team environment.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate appropriately.

Preferred Skills:

• NICET Certification (Levels I-II preferred).
• Knowledge of HydraCAD and/or AutoSPRINK software.
• Experience with a variety of fire sprinkler system types and manufacturers.
• Ability to travel as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical design software proficiency (AutoCAD, HydraCAD/AutoSPRINK), deep knowledge of fire protection codes (NFPA, IFC, IBC, NEC), and essential leadership/management competencies. The preference for NICET certification and specific software knowledge suggests a desire for candidates with proven expertise and industry recognition.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 5 years of fire sprinkler system design projects, detailing the scope, complexity, and your specific role.
• Include examples of detailed CAD drawings, hydraulic calculations, and system layouts for diverse building types and hazard classifications.
• Demonstrate your ability to interpret and apply NFPA standards and other relevant codes to solve design challenges.
• Present case studies of projects where you successfully coordinated with other trades, AHJs, or managed permitting and inspection processes.
• Highlight instances of cost-efficient design solutions or process improvements implemented within your previous roles.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you document design workflows, from initial concept to final submission.
• Showcase your approach to managing design revisions and communicating changes to project stakeholders.
• Detail your methods for ensuring quality control and compliance checks throughout the design process.
• Demonstrate your experience in creating material lists and coordinating with procurement or project management teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role, the portfolio should not only showcase design capabilities but also leadership and process management skills. Evidence of managing projects, teams, and ensuring compliance will be crucial. The ability to articulate design processes and demonstrate efficiency improvements will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 - $143,909 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package starting from the first day of employment.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Retirement Plans.
• Company-paid and Voluntary Life Insurance.
• Company-paid Short-Term Disability.
• Voluntary Long-Term Disability.
• Critical Illness Insurance.
• Accident Insurance.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Competitive compensation package with pay advancement opportunities for industry certifications and continuing education.
• Company-provided training, tools, and equipment.
• $150 annual boot allowance for employees required to wear safety boots.
• Career advancement potential within a growing company.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, likely 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime based on project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a management role in fire sprinkler design in a major metropolitan area like San Diego. The comprehensive benefits package, especially the immediate eligibility and inclusion of specialized insurances, is a significant draw for candidates seeking stability and robust support. The mention of pay advancement for certifications highlights the company's commitment to continuous professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fire Protection & Safety Solutions. The Hiller Companies operates within a critical sector focused on safeguarding lives and property through advanced fire suppression and safety systems. This industry demands high levels of technical expertise, adherence to stringent regulations, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Company Size: The Hiller Companies LLC is a large organization with offices across the United States, indicating a well-established structure with significant resources and a broad market reach. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects. Founded: The company has over 100 years of industry experience, signifying stability, deep expertise, and a proven track record in fire protection services. This longevity suggests a culture that values experience, reliability, and long-term client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Design department likely consists of multiple designers, drafters, and project coordinators, reporting to the Design Manager.
• This role involves significant cross-functional collaboration with sales, project management, installation teams, and field technicians.
• The manager will also interact with external stakeholders, including clients, general contractors, architects, engineers, and regulatory officials (AHJs).

Methodology:

• Design processes will be guided by industry standards (NFPA, IFC, IBC, NEC) and company-specific quality control protocols.
• Emphasis on utilizing CAD software for precise design creation and hydraulic calculation tools for system validation.
• Project management methodologies will likely be employed to ensure timely delivery, budget adherence, and effective resource allocation.
• A strong focus on safety protocols and regulatory compliance will be integrated into all design and operational workflows.

Company Website: Hillerfire.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Hiller's long history and broad operational footprint suggest a culture that balances tradition and innovation. The emphasis on "making the world a safer place" as a core mission, coupled with values like "Passion to Perform, Trust to Act, Act Responsibly and Make It Fun," indicates a work environment that values dedication, accountability, and a positive team dynamic.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level management position within the operations and engineering function of a specialized technical services company. It requires a strong foundation in fire sprinkler design principles combined with proven leadership and project oversight capabilities. The scope includes managing a team, overseeing project portfolios, and ensuring departmental efficiency and compliance. Reporting Structure: The Fire Sprinkler Design Manager typically reports to a Director of Engineering, Operations Manager, or a Regional Manager, depending on the company's organizational structure. They will, in turn, manage a team of fire sprinkler designers and potentially drafters. Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role is pivotal in ensuring that Hiller Companies can effectively and efficiently deliver fire protection solutions. Their designs directly influence project costs, installation timelines, system performance, and ultimately, the safety of the end-users. Successful project execution from the design phase leads to increased customer satisfaction, repeat business, and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific fire protection system types, advanced design software, or complex hazard applications.
• Senior Management: Advance to roles such as Director of Engineering, Regional Operations Manager, or VP of Operations, overseeing larger teams and broader geographical areas.
• Project Management: Transition into senior project management roles, focusing on large-scale installations and complex construction projects.
• Business Development: Leverage technical expertise to support sales efforts, client consultations, and new market development.
• Training & Development: Become a lead trainer or subject matter expert within the company, mentoring new hires and developing training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in this field offers significant opportunities for both technical and managerial growth. The company's emphasis on career advancement and providing training suggests a commitment to employee development, making this role attractive for ambitious professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Hiller San Diego office, a location serving the local market. This is an on-site position, requiring regular presence in the office. Office Location(s): 7130 Convoy Court, San Diego, CA 92111. This location is situated in a commercial/industrial area of San Diego, likely with good accessibility to major roadways.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be a professional office environment conducive to focused design work.
• This includes access to specialized CAD workstations, software, and necessary technical documentation.
• Opportunities for collaboration with the local design team, project managers, and sales staff will be readily available.
• The role may also involve occasional site visits to project locations for design verification, client meetings, or to assess existing conditions.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week. However, the nature of design and project management in the construction industry may require flexibility to meet project deadlines, potentially involving occasional overtime or weekend work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is standard for management roles that involve direct team supervision and coordination. The San Diego location offers a strong market for construction and development, providing a steady stream of projects. The mention of occasional travel for site visits indicates a practical, hands-on aspect to the role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications and experience against the job requirements. Be sure to highlight your leadership experience and specific fire sprinkler design accomplishments.
• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve in-depth questions about your fire sprinkler design knowledge, CAD proficiency, hydraulic calculations, and understanding of NFPA and other relevant codes. Expect scenario-based questions testing your problem-solving skills.
• Portfolio Review: Be prepared to present and discuss your design portfolio. Focus on 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and ability to manage complex designs from inception to completion. Highlight the challenges faced and how you overcame them.
• Management & Behavioral Interview: This will assess your leadership style, team management approach, communication skills, and how you align with Hiller's core values. Questions may focus on conflict resolution, delegation, performance management, and customer service.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Regional Manager or Director of Operations) to discuss overall fit, role expectations, and compensation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose projects that showcase a range of system types, complexities, and your leadership impact. Don't overload the reviewer.
• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your designs or management decisions (e.g., reduced material costs, improved design cycle time, successful AHJ approvals).
• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the client's needs, the challenges encountered, your design approach, the solutions implemented, and the positive outcomes.
• Highlight Leadership: For management roles, emphasize how you guided your team, delegated tasks, resolved conflicts, and fostered a positive work environment.
• Code Compliance: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your expertise in applying NFPA and other relevant codes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach a complex design scenario or a situation where multiple trades are in conflict.
• Be ready to explain your process for mentoring junior designers and ensuring quality control within a design team.
• Think about how you would handle a disagreement with an AHJ or a challenging client request.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly evaluate both technical design acumen and management capabilities. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates your contributions and leadership experience will be critical for success. Demonstrating an understanding of Hiller's mission and core values will also be important.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for creating detailed 2D and 3D fire sprinkler system designs. Proficiency is a must.
• HydraCAD / AutoSPRINK: Preferred software for advanced sprinkler system design, including hydraulic calculations, BIM integration, and clash detection. Experience with one or both is highly advantageous.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Crucial for daily operations, including Word for documentation, Excel for data management and calculations, and PowerPoint for presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, the role will likely involve using design software's built-in reporting features for material take-offs, system performance summaries, and project status updates.
• Experience with project management software for tracking progress and resource allocation would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• While direct CRM interaction might be limited for a design manager, understanding how designs feed into the sales and project management processes, which are often CRM-driven, is important.
• Automation within CAD software (e.g., custom scripts, libraries) or hydraulic calculation tools can significantly improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD is a baseline requirement, with specialized fire sprinkler design software like HydraCAD or AutoSPRINK being key differentiators. The ability to leverage these tools for efficient and accurate design, coupled with strong project management capabilities, is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion to Perform: Demonstrates a commitment to delivering high-quality designs and exceeding expectations in project delivery.
• Trust to Act: Implies autonomy and accountability in decision-making within the scope of the design department, fostering initiative.
• Act Responsibly: Emphasizes adherence to safety standards, ethical practices, regulatory compliance, and a commitment to protecting lives and property.
• Make It Fun: Encourages a positive and engaging work environment where teamwork and collaboration are valued, contributing to employee satisfaction and retention.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively collaborates with sales, project management, installation, and service departments to ensure seamless project execution from design to completion.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Maintains open and effective communication channels with clients, AHJs, contractors, and other trades to foster strong working relationships and resolve issues proactively.
• Team Development: Fosters a collaborative environment within the design team, encouraging knowledge sharing, mentorship, and continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated core values provide a clear framework for expected behavior and professional conduct. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how their work style and past experiences align with these values, particularly "Act Responsibly" given the safety-critical nature of fire protection.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Project Demands: Balancing multiple complex design projects with varying deadlines and client expectations.
• Code Evolution: Staying current with constantly evolving NFPA standards and local building codes, and ensuring designs consistently meet these requirements.
• Inter-departmental Coordination: Ensuring seamless communication and collaboration between design, sales, project management, and installation teams to avoid delays and conflicts.
• Technical Problem-Solving: Addressing unique design challenges posed by complex building structures, specific hazards, or integration with other building systems.
• Team Development: Mentoring and motivating a design team, fostering skill development, and managing performance effectively.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Certifications: Pursuing higher levels of NICET certification or specialized training in fire protection engineering.
• New Software Proficiency: Mastering advanced features of HydraCAD/AutoSPRINK or exploring BIM integration tools.
• Leadership Training: Developing management and strategic planning skills through company-provided programs or external courses.
• Industry Conferences: Attending industry events to network, learn about new technologies, and stay abreast of regulatory changes.
• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from senior leadership within The Hiller Companies, fostering career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a management role in a dynamic engineering and construction environment. The company's commitment to training and career advancement provides clear pathways for individuals to overcome these challenges and grow professionally.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a team of fire sprinkler designers. How do you ensure quality and efficiency?" (Focus on delegation, performance management, and process optimization)
• "Walk us through a complex fire sprinkler design project you managed. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Prepare a detailed case study with quantifiable results if possible)
• "How do you stay current with NFPA standards and other relevant building codes? How do you ensure your team does the same?" (Highlight continuous learning and training strategies)
• "Describe a situation where you had to coordinate a sprinkler system design with other building trades. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Emphasize communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration skills)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about The Hiller Companies and our mission?" (Research the company's history, values, and recent projects)
• "How do your personal values align with Hiller's core values: Passion to Perform, Trust to Act, Act Responsibly, Make It Fun?" (Provide specific examples)
• "Describe your experience working with AHJs. How do you approach inspections and permitting processes?" (Demonstrate understanding of regulatory compliance and relationship building)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the project scope, your role, key design elements (drawings, calculations), challenges, solutions, and outcomes.
• Highlight Management: For each project, emphasize your leadership responsibilities, team coordination, and any process improvements you implemented.
• Visuals: Use clear, high-resolution images of drawings and diagrams. Be prepared to verbally explain complex technical aspects concisely.
• Metrics: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., project completion time, cost savings, adherence to budget).
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, problem-solving methodologies, and leadership decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical design skills but also strong leadership, project management, and problem-solving capabilities. Aligning your responses with Hiller's stated values will be crucial for cultural fit assessment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Paycom: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/734EA33D3DF123F40918F4D5399741E5/jobs/318556
• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 5+ years of fire sprinkler design experience and 2+ years of leadership experience. Use keywords from the job description, such as "AutoCAD," "Hydraulic Calculations," "NFPA Standards," and "Team Management."
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of your most relevant fire sprinkler design projects, focusing on those that showcase your technical skills, leadership, and ability to manage projects from start to finish. Be ready to discuss your contributions and the outcomes.
• Research The Hiller Companies: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, core values, services, and recent projects. Understand their commitment to safety and customer service.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and technical questions, focusing on how your experience aligns with the role's responsibilities and Hiller's culture. Practice articulating your portfolio projects clearly and concisely.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions to provide a comprehensive overview. All details should be verified directly with The Hiller Companies LLC during the application and interview process.