1

Fire Alarm Testing Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Fire Protection Engineer - FPE

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$119K - $142K/yr

Fire alarm and mass notification system design. * Building code and life safety code analysis ... This may include field inspections and witnessing acceptance testing. * Investigate existing water ...

Showing results 21-40

Fire Alarm Testing information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$29

$42

How much do fire alarm testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire alarm testing in Chicago, IL is $29.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $34.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who can test a fire alarm testing system?

Fire alarm testing systems are typically performed by qualified fire alarm technicians or inspectors who have specialized training and certifications in fire safety systems. These professionals are knowledgeable about local codes, use appropriate testing tools, and ensure the system functions correctly to meet safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire alarm testing technician?

To thrive as a Fire Alarm Testing Technician, you need a solid understanding of fire alarm systems, electrical principles, and relevant safety codes, often backed by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with tools like multimeters, panel programmers, and industry-standard systems such as Notifier or Simplex, as well as certifications like NICET, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication with clients and team members make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure accurate system testing, regulatory compliance, and the safety of building occupants.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in fire alarm testing roles, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in fire alarm testing often encounter challenges such as coordinating with building occupants to minimize disruptions, accessing all necessary areas for thorough inspections, and keeping up with evolving compliance standards and documentation requirements. Effective communication with building management and occupants is key to scheduling tests at convenient times and ensuring access. Staying updated on local fire codes and regularly attending training sessions also helps manage regulatory challenges and maintain high standards of safety.

What is fire alarm testing?

Fire alarm testing involves regularly checking fire alarm systems to ensure they are working properly and can alert building occupants in case of a fire. This process includes inspecting control panels, sensors, alarms, and backup power sources. Regular testing is important because it helps identify any faults or malfunctions before an emergency occurs, ensuring safety and compliance with legal requirements. Properly functioning fire alarms can save lives and property by providing early warning in the event of a fire.

What is the difference between Fire Alarm Testing vs Fire Alarm Installation?

AspectFire Alarm TestingFire Alarm Installation
CertificationsFire alarm technician certification, NICET levelsFire alarm technician certification, NICET levels
Work EnvironmentInspecting, testing, and maintaining existing fire alarm systemsInstalling new fire alarm systems in buildings
Job FocusEnsuring system functionality and complianceSetting up and integrating new systems
Industry UsageBoth roles are common in fire safety and security industries

Fire Alarm Testing and Fire Alarm Installation share similar certifications and work environments, but differ in focus. Testing involves inspecting and maintaining existing systems, while installation focuses on setting up new systems. Both are essential for fire safety compliance and require technical expertise.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Alarm Testing jobs in Chicago, IL? For Fire Alarm Testing jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Fire Alarm Testing job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,331 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Fire Systems Technician-Water Based (Contract)

Pae

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Job Title:Fire Systems Technician-Water Based(Contract)

Skill Code:7X

AmentumJob Code:TAT-FIR20:OT-N

FLSA Status:Exempt

Assigned Work Site:Antarctica (McMurdo/South Pole/Palmer)

Reports to:Fire Systems Technician - Special Hazards/Supervisor (FT)

Department:Facilities

Employment Type:Seasonal Contract

Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to address their most significant and complex challenges in science,securityand sustainability. Our people apply undaunted curiosity, relentlessambitionand boundless imagination to challenge convention and drive progress. Our commitments are underpinned by the belief that safety,collaborationand well-being are integral to success.

Summary:

Seasonal Contract position supporting the National Science Foundation managed United States Antarctic Program as part of the Antarctic Support Contract (ASC).Fire Systems Technician-Water Based(Contract)will perform maintenance and installation tasking under the supervision of theFire Systems Technician - Special Hazards/Supervisor (FT). Tasking is based on ASC schedule requirements.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Inspects andmaintainsvariouswater-basedfire suppression systemsincluding dry,preaction, and wet

  • Troubleshoots, diagnoses, repairs, and performs scheduled preventative maintenance on existingvariouswater-basedfire suppression systems

  • Works with other NICET certified technicians for fire alarm systems, special hazard systems, andwater-basedsuppression systems to develop and execute work plans

  • Collaborates with Facilities Management and Facilities Engineers to develop work plans and schedules, and toidentifymaterials needed for tasking

  • Performs Winterization and De-winterization of Water Based fire suppression systems

  • Performsperiodic maintenance on fire systems equipmentin accordance withthe Preventative Maintenance Program, NFPAstandards,and manufacturer's guidelines

  • Prepares and documents work plans, job hazard analysis, job safety analysis, code required forms, checklists, and internal procedural documents asrequired

  • Timely responseto emergency service calls during and outside of normal working hours

  • Maintainsaccurateand thorough documentation of hours worked, tasking performed, materials used, and processes involved

  • Coordinatestesting, maintenance, and repair activities asrequiredwith other parties such as Antarctic Fire Department, Station Management, Facilities Management, and building occupants.

  • Utilizes theassistanceof other station personnel to complete tasking, orassistother trades or departments with their tasking as appropriate

  • Uses solid decision-making ability and sound judgment tosafely and effectively solve problems

  • Performs ongoing risk and hazard assessment while executing tasking

  • Proactivelyidentifiesany unsafe conditions or hazards and communicate them effectively

  • Works directly with other departments to plan and complete tasking

  • Performs tasking outdoors in environmentally challenging conditions including wind and extremecold weather

  • Advisesimmediate Supervisor of job progress and material/labor requirements

  • Learns and uses computer-based labor, material, and maintenance tracking applications

  • Reviews and follows established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs),suggests revisions as needed, and creates SOPs as directed

  • Complies withall ASC Environmental, Safety and Health (ESH), Waste Management and Quality Assurance requirements andparticipatesin Work Center Safety Program and ASC safety objectives

  • Performs other duties asrequired

Required Education, Experience, Certificates and Licenses:

  • High School diploma orGED

  • Current NICET IIWater Basedcertification (minimum)

  • Minimum four years of documented experience installing, testing, inspecting, repairing, andmaintainingfire protection systems, including wet, dry and hybridwater-basedsuppression systems

  • Experience in repair,maintenanceand inspection on a variety of equipment and application types

  • Experience developing written work plans, job hazard analysis, and job safety analysis related to the work activities under a permit to work system

  • Experience in maintenance of commercial, government, industrial, and/or institutional facilities

  • Ability to read and interpret design drawings, specifications, diagrams, maintenancemanualand manufacturer's troubleshooting guides

  • Possess prior computer experience and be able and willing to learn and effectivelyutilizecomputer-basedlabor, inventory, and maintenance tracking applications

  • Possess the competencies,willingnessand ability to perform the duties of position

Expected Skills and Competencies:

  • Ability to diagnose fire safety system issues and tomaintain, adjust repair, and replace fire safety systems and related components

  • Competent to ensure compliance with the applicable IBC, IFC and NFPA codes, and satisfaction of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

  • Skilled inutilizingdesign drawings, specifications, and wiring diagrams toaccomplishtasking

  • Minimum intermediate level computer skills with MS Office Suite experience to include Word,Exceland Outlook

  • Proficient in LOTO procedures for various tasking

  • Proficient in confined space safety protocols

  • Proficient in risk assessment and determination of PPEappropriate tospecific tasking

  • Knowledgeable of limits of PPE and proper maintenance of PPE

  • Familiar with fall protection and respirator use

  • Hands on experience analyzing situations and making technical and safety decisions based on specifications and applicable codes and manufacturer guidelines

  • Working knowledge of current building, fire and life safety codes as related to fire protection

Preferred Qualifications and/or Experience:

  • Experience withMaximo or other Computerized Maintenance Management System

Physical and/or Other Requirements:

  • Willingness and ability to deploy to Antarctica for extended periods

  • Successful completion of Medical and Dental examinations required by the NSF for deployment to Antarctica

  • Successful completion of drug screening and background check required by employer

  • Successful completion of Federal Background Check required by the NSF

  • Must be willing and able to lift and move items, parts, assemblies, and equipment up to the safety regulation maximum as required by the position.

  • Must be willing and able to perform physical activities including heavy lifting, climbing in and out of equipment, crawling, and working outdoors in extreme cold as required by the position.

  • Mustparticipatein community programs, such as "house-mouse" (chores), "daisy-picking" (cleaning-up around the station), recycling efforts & safetyobjectives.

  • Valid Driver's License issued in the United States

  • No clearance requirement but the contract and/or the site requires US Citizenship to be approved for access. (includes NACI / T1, MRPT, CAC): Must be able to obtain andmaintainfacility credentials/authorization. Note: US Citizenship isrequiredfor facility credentials/authorization at this work location.

Safety- Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing andmaintaininga safe work environment. Asappropriate, each employeeis responsible forcompleting all training requirements and fulfilling all self-aid/buddyaid responsibilities,participatingin emergency response tasks, and serving on safety committees and teams.

Quality- Quality is the foundation for the management of our business and the keystone to our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations.Accordingly, each employee must conform to the Amentum Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable Amentum Quality System documents and customer contracts. Each employee must read and understand his/her Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction responsibilities.

Procedure Compliance- Each employee must read, understand, and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures and policiespertaining tojob.

We are an equal opportunityemployerand all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Amentum is a drug free workplace.

Boots Required:XYesNo