Independent Contractor Fire Alarm Programmer Jobs

At Encore Fire Protection, we are proud to be the east coast's largest full-service fire protection company, serving over 90,000 customers from Maine to Louisiana. With a team of over 2,200 dedicated employees, we provide innovative, customized fire suppression, fire sprinkler, and fire alarm solutions that protect lives and properties every day.

Our goal is to deliver superior experience to those who trust us to safeguard what matters most. We are passionate about continuous growth, innovation, and maintaining a culture that thrives on success and commitment to safety. Our mission? To be the best fire protection company the industry has ever seen. 

As a Fire Alarm Inspector at Encore Fire Protection, you will play a direct role in making sure the systems that protect our customers are working the way they should. You will test, inspect, and troubleshoot fire alarm systems so that when they are needed, they respond correctly and meet code and customer expectations.

You will spend most of your time at customer sites performing scheduled inspections, system checks, and responding to issues that need attention. You will work with building owners, facility teams, contractors, and internal colleagues, and you will often be the face of Encore Fire Protection at the properties you support.

If you like working with both tools and technology, enjoy diagnosing issues, and take satisfaction in leaving a system in better shape than you found it, this role will fit you well. Join us and contribute to our mission to be the best fire protection company the industry has ever seen.

Most days you will be out at customer sites, putting fire alarm systems through their paces and making sure they perform the way code, the building, and common sense expect them to. You are the one who tests, documents, and troubleshoots, who explains what you find in plain language, and who sticks with an issue until the panel is quiet, and the paperwork is clean. In this role, you will: 

• Inspect, test, and document the performance of fire alarm systems in accordance with applicable standards and customer requirements.
• Program, service, and troubleshoot a range of fire alarm systems, from basic to more complex, with limited or no supervision.
• Respond to service and emergency calls as needed, including occasional night, weekend, or short notice work when customer needs arise.
• Coordinate daily work with contractors, building maintenance staff, and Encore Fire Protection office personnel so that inspections and repairs are completed efficiently.
• Identify situations where systems are not installed, maintained, or operating in line with code or industry standards and clearly communicate those findings.
• Make practical recommendations for system and installation improvements that support safety, reliability, and compliance.
• Complete troubleshooting and repair work on assigned customer systems, following through until all issues are fully resolved.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed, findings, and recommendations for each site you visit.

• Three years of fire alarm industry experience with training and a high school diploma
• A valid driver's license and a clean driving record
• Extensive knowledge of NFPA 72, NEC, fire alarm system theory, OSHA requirements, and industry standards for fire alarm system installation
• Hands-on experience with a variety of fire alarm system manufacturers, such as Gamewell FCI, Siemens, Notifier, Edwards, Simplex, Honeywell, FireLite, or similar
• Strong troubleshooting skills and confidence working independently in the field while staying aligned with company processes and safety expectations
• Clear communication skills and a consistent approach to working with customers, contractors, and internal teams
• Attention to detail and a habit of finishing tasks completely and accurately

What Makes You Stand Out

• You have deeper experience working across multiple listed manufacturers, including more advanced programming and diagnostics.
• You have experience handling both routine inspections and more complex system issues on larger or more integrated fire alarm systems.
• You have prior experience balancing a mix of inspection, service, and emergency call work in a similar service environment.

Salary commensurate with experience with opportunity for a results-driven bonus based on personal output and effectiveness in role. Expected hourly range between $30 - $50 per hour.

At Encore, we're all about creating a culture where success is celebrated. We recognize that our work makes people's lives safer, and we reward those who contribute to our growth. Here's what you can expect: 

• Competitive Pay: Hourly rate based on experience with a performance-based bonus opportunity. 

• Tuition Assistance: Paid tuition for fire protection-related schooling needed to obtain licensing. 

• Purpose-Driven Work Environment: We believe in working smarter, not harder. You'll be part of a culture that values results, and we empower our team to focus on impactful work. 

• Swag: High-quality company swag and attire (t-shirts, hoodies, jackets) - at least twice a year. 

• People-Focused Culture: We know our greatest strength is our people. That's why we've built a culture that encourages experimentation, learning, and improving together. You'll have the space to share your ideas and help shape a company that is constantly growing.  

• Tools for Success: Access to leading-edge web-based productivity tools. 

• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy. 

• Retirement Planning: Participation in our Fidelity 401(k) plan with a company match, helping you save for your future. 

• Life Insurance: Company-paid life insurance policy of $50,000 to give you peace of mind. 

Encore Fire Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Encore Fire Protection is an E-Verify Employer. 

As an EEO/AA employer, Encore Fire Protection considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminatebased ongender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, race, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.