Principal Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Paterson, NJ

Navarro Research and Engineering is recruiting a Fire Protection Engineer in West Milton, NY. An active DOE clearance or DOD equivalent is required to be considered for this position.

Navarro is an award-winning provider of turnkey solutions, delivering comprehensive nuclear, environmental and technical services to federal agencies, commercial enterprises and private clients across the United States. Our expertise supports organizations such as the Department of Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Department of Defense and NASA, while also extending to commercial industries and private sector partners facing complex engineering, technical and environmental challenges. Navarro specializes in nuclear operations, environmental remediation, D&D, waste management, advanced energy, facilities management and technical and professional services. For more information, please visit Navarro-inc.com.

The Fire Protection Engineer provides primary support for building fire protection design reviews and commissioning activities. This role ensures that fire protection systems and features are properly designed, installed, tested, and documented in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and internal program requirements. The Fire Protection Engineer will: Perform fire protection design reviews for new buildings and major renovations, including review of architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, calculations, and design narratives for compliance with applicable codes and standards (including IBC, IFC, and relevant NFPA standards) and internal criteria. Evaluate design and layout of key fire protection and life safety features, including: Passive fire protection barriers (e.g., fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, fire doors, fire dampers, firestopping and penetrations) Automatic sprinkler and other water-based suppression systems (including standpipes, fire pumps, and water supplies) Fire alarm detection and notification systems (initiating devices, notification appliances, control units, and interfaces with other building systems) Review hydraulic, flow, and demand calculations, device spacing and coverage, equipment sizing, and system configuration to confirm that fire protection systems meet performance, reliability, and maintainability requirements. Assess integration of fire protection systems with other building systems (e.g., HVAC, electrical, security, emergency power, elevators, and building automation) to ensure proper coordinated response during fire and emergency conditions. Identify design non-conformances and performance risks; develop recommendations; and work collaboratively with design teams, project managers, and construction personnel to resolve fire protection issues prior to construction and occupancy. Develop or review commissioning and acceptance test plans for fire protection and life safety systems, including criteria and procedures consistent with applicable standards (e.g., NFPA 3, NFPA 25, NFPA 72, NFPA 80) and organizational requirements. Witness or perform functional and acceptance testing of passive barriers, automatic sprinkler systems, and fire alarm detection/notification systems, including: Sprinkler and water-based system tests (flow tests, valve operation, alarm transmission, supervisory signals) Fire pump performance tests (start-up, rated load, and overload conditions as applicable) Fire alarm and detection system tests (initiation, notification, signal routing, annunciation, and system interfaces) Inspection and function testing of fire door assemblies and other passive barrier components for proper installation, operation, and labeling Verify that fire protection systems and passive barriers are installed and configured in accordance with approved design documents, applicable standards, and manufacturer instructions. Document design review results, commissioning activities, test outcomes, and deficiencies; track required corrective actions to closure and confirm that systems are fully ready for service and occupancy. Support the preparation, review, and maintenance of as-built drawings, system narratives, design calculations, and operation and maintenance documentation to ensure accurate configuration control. Provide fire protection engineering guidance to project managers, facility engineers, operations and

An active DOE clearance or DOD equivalent is required to be considered for this position. Solid understanding of passive fire protection barriers, including design intent, code requirements, installation details, and testing/inspection methods for fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, fire doors, dampers, and firestopping. Solid understanding of automatic sprinkler systems design and testing, including system types, coverage requirements, hydraulics, water supplies, and functional testing principles. Solid understanding of fire alarm detection and notification systems design and testing, including initiating devices, notification appliances, control panels, circuits, and system interfaces. Ability to read and interpret architectural, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection drawings, specifications, and technical calculations. Strong analytical skills to evaluate fire protection system performance, identify deficiencies, and develop practical, code-compliant solutions. Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear technical reports, design review comments, and commissioning documentation, and to present recommendations to multidisciplinary teams. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills for tracking review findings, test results, and corrective actions to closure. Ability to work collaboratively with designers, project managers, construction personnel, and facility staff, while maintaining independence and objectivity in technical review and approval activities. Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize work, and meet schedule commitments for design reviews and commissioning activities.

Familiarity with International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), and applicable local amendments as they relate to fire protection and life safety. Familiarity with relevant NFPA standards, particularly: NFPA 3 - Standard for Commissioning of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems NFPA 13 - Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems NFPA 25 - Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code NFPA 80 - Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives Experience reviewing or developing commissioning plans and test procedures for fire protection and life safety systems in accordance with NFPA and internal requirements. Experience conducting or overseeing field inspections, functional testing, and integrated system testing of fire protection and life safety systems in complex or mission-critical facilities. Working knowledge of how fire protection systems interface with HVAC, electrical distribution, emergency power, security systems, and building automation systems. Familiarity with risk-based approaches to fire protection design and evaluation. Experience with internal or organizational fire protection design criteria, processes, and documentation practices.

Due to the nature of the government contract requirements and/or clearances requirements, US citizenship is required.

Navarro is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, or any classification protected by applicable state or local law.

EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability