Contract Level Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ENGINEERING DESIGN LEAD – FIRE ALARM
This position can be based out of our San Jose, CA office or fully remote.

About ArchKey

ArchKey is one of the nation’s largest privately held specialty trade installation and integrated facility service companies. We are a leader in designing, building and maintaining electrical, technologies and specialty systems. We’re the POWER behind making the improbable possible.

We’re electrifying the nation, energizing the future and bringing communities to life like never before. What we do today shapes the vision of tomorrow. Our work impacts lives long after the building is done. This means we are committed to building in ways that are not just technologically advanced, but sustainable, scalable and equitable by all. We’re not just energizing infrastructure, we’re energizing careers, communities, and the future.  

Made up of the brightest minds in the industry, our team is our greatest asset bringing knowledge, skills, and experience to every project. This is more than a call to join us, it’s an invitation to be part of a visionary journey, to grow with us as we scale.  

About the position

As the Engineering Design Lead – Fire Alarm, you will develop and prepare detailed fire alarm engineering drawings and construction documents for the purposes of supporting our field technicians with challenging fire alarm installations. Our Senior Designers may also support our VDC/BIM efforts by populating Revit models and coordinating fully constructable content during the engineering phase. Project work ranges from varying sizes of Design/Build projects to providing engineering reviews and calculations for some of the largest Design/Assist and Plan/Spec projects in the country. This role also gives our Senior Designers the opportunity to manage their own projects. The ideal candidate will have experience developing high quality permit set drawings and specifications as well as working knowledge of all applicable fire codes and building codes, customer requirements, and company engineering/design standards. 

Our Ideal Candidate

• Has a growth mindset and is always looking to continually learn and grow.
• Has strong knowledge of the National Electric Code and other building codes as they relate to design.
• Can coach and mentor others with excellent listening and communication skills. 

Day in the life

• Develop and prepare detailed fire alarm engineering permit drawings and construction installation documents.
• Develop conceptual designs, sketches, or Value Engineering ideas to assist project managers and estimators.
• Prepare calculations, specifications, reports, etc. to support field and project management teams throughout various stages of construction.
• Supports and complies with all engineering standards and adheres to a strict QA/QC process for every deliverable produced.
• Provides recommendations for changes to improve standards and procedures, as necessary. Responds to questions and addresses problems with appropriate resolutions and plan revisions. Stays informed of new fire alarm and safety codes, materials, technologies, and practices.
• May lead mid to large size projects while giving directions to other engineers and designers.
• Builds effective relationships with customers, foremen, project teams, specialty contractors, vendors, suppliers, user groups and others that reflect and support the Company’s core values and meet or exceed the customer’s expectations. Teaches and mentors design team members as needed.
• Consistently makes decisions in an attentive and safe manner to ensure the safety and health of self and others.
• Promotes and models the Company mission, vision and values through exercising sound and ethical business practices, championing all elements of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and providing high quality services and programs as they relate to clients, subcontractors, co-workers, suppliers, and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

• A strong desire to learn about all things fire alarm construction with a commitment to being a dependable team player that will grow within the company.
• NICET level II or higher are required.
• Minimum 10+ years of fire alarm experience in designing fire alarm projects for educational facilities, high-rise buildings with smoke control, business buildings, Healthcare, heavy industrial and/or data center design experience a plus.
• Experience and proficiency using Revit, Autodesk, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office software. Working knowledge of designing a Vesda system using the Aspire software.
• Strict attention to detail when it comes to reading, interpreting and understanding electrical contracts, plans, drawings, and specifications. Moderate experience working with the NFPA 72 fire alarm code and other building codes as they relate to design.
• Experience and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, assess multiple demands and manage priorities with a high degree of detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Strong independent problem-solving, customer service and time management skills. Demonstrates good judgment in reporting problems.
• Excellent listening, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Strong collaboration and teamwork skills.

Travel

• Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Occasional travel to job sites is required.

Salary Range 

• $119,800 - $143,700 annually, based on experience and qualifications

Benefits

At ArchKey Solutions, our benefits package includes competitive health insurance options (medical, dental, and vision), a robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match, paid time off and holidays, and access to wellness programs. Additionally, we offer professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and employee assistance programs to support your growth and well-being. We ensure that our benefits are designed to promote the health, security, and work-life balance of our employees. Additional information is available at Archkey.com.

Legal and Fraud Disclaimer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We are an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. #CA30-1

Beware of fraudulent job postings. ArchKey Solutions only communicates through official channels. All official communication will come from an @archkey.com email address and we will never ask for financial information, payments, or personal details outside of the standard hiring process. To confirm the legitimacy of a job, visit our careers page or reach out to a member of our Talent Acquisition team.