Sprinkler Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sprinkler Design Manager

Company: Fire Fighter Sales & Service Co.

Location: Warrendale, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Construction Management

Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of sprinkler designers to ensure timely and accurate project deliverables, including field installation drawings and fabrication lists, directly impacting project execution efficiency.

• Oversee the coordination of design workload with Sales and Project Management teams, ensuring seamless integration of design timelines with overall project schedules to enhance GTM (Go-To-Market) readiness for projects.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to the design team on code compliance (NFPA) and effective design strategies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within the operations function.

• Drive the preparation of fire sprinkler drawings and hydraulic calculations, ensuring accuracy and effectiveness for client approval and subsequent construction phases, crucial for operational success.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for ensuring the operational efficiency of project delivery within the fire protection sector. The "Manager" title, combined with responsibilities like leading a team, managing schedules, and coordinating with Sales and Project Management, clearly places this position within a GTM (Go-To-Market) operations framework, focusing on sales enablement and efficient project execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage the sprinkler design team, fostering a high-performance environment focused on accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to industry standards.

• Strategically plan and assign project workloads to the design team, ensuring optimal resource allocation and timely completion of all design-related tasks.

• Collaborate closely with the Sales Team to understand project pipelines and client needs, and with the Project Management Team to align design delivery with project milestones and construction schedules.

• Provide expert technical assistance and guidance to the design team on complex code interpretations (NFPA) and innovative design strategies to overcome project challenges.

• Directly contribute to the design effort by preparing fire sprinkler drawings and performing hydraulic calculations, ensuring compliance with all relevant codes and project specifications.

• Oversee the accurate generation of material stock listings based on approved drawings and requisition necessary materials, ensuring efficient supply chain management for project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of team leadership, strategic planning, technical expertise, and operational execution. The coordination with Sales and Project Management highlights its role in the broader GTM strategy, ensuring that design capabilities directly support sales efforts and project delivery timelines.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Design, Engineering, or a related field.

• Alternatively, a minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in sprinkler system design.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in sprinkler system design, with a proven track record of managing design projects and teams.

• Demonstrated experience in leading and mentoring technical teams, fostering collaboration, and driving performance.

Required Skills:

• AutoCAD Proficiency: Expert-level skills in using AutoCAD for creating detailed fire sprinkler system drawings.

• NFPA Codes Mastery: Comprehensive understanding and practical application of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes relevant to fire sprinkler system design.

• Hydraulic Piping Calculations: Strong working knowledge and ability to perform complex hydraulic calculations to ensure system effectiveness.

• Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead, manage, and motivate a team of designers, delegate tasks, and oversee project execution.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Understanding of project timelines, resource allocation, and coordination with cross-functional teams (Sales, Project Management).

Preferred Skills:

• HydraCAD/Autosprink Expertise: Familiarity or proficiency with specialized sprinkler design software like HydraCAD and/or Autosprink, enhancing design efficiency and capability.

• NICET Certification: NICET Level 3 or 4 certification in sprinkler design is highly preferred, indicating advanced expertise and industry recognition.

• Analytical & Mathematical Aptitude: Strong problem-solving skills, with a solid foundation in mathematics and analytical reasoning for complex design challenges.

• Organizational Skills: Excellent ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and maintain meticulous records.

• Self-Starter Mentality: Ability to operate independently, take initiative, and drive projects forward with minimal supervision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on NICET certification and specific software like HydraCAD/Autosprink indicates a need for highly specialized operational expertise. The combination of technical skills and leadership responsibilities suggests this role is crucial for the company's operational capacity in delivering compliant and efficient fire protection solutions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Showcase: A portfolio demonstrating successful completion of diverse fire sprinkler design projects, highlighting complexity and scale.

• Technical Drawings & Calculations: Examples of detailed construction drawings, hydraulic calculations, and fabrication lists produced by the candidate or their team.

• Code Compliance Documentation: Evidence of how NFPA codes and other relevant standards were incorporated and maintained throughout the design process.

• System Implementation Examples: Case studies or examples illustrating the successful implementation of sprinkler systems designed, showcasing the link between design and field execution.

• Material Management: Documentation or examples showing the process of creating accurate material stock lists and requisitions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase of established workflows for sprinkler design, from initial concept to final drawing submission, with examples of how these processes have been optimized for efficiency and accuracy.

• Team Management Protocols: Documentation outlining strategies for assigning tasks, managing team schedules, and fostering collaboration within the design department.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Frameworks: Examples of how the design team has successfully integrated its processes with Sales and Project Management to ensure project alignment and timely delivery.

• Quality Assurance & Review: Evidence of processes in place for reviewing designs, performing calculations, and ensuring adherence to codes and project specifications before submission.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role focused on operational delivery, a portfolio should emphasize not just the technical output but also the candidate's ability to manage processes, lead teams, and ensure efficiency and compliance. This aligns with GTM operations' focus on scalable and repeatable processes that drive successful project execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Sprinkler Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience, NICET Level 2/3/4 certification, and leadership responsibilities in the Warrendale, PA area, the estimated annual salary range is $90,000 - $125,000. This estimate accounts for the specialized technical skills, management duties, and the cost of living in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

• Methodology: This estimate is derived from analyzing salary data for similar roles (e.g., Fire Protection Engineer, Engineering Manager, Design Manager) in the construction and engineering sectors within Pennsylvania and the broader Northeast region, utilizing data from industry salary surveys and professional networking platforms.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company matching contributions to support long-term financial security.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, NICET certification support, and attendance at industry conferences to foster career growth.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance and long-term disability coverage for added financial protection.

• Per Diem & Travel Reimbursement: For the up to 25% travel required, including coverage for customer facilities and field sites.

Working Hours:

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

• Office hours are primarily during the day, with potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines and ensure operational continuity.

• Flexibility may be offered for managing team schedules and project demands, but the role requires consistent on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate. A candidate should be prepared to discuss their salary expectations based on their specific experience, certifications, and the value they bring to the role. The benefits package is typical for a full-time engineering management position in the US construction sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fire Protection Systems / Building & Construction. Fire Fighter Sales and Service Co. operates within a critical sector focused on safety and compliance. The company's work directly impacts public safety and property protection, requiring a high degree of responsibility and attention to detail.

Company Size: The provided information does not specify company size, but "Fire Fighter Sales & Service Co." suggests a potentially established business with a focused operational footprint.

Founded: The founding date is not specified.

Team Structure:

• Design Department: This role directly leads a team of sprinkler designers. The size of this team is not specified but will likely range from a few individuals to a larger group depending on the company's project volume.

• Reporting Structure: The Sprinkler Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Operations, Engineering Director, or a senior executive overseeing project delivery.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires significant collaboration with the Sales Team (to understand project pipelines and client needs) and the Project Management Team (to align design schedules with project timelines and execution). This integration is key to the company's GTM operations.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using accurate data and calculations (hydraulic, material) to inform design decisions and ensure project success.

• Process Optimization: Continuous effort to refine design workflows, improve efficiency, and reduce errors through structured processes and team management.

• Compliance-Focused Operations: A core methodology revolving around strict adherence to NFPA codes and industry best practices to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Company Website: firefighter-pgh.com (derived from domain)

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the company's specific market position within fire protection (e.g., new installations, retrofits, service and maintenance) would further inform the operational context of this role. The emphasis on collaboration with Sales and Project Management is a strong indicator of its GTM operations alignment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is a mid-to-senior level management role. It requires a blend of technical expertise in fire sprinkler design and leadership capabilities to manage a team and influence project execution. The responsibilities extend beyond individual contribution to encompass team performance and operational efficiency.

Reporting Structure: The Sprinkler Design Manager reports to a higher-level operations or engineering executive, indicating a key operational role within the organization's project delivery framework. Collaboration with Sales and Project Management underscores its integrated position in the GTM process.

Operations Impact: The Sprinkler Design Manager has a direct and significant impact on the company's operational success by:

• Ensuring the timely and accurate delivery of design packages, which are critical for project commencement and avoiding delays.

• Optimizing design processes to reduce costs associated with materials, labor, and potential rework.

• Maintaining high standards of code compliance, mitigating risks of project rejection, fines, or safety incidents.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Management: Potential to advance to roles such as Director of Engineering, Director of Operations, or VP of Project Delivery, overseeing larger teams and broader operational functions.

• Specialized Expertise: Deepen expertise in specific areas of fire protection design, potentially leading to roles as a subject matter expert or consultant.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Opportunity to spearhead initiatives for enhancing operational workflows, implementing new technologies, and driving efficiency across the organization.

• Business Development Support: Contribute to strategic planning by providing insights into design capabilities, project feasibility, and resource needs that inform business development efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within operations management, particularly in specialized technical industries. The emphasis on process, efficiency, and cross-functional collaboration aligns with the evolving demands of GTM operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an office environment located at the Warrendale, PA facility. This suggests a professional setting conducive to focused design work, team meetings, and administrative tasks.

Office Location(s): The primary office is in Warrendale, PA (791 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15086). Travel of up to 25% is expected.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates interaction with the design team, sales personnel, and project managers, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (AutoCAD, potentially HydraCAD/Autosprink), calculation tools, and office technology is expected.

• Field Exposure: The 25% travel requirement means the role involves working offsite at customer facilities and field sites, which can vary in conditions (clean/unclean, hot/cold) and require adherence to safety protocols.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time, Monday through Friday, day shift.

• The role may occasionally require extended hours or weekend work to meet critical project deadlines, typical for management positions in project-driven industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of office-based leadership and offsite field work is common in operational management roles within construction and engineering. Candidates should be prepared for both the structured office environment and the more dynamic conditions encountered during site visits.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's technical and leadership requirements.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on your expertise in fire sprinkler design, NFPA codes, hydraulic calculations, and proficiency with relevant software (AutoCAD, HydraCAD/Autosprink). Expect questions probing your problem-solving approach to design challenges.

• Management & Leadership Interview: Assessment of your team leadership style, experience in managing design teams, scheduling, and conflict resolution. Questions may explore how you foster collaboration and drive performance.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Discussion: Evaluation of your ability to work effectively with Sales and Project Management teams, understanding how design integrates into the broader GTM and project delivery lifecycle.

• Final Interview: Opportunity to meet with senior leadership to discuss company culture, long-term vision, and ensure a strong mutual fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership Impact: Showcase projects where you led a team, managed design processes, and achieved successful outcomes. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., improved efficiency by X%, reduced design errors by Y%).

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Include examples of complex drawings, detailed hydraulic calculations, and material lists. Clearly explain the design rationale and any unique challenges overcome.

• Emphasize Code Compliance: Detail how NFPA codes were interpreted and applied. Show examples of documentation that prove compliance.

• Process Efficiency: If possible, include documentation or case studies that illustrate how you've optimized design workflows, improved team productivity, or streamlined the material requisition process.

• Tailor to the Role: Focus on aspects of your experience most relevant to managing a design team within a sales and project management context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You may be presented with a hypothetical design scenario and asked to outline your approach, key considerations, and potential challenges. Focus on your methodology, code application, and problem-solving skills.

• Team Management Scenario: Be prepared for questions about how you would handle team conflicts, manage underperforming team members, or prioritize competing project demands.

• Code Interpretation: You might be asked to interpret a specific NFPA code section and explain its practical application in a design context.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio that demonstrates not only technical skill but also leadership, process management, and GTM integration is crucial for this role. Preparing specific examples for interview scenarios will significantly enhance your application.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for creating detailed 2D and 3D fire sprinkler system designs. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• HydraCAD / Autosprink: Highly desirable software for specialized sprinkler system design, offering advanced features for modeling, calculations, and coordination. Familiarity or expertise will be a significant advantage.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard office productivity tools, including Word for documentation, Excel for data analysis and basic calculations, and PowerPoint for presentations.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with project management tools used by the company (e.g., for task tracking, scheduling, and collaboration) may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Hydraulic Calculation Software: Integrated within HydraCAD/Autosprink or standalone tools used for performing and verifying hydraulic calculations.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate reports on design progress, material needs, and team performance, potentially using built-in software features or custom Excel/database solutions.

• Data Analysis: Skills in analyzing design data to identify trends, potential improvements, and areas for cost savings.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Integration (Indirect): While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design outputs feed into CRM systems for sales and project tracking is valuable. The role interacts with the Sales Team, who likely use a CRM.

• Workflow Automation (Potential): Opportunities may exist to automate certain aspects of the design or material requisition process, requiring an understanding of workflow principles.

• ERP/MRP Systems (Indirect): Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems, as the material requisition process interfaces with inventory and procurement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD is mandatory. Experience with HydraCAD or Autosprink is a strong differentiator. The role requires an understanding of how design tools integrate with broader operational systems for project delivery and GTM alignment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in the fire protection industry, emphasizing rigorous adherence to codes and best practices to ensure the safety of lives and property.

• Accuracy & Precision: Critical for design integrity, code compliance, and effective system performance. Small errors can have significant consequences.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Driving projects to completion on schedule and within budget, requiring effective team management and process optimization.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where designers work together and effectively interface with Sales and Project Management.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to learning new codes, technologies, and design strategies to enhance service offerings and operational effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role emphasizes close collaboration with Sales and Project Management, requiring clear communication, shared understanding of objectives, and proactive problem-solving.

• Mentorship & Support: The manager is expected to mentor and support the design team, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and mutual assistance.

• Feedback Loops: Encouraging open feedback on designs, processes, and team performance to drive continuous improvement and address challenges constructively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company likely values a professional, safety-conscious, and results-oriented culture. The ability to collaborate effectively across departments is key to success in this role, supporting the overall operational throughput of the business.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Demands: Juggling multiple projects with varying deadlines, client requirements, and internal team needs requires strong prioritization and time management skills.

• Keeping Pace with Code Changes: NFPA codes are updated periodically, requiring continuous learning and adaptation of design standards and practices.

• Managing Team Performance: Ensuring consistent high performance, motivation, and skill development across the design team, especially when facing project pressures.

• Navigating Field Conditions: Adapting to diverse and sometimes challenging environments during site visits, while maintaining safety and project focus.

• Integrating New Technologies: Evaluating and potentially adopting new design software or methodologies that can improve efficiency and accuracy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced NICET Certification: Pursuing Level 3 or 4 NICET certification offers deeper technical expertise and career advancement.

• Specialized Software Training: Gaining advanced proficiency in tools like HydraCAD or Autosprink can enhance design capabilities and marketability.

• Project Management Skills: Further developing project management acumen to better align design with overall project delivery.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to hone leadership and management skills, preparing for broader operational roles.

• Industry Seminars & Workshops: Attending conferences and training sessions focused on fire protection technology, code updates, and design best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to deepen expertise in a critical safety sector while developing management and operational leadership skills. Addressing these challenges effectively can lead to significant professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Regarding Design Management: "Describe your approach to managing a team of designers. How do you assign workload, ensure quality, and motivate your team to meet deadlines?" (Prepare examples of team leadership, project scheduling, and performance management.)

• Regarding Technical Expertise: "Walk us through your process for performing hydraulic calculations for a complex sprinkler system. What factors do you consider, and how do you ensure accuracy?" (Be ready to discuss specific calculations, NFPA references, and problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Regarding Company Values: "What do you believe are the most critical values for a company in the fire protection industry, and how would you instill them within your team?" (Connect your understanding of safety, accuracy, and compliance to company culture.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project presented, clearly articulate the objective, your role (especially leadership aspects), the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., on-time delivery, cost savings, compliance achieved).

• Highlight Process Improvements: If you have examples of optimizing design workflows or material requisition processes, showcase them. Explain the "before" and "after" and the benefits.

• Demonstrate Technical Competence: Be prepared to briefly explain key technical aspects of your designs and calculations, linking them to code requirements and system functionality.

• Focus on Collaboration: Illustrate how your team's work integrated with other departments and contributed to overall project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews for this role will assess a combination of technical acumen, leadership capability, and an understanding of operational flow within a project-driven GTM environment. A well-prepared portfolio and thoughtful responses to scenario-based questions are key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sprinkler Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Apply directly through the provided Paycom link, ensuring all requested information is completed accurately.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in sprinkler design, team leadership, AutoCAD proficiency, NFPA code knowledge, and any relevant certifications (NICET). Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., managed a team of X designers, successfully delivered Y projects).

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a concise portfolio showcasing your best work. Include examples of detailed drawings, hydraulic calculations, material lists, and any documentation demonstrating process improvements or team management success. Be ready to walk through specific projects.

• Prepare for Technical & Behavioral Interviews: Research Fire Fighter Sales & Service Co., review NFPA codes, and practice answering questions related to design challenges, leadership scenarios, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Research Salary Expectations: Understand the typical salary range for this role in Warrendale, PA, considering your experience and qualifications, to be prepared for compensation discussions.

⚠️ 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.