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Fire Alarm Programmer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

M.C. Dean, Inc

Fire Alarm Engineer 3

Bethesda, MD · On-site

A Fire Alarm Engineer 3 handles all the life cycle of any fire detection and alarm project: design, fabrication, pretesting, installation and commissioning. The Fire Alarm Engineer 3 provides both a ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Fire Alarm Foreman

Bethesda, MD · On-site

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ... The Fire Alarm Foreman is responsible for leading and executing fire alarm system installations ...

Century Fire Protection

Fire Alarm Designer

Odenton, MD · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

You'll work closely with Project Managers, estimators, engineers, and field teams to turn project requirements into systems that protect people and property. What You'll Do * Design fire alarm ...

Adcock Systems LLC

Fire Alarm Technician

Lanham, MD · On-site

$38 - $57/hr

We offer a complete suite of solutions, from the design, engineering, installation, and servicing ... The Fire Alarm Technician is primarily responsible for testing, inspecting and servicing fire alarm ...

SST Direct

Fire Alarm Technician

Rockville, MD · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

Experience with programming, enabling, and disabling fire alarm systems. * Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills specific to fire alarm systems. * Strong team leadership skills, including ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Fire Alarm Technician 3

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ... The fire alarm technician 3 is expected to mentor junior technicians. Tasks include complex ...

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Fire Alarm Programmer information

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How much do fire alarm programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire alarm programmer in Washington is $35.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $39.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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Fire Alarm Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Alarm Programmer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,927 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Fire Alarm Engineer 3

Bethesda, MD • On-site

M.C. Dean, Inc
Engineering Professional Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about M.C. Dean, Incexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

M.C. Dean rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

244th of 454 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
A Fire Alarm Engineer 3 handles all the life cycle of any fire detection and alarm project: design, fabrication, pretesting, installation and commissioning. The Fire Alarm Engineer 3 provides both a code compliant set of deliverables, and shop drawings to achieve the intent of design in construction. They have vast experience in the use of REVIT and AUTOCAD. They understand that requirements for these systems are driven by Building, Life Safety Codes, jurisdiction-specific mandates, and owner specifications and are able to shape a project life safety requirement from these. They are able to produce Basis of Design Narratives, and Specifications for projects in many occupancy types, including health care, transit, data centers, and federal projects that also include healthcare and aircraft hangars. They are comfortable in design-build projects, and are able to produce and update a schedule, and respect a budget. They are capable to mentor junior engineers. They should master the use of NFPA 72 and other applicable standards. Fire Alarm Engineer 3 has mastered the basics of fire protection and have large experience in fire detection projects but also have experience with the other two pillars of fire protection: suppression and containment. They understand a fire detection and alarm system provides emergency control functions that interface with most other construction trades, and are prepared to commission complex projects. A Fire Alarm Engineer 3 at M.C. Dean is also able to produce artifacts and plans to transition the engineering phase and follow through fabrication, PITCO, and onsite Commissioning. They are responsible to provide training on the operations and maintenance of the system and produce all close-out documentation.
Clearance/Citizen Type: Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements including U.S. citizenship for access to classified information.
(Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance required).
Responsibilities
  • Design of Fire Alarm & Detection, Supervising Station and Mass Notification Systems
  • Design of Special hazard suppression systems.
  • Maintain design standards and process for Life Safety Group.
  • Consult with architects, engineers and other clients on Building/Fire Code & Standards including negotiating with Fire Marshals and Building Officials

Traits / Qualities
  • Client facing
  • Works well in team environment
  • Capable of working on multiple tasks / assignments and can prioritize work
  • Takes ownership of schedule & budget as it relates to engineering and design deliverables
  • High integrity
  • Quality awareness
  • Demonstrate technical leadership, providing resolution to technical issues either through own knowledge or by coordination with Subject Matter Expert

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 / Technical & Experience:
  • B.S. in Electrical or Fire Protection Engineering with 5 + years of experience;
  • Minimum of 2+ years of experience in the design and review of Fire Protection.
  • Experience in developing plans and specifications for a wide variety of Fire Alarm.
  • Intimate knowledge of NFPA and building codes; experience with working with plan reviewers & AHJs
  • General life safety design knowledge along with programming and commissioning of FA systems; experience with Notifier & VESDA is a plus.
  • Fluent in ACAD / Revit or other design tools;
  • Performs complete system layout in accordance with code, battery calculations and develop sequence of operations / scripts for complete FA systems; and
  • Prior hands on field experience is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Possess NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level II or Pass exam within 90 days of employment.
  • Possess NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level III (Preferred)

Abilities:
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity in order 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 $104,240.00 - USD $156,360.00 /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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