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 / Management & Leadership / Construction / Security & Safety

Date Posted: May 26, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and lead a team of sprinkler designers, ensuring efficient project execution and timely delivery of field installation drawings and fabrication lists.

• Strategically manage design workloads in collaboration with Sales and Project Management teams to align with project timelines and client expectations.

• Provide expert technical guidance and support to the design team, particularly concerning fire sprinkler codes, design strategies, and complex hydraulic calculations.

• Drive the preparation of accurate and effective fire sprinkler system drawings and calculations, ensuring compliance with all relevant NFPA codes and standards.

• Lead the process of generating precise stock listings for all project materials and initiating requisitions upon completion of drawings and receipt of approvals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a hybrid of technical design expertise and team management, crucial for optimizing the GTM (Go-To-Market) process for fire protection solutions. The "Manager" title, coupled with overseeing design workload and collaborating with Sales and Project Management, indicates a strong focus on operational efficiency and revenue enablement within the construction and safety sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of sprinkler designers, fostering a high-performance and collaborative work environment.

• Develop and implement effective scheduling and project assignment strategies for the design team to maximize productivity and meet deadlines.

• Serve as the primary liaison between the design department and the Sales & Management teams, ensuring clear communication on design completion timelines and resource allocation.

• Provide hands-on assistance with sprinkler system design and layout, especially for complex projects requiring advanced technical expertise and problem-solving.

• Review and approve fire sprinkler drawings and hydraulic calculations to ensure accuracy, code compliance, and optimal system performance.

• Manage the accurate creation of material stock listings and initiate requisitions for all project components, ensuring seamless supply chain integration.

• Stay abreast of the latest NFPA codes, industry best practices, and emerging design technologies to maintain the team's expertise and competitive edge.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes, tools, and workflows to enhance efficiency and reduce project lead times.

• Ensure all design documentation adheres to company standards and client specifications for quality and consistency.

• Support the Project Management team by providing necessary design documentation for project execution and client sign-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a critical role in the GTM operations, directly impacting project timelines, material procurement, and sales enablement. The emphasis on collaboration with Sales and Project Management teams signifies a need for strong cross-functional operational alignment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• Proven track record in managing design teams and overseeing project workflows within the fire protection industry.

• Demonstrated experience in preparing accurate construction plans, hydraulic calculations, and material requisitions.

Required Skills:

• Sprinkler System Design: Comprehensive knowledge of fire sprinkler system design principles and methodologies.

• AutoCAD Proficiency: Expertise in using AutoCAD for creating detailed fire sprinkler system drawings.

• Hydraulic Piping Calculations: Strong working knowledge and practical application of hydraulic piping calculations.

• NFPA Codes Mastery: Full and current knowledge of all relevant NFPA codes and standards pertaining to fire sprinkler systems.

• Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team of technical professionals.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Understanding of project scheduling, resource allocation, and deadline management.

• Analytical & Mathematical Aptitude: Strong quantitative skills for calculations, problem-solving, and data interpretation.

• 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.

• Team Environment Adaptability: Proven ability to collaborate effectively within a team setting.

Preferred Skills:

• HydraCAD/Autosprink: Working knowledge or proficiency with HydraCAD and/or Autosprink software.

• NICET Certification: Minimum NICET Level 2 certification in sprinkler design; Level 3 or 4 certification is highly preferred.

• Construction Planning: Experience in construction planning and coordination.

• Material Requisitioning: Experience in accurate material listing and requisitioning processes.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Sales, Project Management, and other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on NICET certification and specific design software (HydraCAD/Autosprink) suggests a need for specialized technical acumen beyond general engineering. The requirement for both leadership and hands-on technical skills indicates a "player-coach" management style common in specialized operations roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Process Flow: Showcase a clear, documented process for sprinkler system design from initial concept to final drawing submission, emphasizing efficiency and quality control checkpoints.

• Project Case Studies: Present detailed case studies of complex sprinkler system designs, highlighting challenges overcome, design strategies employed, and the impact of your leadership on project outcomes.

• System Implementation Standards: Demonstrate an understanding of how design decisions translate into effective field installations and fabrication processes, including any standard operating procedures you've implemented or improved.

• ROI Demonstration: For at least one case study, illustrate how your design approach or team management contributed to cost savings, reduced project timelines, or increased project profitability for the company.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of workflows you've designed or optimized for design teams, detailing the improvements in speed, accuracy, or resource utilization.

• Implementation & Automation: Evidence of implementing design tools or automation techniques to streamline the design process, such as custom CAD scripts, template development, or integration with other systems.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Metrics and dashboards you've used to track design team performance, project status, and adherence to codes and standards, demonstrating a data-driven approach to operations management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role in a technical field, the portfolio should not only showcase technical design capabilities but also leadership in process improvement and team efficiency. Highlighting experience with workflow optimization and performance metrics is crucial for demonstrating operational maturity.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated annual salary range for a Sprinkler Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in Warrendale, PA, is between $85,000 and $115,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, considering the required technical expertise, management responsibilities, and the specialized nature of fire protection engineering. Factors such as NICET certification level and specific software proficiency can influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Company-paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability coverage, providing financial security.

• Access to optional Supplemental Benefits to tailor coverage to individual needs.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrued during the first year of employment, offering work-life balance.

• Seven (7) paid holidays annually.

• 401K Retirement Plan with a Safe Harbor match, available in both Traditional and Roth options, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Business Casual office environment promoting comfort and professionalism.

• Supportive, team-oriented company culture that values collaboration and employee growth.

Working Hours:

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

• Business hours are generally during the day, Monday through Friday.

• Occasional travel (up to 25%) may be required for site visits, client meetings, or offsite customer facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on regional data for engineering management roles and factoring in the specialized nature of fire protection. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for a full-time role in a stable company, with a strong emphasis on financial security and retirement planning.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fire Protection Systems & Services. Fire Fighter Sales and Service Co. operates within a critical sector focused on ensuring public safety through the design, installation, and maintenance of fire suppression systems. This industry demands high standards of technical accuracy, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

Company Size: The company likely falls into the small to medium-sized business (SMB) category, given the "Sales & Service Co." designation and the typical structure of such specialized service providers. This size often fosters a close-knit team environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful.

Founded: Founded in 1984, Fire Fighter Sales and Service Co. brings decades of experience to the fire protection industry. This long history suggests stability, established processes, and a deep understanding of the market and customer needs.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The Sprinkler Design team is a core operational unit, working closely with Sales to convert leads into projects and with Project Management to ensure successful execution.

• Reporting: The Sprinkler Design Manager will report to a senior operations leader (e.g., Director of Operations, VP of Engineering) and will directly supervise a team of sprinkler designers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role requires constant collaboration with Sales (understanding project scope, client needs), Project Management (timelines, installation requirements), Procurement/Warehouse (material ordering), and potentially field installation crews.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on accurate hydraulic calculations and adherence to NFPA codes to ensure the efficacy and safety of sprinkler systems.

• Process Optimization: A commitment to refining design workflows, utilizing technology (like AutoCAD, HydraCAD) to improve efficiency, accuracy, and turnaround times.

• Quality Assurance: Rigorous review processes for drawings and calculations to minimize errors and ensure compliance, directly impacting project success and client satisfaction.

Company Website: Fire Fighter Sales and Service Co. (Likely: firefighter-pgh.com, based on domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history (founded 1984) and specialization in fire protection imply a culture that values expertise, reliability, and safety. The SMB size suggests opportunities for direct impact and close team relationships.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into management within the operations and engineering domain of the fire protection industry. It moves beyond individual contributor technical roles to encompass team leadership, strategic workload management, and cross-functional operational alignment. The scope includes direct impact on project pipelines and revenue enablement.

Reporting Structure: The Sprinkler Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Operations, VP of Engineering, or a similar senior leadership position. They will have direct reports consisting of Sprinkler Designers, potentially ranging from junior to experienced professionals. This structure allows for clear management oversight and mentorship.

Operations Impact: The Sprinkler Design Manager plays a pivotal role in the company's revenue cycle. By ensuring efficient and accurate design processes, they directly influence the ability to secure bids, meet project deadlines, and maintain client satisfaction. Optimized design processes lead to faster project turnarounds, better material management, and ultimately, improved profitability and competitive positioning in the market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced fire suppression technologies, specialized code interpretations, or specific system types (e.g., ESFR, pre-action systems).

• Operational Leadership: Advance into broader operational management roles, such as Director of Operations, Engineering Manager overseeing multiple disciplines, or even a VP of Operations, with expanded responsibilities for entire operational departments.

• Business Development Support: Leverage design expertise to assist the sales team with complex proposal development, pre-sales technical consultations, and client relationship building.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Lead company-wide initiatives to implement new design software, automation tools, or workflow methodologies to drive company-wide efficiency gains.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is clearly defined, moving from technical management to broader operational leadership or specialized technical consulting within the fire protection sector. The emphasis on efficiency and collaboration positions this role as a key driver of business success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment will be an office setting located at the Warrendale, PA facility. This setting is described as "business casual," suggesting a comfortable yet professional atmosphere conducive to focused work and team interaction.

Office Location(s): The main office is at 791 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15086. This location is in Butler County, Pennsylvania, within the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area. Access and local amenities should be considered by potential candidates.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is designed to support a "supportive, team-oriented culture that values collaboration and growth." This implies shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and opportunities for informal and formal team interactions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: The workspace will be equipped with the necessary technology, including computers capable of running AutoCAD and other design software, access to relevant databases, and communication tools for seamless collaboration with remote or field teams.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for interaction with fellow designers, project managers, sales team members, and management will be prevalent, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem resolution.

Work Schedule: The role operates on a standard full-time schedule, generally Monday through Friday during business hours. While the core work is office-based, the role involves up to 25% travel to customer facilities or project sites, which may include clean or unclean conditions, and varying temperatures (hot/cold). Field sites may require the use of safety equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement with potential for travel indicates a need for candidates who are comfortable with a blend of office-based management and field engagement, balancing operational control with practical project oversight.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or a hiring manager will review applications and resumes to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with job requirements.

2. Technical & Management Interview: A more in-depth interview focusing on technical expertise (design principles, codes, software proficiency) and management capabilities (leadership style, team management experience, conflict resolution). This may involve a hiring manager or senior engineering personnel.

3. Portfolio Review & Case Study: Candidates will be asked to present examples from their professional portfolio, showcasing past projects, design methodologies, leadership achievements, and problem-solving skills. This may include a specific scenario or case study to assess their approach to a typical design challenge.

4. Final Interview / Meet the Team: An opportunity to meet with key stakeholders, potentially including senior leadership and team members, to assess cultural fit and discuss the role's strategic importance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Leadership in Action: Highlight instances where you led a team to overcome design challenges, improve processes, or meet critical deadlines. Quantify these achievements whenever possible.

• Process Improvement Focus: Include examples of how you've optimized design workflows, implemented new tools, or improved collaboration within a design team. Detail the methodology and the resulting impact (e.g., reduced turnaround time, fewer errors).

• Metrics & ROI Demonstration: Prepare to present key performance indicators (KPIs) related to your team's output, project timeliness, and accuracy. If possible, demonstrate how your team's work contributed to project profitability or client satisfaction.

• Company-Specific Alignment: Research Fire Fighter Sales & Service Co.'s projects and values. Tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight how your skills and experience align with their specific needs and the challenges within the fire protection industry.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge that requires you to outline your approach, considering codes, calculations, material selection, and team delegation within a given timeframe.

• Process Optimization Exercise: You might be asked to analyze a given design process and propose improvements, focusing on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and accuracy.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating your operational strategy, design decisions, and team management approach clearly and concisely, as you will need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes not only technical skill but also leadership, process management, and the ability to translate technical work into business results. A well-prepared portfolio is critical for demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for creating detailed 2D and 3D fire sprinkler system drawings. Proficiency in advanced features, layers, blocks, and plotting is expected.

• HydraCAD/Autosprink: Highly preferred software for automated sprinkler system design, hydraulic calculations, and fabrication list generation. Experience with these tools significantly streamlines the design process.

• Microsoft Office Suite: For general business operations, including Word for documentation, Excel for data analysis and calculations, and PowerPoint for presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: For complex hydraulic calculations, data analysis, and custom reporting.

• Internal Reporting Tools: The company may utilize proprietary or integrated reporting systems for tracking project progress, team performance, and material usage.

• Dashboarding Tools (Potential): Familiarity with tools like Tableau or Power BI, if the company uses them for visualizing design KPIs and operational metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot): While not directly used for design, understanding how design outputs integrate with CRM data for sales and project tracking is beneficial.

• Project Management Software (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Procore): For managing project timelines, task assignments, and team collaboration. Familiarity with how design deliverables fit into the broader project lifecycle is key.

• Integration Tools (Potential): Understanding how design software might integrate with ERP or inventory management systems for material requisitioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD is a baseline requirement, while expertise in specialized fire protection design software like HydraCAD or Autosprink is a significant advantage. The ability to leverage data from these tools for reporting and process improvement is key for a management role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Accuracy: A core value in fire protection, where design errors can have severe consequences. Emphasis on meticulous attention to detail in all design work and calculations.

• Safety & Compliance: Upholding the highest standards of safety and ensuring strict adherence to all relevant NFPA codes and local regulations.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: A drive to deliver designs and fabrication lists on schedule, recognizing the critical impact on project timelines and client satisfaction.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where designers work together, share knowledge, and support each other to achieve common goals.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouraging a mindset of learning and adapting to new technologies, codes, and design strategies to maintain a competitive edge.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with Sales and Project Management to ensure design efforts are aligned with business objectives and project realities. This involves clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and a willingness to understand other departments' needs.

• Process Review Culture: Encouraging open feedback on design processes, tools, and workflows. This includes regular team meetings to discuss challenges, share best practices, and identify areas for improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where team members share technical expertise, code interpretations, and lessons learned from projects through internal training sessions, documentation, or informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely prioritizes technical excellence, reliability, and a strong sense of responsibility, reflecting the critical nature of fire protection services. Collaboration is key to ensuring smooth project execution from sales to installation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Keeping Pace with Code Changes: NFPA codes are updated regularly, requiring continuous learning and adaptation by the design team. Managing this change effectively is a key challenge.

• Balancing Workload & Deadlines: Coordinating multiple projects with varying deadlines and resource constraints while maintaining high-quality output can be demanding.

• Technical Complexity: Fire sprinkler system design can involve intricate hydraulic calculations and spatial reasoning, posing a challenge for complex projects.

• Field vs. Office Discrepancies: Bridging the gap between theoretical design and practical field installation, addressing unforeseen site conditions or installation challenges.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Training: Opportunities for specialized training in advanced fire suppression systems, specific software modules (e.g., advanced HydraCAD features), or complex code interpretations.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining higher levels of NICET certification (Level 3 or 4), which enhances professional credibility and marketability.

• Leadership Development: Access to management training programs, mentorship from senior leaders, and opportunities to lead larger or more strategic projects, preparing for broader operational roles.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of sales processes, project management methodologies, and client relations to foster a more holistic business perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities for continuous technical and managerial growth within a specialized and essential industry, with clear pathways for advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a team of designers to meet demanding project deadlines while ensuring accuracy and code compliance." (Focus on delegation, prioritization, and quality control.)

• "How would you handle a situation where the sales team promises a design timeline that is technically unfeasible?" (Assess negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Fire Fighter Sales & Service Co. and the fire protection industry?" (Research the company's history, services, and market position.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing culture within a technical team?" (Provide examples of team-building activities, communication strategies, and conflict resolution.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating specific skills (e.g., leadership, process improvement, complex designs).

• Storytelling: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your solution (including design choices and team management), and the quantifiable results. Emphasize your role as a leader and problem-solver.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, professional visuals of drawings, calculations, or process maps where appropriate. Ensure any sensitive client information is anonymized.

• Interactive Discussion: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design decisions, management strategies, and the tools you used. Engage in a dialogue rather than a monologue.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of technical depth, leadership capability, and a strategic understanding of how design operations contribute to overall business success. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases both technical skill and managerial acumen is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sprinkler Design Manager position:

• Submit your application directly through the provided Paycom link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in team leadership, sprinkler system design, AutoCAD, hydraulic calculations, NFPA codes, and any experience with HydraCAD/Autosprink. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Managed a team of 5 designers," "Reduced design turnaround time by 15%").

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a professional portfolio that includes examples of your design work, process improvements you've implemented, and case studies demonstrating your leadership and problem-solving skills. Be ready to present this during the interview process.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions related to team management, technical challenges, and collaboration. Practice articulating your experience and approach clearly and concisely.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Fire Fighter Sales & Service Co., its services, its history, and the broader fire protection industry to demonstrate your interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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.