Entry Level Fire Sprinkler Designer Jobs in Ohio

Are you someone who enjoys learning, takes pride in doing things right, and thrives on attention to detail? Are you looking for a rewarding career where your work helps move projects from concept to reality and supports long-term customer relationships?

VFP Fire Systems is looking for a driven Fire Sprinkler Designer/Engineer to join our Columbus, Ohio team. In this role, you will work closely with sales, project management, service, inspection, and field teams to design reliable, code-compliant fire sprinkler systems that support successful projects and help deliver an exceptional customer experience.

At VFP Fire Systems, we believe strong design is more than producing drawings. It is a key part of selecting and executing the right work, supporting our field teams, serving our customers well, and building a stronger business. We are looking for someone who enjoys the pace of construction, understands the importance of accuracy, and wants to grow with a company that invests in its people.

VFP Fire Systems is part of Viking Fire Protection Group and has built a strong reputation in the design, installation, inspection, service, and maintenance of fire protection systems. Our teams support customers across a wide range of commercial, industrial, institutional, and specialty projects.

We are focused on building a sustainable business by developing our people, strengthening customer relationships, performing quality work, and creating opportunities across both construction and service. Team members who are motivated to learn, improve, and contribute to the success of the business will find strong opportunities for growth.

The Fire Sprinkler Designer/Engineer will work in a team environment to design water-based fire protection systems. This position includes CAD layout, hydraulic calculations, code interpretation, coordination, design submittals, material procurement, and project support from design through installation and turnover.

This role is an important part of project success. Accurate designs help our field teams install efficiently, help project managers execute work effectively, and help VFP Fire Systems deliver the level of service customers expect. The Designer/Engineer will also help support coordination between construction, inspection, and service opportunities as we continue to grow our customer relationships.

• Work with the design team to complete layout and design of fire sprinkler systems, including hydraulic calculations.
• Prepare accurate and detailed drawings for field installation.
• Ensure designs comply with NFPA standards, local codes, project specifications, and AHJ requirements.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, building trades, project managers, and field personnel.
• Support disciplined project execution by helping identify design challenges early and providing practical solutions.
• Prepare design submittals and assist with responses to review comments.
• Assist with material lists, procurement coordination, and project documentation.
• Support field crews during installation to help keep work moving efficiently and accurately.
• Contribute to a high level of customer service through timely communication, quality design work, and strong follow-through.
• Collaborate with construction, service, and inspection teams when project information creates future customer support opportunities.

• CAD experience required.
• Experience with HydraCAD, AutoSPRINK, or similar fire sprinkler design software preferred.
• Experience using Bluebeam Revu or Adobe Acrobat Pro to mark up and package PDFs preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate work.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple active projects.
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to learn and support others.
• Experience with fire protection systems, NFPA standards, building codes, and general construction preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word required.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree or bachelor's degree with an engineering emphasis preferred.

The ideal candidate is someone who wants to grow in the fire protection industry and understands that good design impacts the entire business. This person should be detail-oriented, dependable, willing to learn, and motivated to help the team deliver quality work for our customers.

We value individuals who:

Take ownership of their work.

Look for ways to improve project outcomes.

Communicate clearly with internal and external partners.

Support both construction and long-term customer service goals.

Want to be part of a company that invests in people and creates advancement opportunities.

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Employee Profit Sharing Plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Training and career development opportunities

$28.00-$48.00 per hour, depending on experience and related skills.

VFP Fire Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of religion, disability, protected veteran status, age, sex, race, color, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law.

VFP Fire Systems complies with federal and state disability laws and will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and qualified employees with disabilities. If you wish to request reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Dan Broich.