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Fire Alarm Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Fire Alarm Inspector 4

Arlington, VA · On-site

$23.50 - $30.75/hr

Dean, you will join forces with more than 5,800 professionals who engineer and deploy automated ... In the role of Fire Alarm Inspector 4 represents the highest level of technical expertise and ...

Fire Alarm Installer

Salem, VA · On-site

$21 - $29/hr

Position involves the programming of fire alarm, security, and access control system panels, but will primarily focus on networked fire alarm systems How you will do it * Perform installation ...

The Fire Alarm Field Engineer II is responsible for field-level engineering support of fire alarm systems on medium to large, complex projects. This role focuses on advanced troubleshooting, system ...

Dean? Our people are inspired by the way engineering and innovation enhance customer outcomes ... The Fire Alarm Technician 2 provides high quality customer support through on-site service, complex ...

... fire alarm designer will focus heavily on fire alarm field knowledge and experience to create ... Facilitate thorough reviews of initial designs of medium complexity, ensuring that value-engineered ...

... fire alarm designer will focus heavily on fire alarm field knowledge and experience to create ... Facilitate thorough reviews of initial designs of medium complexity, ensuring that value-engineered ...

... fire alarm designer will focus heavily on fire alarm field knowledge and experience to create ... Facilitate thorough reviews of initial designs of medium complexity, ensuring that value-engineered ...

Showing results 21-40

Fire Alarm Programmer information

See Virginia salary details

$16

$30

$44

How much do fire alarm programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire alarm programmer in Virginia is $30.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $34.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a fire alarm programmer?

To thrive as a Fire Alarm Programmer, you need a solid understanding of fire alarm codes, electronic systems, and programming logic, often backed by relevant technical education or certifications such as NICET. Familiarity with industry-standard fire alarm control panels, proprietary programming software, and general wiring schematics is essential. Strong attention to detail, effective problem-solving, and clear communication skills are important soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure systems are configured correctly and safely, help resolve technical issues efficiently, and support effective collaboration with clients and installation teams.

What is a fire alarm programmer?

A Fire Alarm Programmer is responsible for configuring, testing, and troubleshooting fire alarm systems to ensure they operate correctly and comply with safety regulations. They work with various fire alarm panels, input custom settings, and integrate systems with other security and building automation systems. Their role often includes reading blueprints, collaborating with engineers and technicians, and performing on-site inspections. Fire Alarm Programmers play a crucial role in maintaining life safety by ensuring fire alarm systems function efficiently in emergencies.

What are the daily responsibilities of a fire alarm programmer?

As a Fire Alarm Programmer, your day often includes configuring and testing fire alarm control panels on-site or remotely, troubleshooting system errors, and updating software or firmware as needed. You will frequently collaborate with installation technicians, project managers, and sometimes end users to ensure system functionality meets safety codes and client requirements. Documentation and record-keeping are also a regular part of the role to track settings, updates, and compliance. The work environment can vary from job sites to office settings, offering variety and the opportunity to problem-solve both independently and as part of a team.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Alarm Programmer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Fire Alarm Programmer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Fire Alarm Programmer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Fire Alarm Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Fire Alarm Programmer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,837 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Fire Alarm Inspector 4

M.C. Dean, Inc

Arlington, VA • On-site

$23.50 - $30.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


M.C. Dean rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

287th of 441 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
Your Future at M.C. Dean
We're seeking people driven to excellence and inspired to have a meaningful impact powering, automating, integrating, and securing the world's most critical infrastructure and facilities. This translates into fulfilling opportunities for employees driven to excel in a meaningful career. As an employee at M.C. Dean, you will join forces with more than 5,800 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability. Together, we transform the way complex, large-scale systems are designed, delivered, and sustained-enhancing client outcomes, improving lives, and changing the world for the better.
The Life Safety Group safeguards the environments where M.C. Dean's clients operate-ensuring that life-saving systems function precisely as needed during emergencies. Their expertise supports business continuity, regulatory approval, and above all, the preservation of life. By integrating seamlessly with telecom, electrical, and security systems, this team enhances the resiliency and operational readiness of critical facilities.
In the role of Fire Alarm Inspector 4 represents the highest level of technical expertise and leadership in inspections, testing and preventive maintenance of fire alarm systems. This is a senior position within the testing team, responsible for leading complex projects, providing strategic guidance, and mentoring junior technicians. The role involves overseeing critical system inspections, resolving intricate technical challenges, and ensuring the superior performance and compliance of fire alarm systems.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
  • Lead and manage all aspects of fire alarm system inspection, testing and preventive maintenance.
  • Provide expert-level diagnostics and solutions for challenging technical issues in fire alarm systems to maintain optimal functionality.
  • Oversee and conduct testing of all types of interconnected systems, including sprinkler and pre-action systems, ensuring compliance with NFPA 72 and other applicable codes
  • Develop and implement advanced maintenance strategies, system upgrades, and enhancement plans to optimize system performance.
  • Mentor and guide junior technicians, developing training plans and conducting training sessions on various aspects of fire alarm systems
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan, execute, and oversee large-scale projects involving fire alarm systems.
  • Conduct thorough system assessments, analyze performance data, and recommend system enhancements for maximum efficiency.
  • Emphasize safety, quality service delivery, and customer satisfaction in all service activities, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and professionalism.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert and provide remote assistance to team members, acting as the quality control authority for assessing their work.
  • Prepare, review, and assess documentation related to fire alarm maintenance, including testing plans, and schedules.
  • This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job duties and responsibilities. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

We offer an excellent benefits package including:
  • A competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Military Reserve pay offset
  • Paid maternity leave

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma with minimum 8 + years of related experience or Technology Degree with 6+ years of related experiences
  • NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level II or NICET Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems II or
  • Pass NICET II exam within 90 days of employment
  • Preferred: NICET III in Fire Alarm

Additional Requirements
  • Ability to obtain US Clearance, minimum DoD Secret Clearance.
  • Position is subject to an additional customer background check.
  • This position will require up to 15% travel throughout the United States.
  • Above average level of attention to detail and professional work ethic.
  • Commitment to excellence and a high quality of work.
  • Knowledge of NFPA 72 and OSHA Requirements
  • Ability to function in a controlled, effective manner under stress.
  • Strong desire to continuously increase your skill set and take on more responsibility.
  • Above average communication skills with customers, other field personnel, office staff and sub-contractors.
  • Excellent decision-making skills.
  • Strong leadership skills

Physical Requirements
  • The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to [50 pounds] on a regular basis. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and stamina to perform various tasks, including but not limited to, loading, and unloading, operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting techniques and safety protocols must be followed to ensure personal and team safety.
  • Relocates a 12 foot stepladder without assistance.
  • Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks and all types of ladders.
  • Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.
  • Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.
  • May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.
  • Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Pay Range
USD $38.00 - USD $42.00 /Hr.

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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