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Fire Alarm Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Fire Alarm Technician

Manassas, VA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Interface fire alarm system or monitoring device with HVAC, sprinkler systems, access control units ... Perform routine maintenance and inspection of engineered systems. Including Halon, Industrial Dry ...

Interface fire alarm system or monitoring device with HVAC, sprinkler systems, access control units ... Perform routine maintenance and inspection of engineered systems. Including Halon, Industrial Dry ...

The Fire Alarm Tech II is responsible for installation, troubleshooting, programming, testing, and inspection of fire alarm systems Campus Wide. Working independently and exercising good judgment and ...

Fire Alarm Technician

Manassas, VA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Interface fire alarm system or monitoring device with HVAC, sprinkler systems, access control units ... Perform routine maintenance and inspection of engineered systems. Including Halon, Industrial Dry ...

The Fire Alarm Tech II is responsible for installation, troubleshooting, programming, testing, and inspection of fire alarm systems Campus Wide. Working independently and exercising good judgment and ...

Fire Protection Inspector 2

Tysons, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27/hr

Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries. The role of a Fire Alarm Inspector 2 is responsible for ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Project Leader 1

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tysons, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


M.C. Dean rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

289th of 443 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
Company Overview:
We're seeking people driven to excellence and inspired by the way engineering and innovation improves lives, enhances customer outcomes, and changes the world for the better. As an employee at M.C. Dean, you will join forces with 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.
Position Description:
M.C. Dean, Inc. is seeking a Fire Alarm Project Leader 1 with experience in design and implementation experience in technology applications. The ideal candidate will have experience in fire alarm system applications with IBC, NEC, NFPA code knowledge as it applies to fire alarm systems for facilities and plants.
Candidates with experience in Electronic Security, Industrial Controls, Building Automation systems that are willing to learn and grow in the life safety space will be considered.
Responsibilities
Position Responsibilities:
  • Managing multiple contracts $500K -$3M in value, with an engineering and field staff of 5-10 personnel and overseeing M.C. Dean direct labor workforce consisting of technicians and coordinating with construction installation teams.
  • Leading fire alarm detection and special suppression systems contracts as part of larger design-build contracts or turn-key customer direct contracts.
  • Developing cost estimates and proposals
  • Scheduling and leading design and installation kick-off meetings
  • Planning project(s) in logical steps to budget enough time required to meet deadlines.
  • Conduct design reviews and ensuring quality in design for manufacture and assembly
  • Ordering equipment and coordinating fabrication of panels
  • Overseeing and ensuring consistent pre-testing of systems prior to delivery to site for installation
  • Planning, organizing, and directing activities concerned with new construction, upgrade and renovation in existing facilities in an operating environment responsible for design, installation, testing and start-up activities including obtaining AHJ inspections and approvals.
  • Interpreting and explaining plans and contract terms to administrative staff, workers, and clients
  • Negotiating revisions, changes, and additions to contractual agreements with customer, consultants, suppliers, and subcontractors
  • Working directly with supervisors to direct engineering, installation, testing and commissioning activities. Coordinate with field personnel and/or engineering team to discuss any potential installation issues
  • Monitoring project budgets to ensure positive cash flow and to maintain profitability.
  • Inspecting and reviewing projects to monitor compliance with building and safety codes, and other regulations
  • Suggest process improvements / cost saving measures
  • Equipment and material planning to ensure on-time delivery and location and storage to enhance project productivity
  • Plan and obtain permits, badges and access requests in advance
  • Plan and actively track work to ensure compliance with project schedule and budget
  • Maintain organized and detailed project records
  • Provide Customer with weekly project status and schedule updates
  • Routine interface with customer team to develop client relations, address project status and respond to customer concerns

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
Education & Experience Required:
  • 7 + years of experience in applications engineering with at least 5 years in project leadership responsible for budget, schedule, and delivery.
  • B.S. Degree in Engineering and relevant field experience.
  • IBC, NEC, and NFPA code knowledge or desire and demonstrated ability to ramp up in this area of knowledge.
  • Individual must possess excellent communication skills and tact to directly work with customers, senior management, supervisory personnel, trade partners, and design professionals.
  • Ability to proactively identify and resolve business, technical and construction issues to include technical and design issues, operational challenges, work procedures, and potential customer concerns and complaints.
  • Candidate must have proven experience in effectively managing multiple projects ranging in $500K-$3M in contract value and up to $5M in annual volume, to include quick ramp up to support multiple contracts in multiple locations to include cost estimating, engineering, contract administration, subcontract management, claim negotiations, project controls, finance, installation and installation supervision, construction, resource planning and staffing.

Additional Requirements:
  • Experience working with management systems including estimating, scheduling and job cost reporting and experience with software tools.
  • Experience in operational risk management and knowledge of safety and quality control requirements
  • Experience overseeing and approving monthly job cost updates, productivity reports, and cash flow projections.
  • Proficient in reading drawings, schematics and interpreting and understanding statements of work (SOW) to develop cost proposals and execution plan.
  • Proficiency in the Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling method and General Contractor Schedules
  • Must have a history of completing projects under budget and on time.
  • Ability and willingness to travel to customers and project sites as needed.

Abilities:
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person

Pay Range
USD $124,880.00 - USD $156,400.00 /Yr.

What M.C. Dean employees say

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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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