Independent Contractor Fire Alarm Programmer Jobs

EST-4 Fire Alarm Programmer - Poway, CA

AMPAM is a leading Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) contractor serving large-scale multifamily and commercial projects across California. With 1,500 employees across multiple business units, we are committed to delivering quality, safety, and excellence in every project. In June 2026, AMPAM acquired Coastal Fire & Integration Systems (“Coastal”), a San Diego-area provider of fire protection, low-voltage, and life safety systems. This role will join the AMPAM team as a part of our Coastal Fire & Integration Systems acquisition.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should:

· Possess experience programming Edwards EST-4 fire alarm systems.

· Possess troubleshooting experience on EST-4 fire alarm systems, including ground faults, communication issues, device troubles, network issues, and system programming conflicts.

· Possess strong computer skills, including the ability to use programming software, maintain electronic files, generate reports, and communicate by email.

· Hold a NICET Fire Alarm Systems certification. NICET Level II or higher preferred.

· Possess a working knowledge of low-voltage communication systems, fire alarm systems, emergency communication systems, and related building system interfaces.

· Be able to read and interpret fire alarm drawings, riser diagrams, device layouts, sequence of operations, submittals, specifications, and as-built documentation.

· Be familiar with applicable fire alarm codes and standards, including NFPA 72, California Fire Code, local AHJ requirements, and project specifications.

· Be able to travel to job sites, arrive on time, and be organized with required safety gear, tools, laptop/programming equipment, and necessary parts or materials.

· Have strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

· Be able to communicate professionally with project managers, field technicians, inspectors, general contractors, customers, vendors, and AHJs.

Job Duties

The EST-4 Fire Alarm Programmer will be responsible for:

· Fire alarm system programming associated with start-ups, changes, tenant improvements, system modifications, service work, and project closeout.

· Programming, downloading, uploading, backing up, and maintaining EST-4 fire alarm system files.

· Reviewing approved drawings, sequence of operations, device lists, and project specifications to ensure programming matches the intended system design.

· Performing fire alarm troubleshooting and repairs on EST-4 systems.

· Supporting system commissioning, pre-testing, final testing, and acceptance testing.

· Servicing, inspecting, testing, and installing fire alarm systems in accordance with prescribed standards, approved drawings, manufacturer requirements, and applicable codes.

· Coordinating with field technicians to verify device addressing, labeling, circuit connections, panel terminations, network communication, notification appliance operation, and system functionality.

· Testing and verifying initiating devices, notification appliances, control modules, monitor modules, relays, annunciators, power supplies, voice evacuation components, and related fire alarm equipment.

· Programming and testing system interfaces, which may include elevator recall, sprinkler monitoring, duct detector shutdown, door release, smoke control, monitoring connections, access control interface, and other building system integrations.

· Participating in inspections and acceptance testing with fire departments, AHJs, general contractors, owners, and other project stakeholders.

· Preparing and maintaining accurate documentation, including programming files, test reports, deficiency lists, as-built notes, and closeout information.

· Providing technical support to project managers, service technicians, inspection teams, and customers as needed.

· Safety: Complying with company and OSHA safety regulations to ensure safe work procedures in the workplace and on job sites.

Additional Duties

The comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this position may be in excess of what is listed herein. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Physical Requirements

This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must be able to stand, walk, kneel, bend, crawl, and crouch for long periods of time. Individuals may be required to climb ladders, scaffolding, stairs, and access equipment in mechanical rooms, electrical rooms, rooftops, parking structures, ceiling spaces, and other job site locations.

Individuals must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull in excess of 50 pounds. This position may occasionally require individuals to work in high places, confined spaces, small cramped spaces, active construction sites, and occupied facilities.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis without future employment sponsorship

Recruitment Agencies:

To protect the interests of all parties, AMPAM WILL NOT accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to AMPAM, including unsolicited resumes sent directly to AMPAM leaders/managers/coworkers or to AMPAM's database will be considered AMPAM property. AMPAM will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Inquiries from external recruitment agencies should be directed ONLY to our talent acquisition team.