Remote Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Somerville, MA

Job Type
Full-time
Description
We are seeking a Virtual Planning and Construction (VPC) Manager to lead the implementation and coordination of digital construction technologies across our commercial projects. This role will oversee model-based coordination, BIM execution planning, and the integration of design and construction data to enhance project delivery, quality, and collaboration.
The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking problem solver who combines strong technical expertise in building systems and 3D modeling with a practical understanding of field installation. They possess a solid working knowledge of MEP/FP system design intent, constructability, coordination, and understand how to translate engineering documents, models, and data into real world construction solutions that improve efficiency, reduce conflict, and support informed decision-making throughout the project life cycle. Candidates demonstrate strong communication skills, having the ability to run weekly coordination meetings while collaborating with subcontractor and design teams.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead the Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection (MEP/FP) coordination process including maintaining a federated coordination model, running coordination meetings, managing model-based clash detection, documenting meetings through meeting minutes, and creating and maintaining a coordination schedule.
• Develop and maintain project specific BIM execution plans
• Capture and model existing building conditions utilizing in-house Light Detecting and Ranging (LiDAR) scanning technology.
• Identify and communicate to the internal and subcontractor teams existing building conditions and/or MEP/FP systems that may impact the intended design. Create documentation that clearly illustrates these potential concerns and collaborate with the entire project team on solutions.
• Maintain a fluid workflow with the Design and Owner teams as designs change throughout the coordination process.
• Work closely with our field staff during the demolition, coordination and installation process to ensure proper and accurate installation of all virtually coordinated components, support layout, prefabrication, and QA/QC efforts using digital tools
• Collaborate closely with design engineers, subcontractors, and field teams to resolve technical coordination issues while maintaining design intent and construction feasibility
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, schedules, and details to support accurate model-based coordination and installation planning.
• Evaluate MEP/FP system routing, equipment placement, access clearances, and maintenance requirements, identifying potential conflicts or performance concerns prior to installation.
• Proactively identify design gaps, conflicts, or ambiguities in engineering documents and facilitate resolution through coordination meetings, documented decisions, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Support prefabrication and installation sequencing by leveraging coordinated models to reflect system tolerances, elevations, and field conditions.
• Train and mentor others on the benefits of the Virtual Planning and Construction Department, best practices, and available resources
• Advance innovation within both the Virtual Planning and Construction Department and within Columbia by attending conferences, researching, presenting new technologies, and modeling a Continuous Improvement mindset
• Drive and be an active participant of the Columbia Way
• Additional responsibilities as assigned
Requirements
Requirements
• Bachelor's or higher degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
• The position is anticipated to be 50% in an office setting and 50% on construction site
• 5+ years of relevant experience preferred
• Working knowledge of MEP/FP systems including HVAC (airside and hydronic), electrical distribution, plumbing, and fire protection systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering construction documents, including plans, sections, details, schedules, and specifications.
• Familiarity with applicable building codes and standards (e.g., IBC, NFPA, NEC, ASHRAE) as they relate to MEP coordination and installation.
• Experience supporting constructability reviews, clash resolution, and system coordination from design through installation.
• Proficiency using BIM/CAD tools; Autodesk Revit; Navisworks
• Clear and effective communicator
• Ability to effectively collaborate with all members of a project team including, but not limited to project managers, trade partners, field staff, design teams, client, etc.
Work Environment
• Office setting: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Construction Site: Walking the site on uneven walking surfaces, climbing ladders, being around machinery with moving parts and around heavy equipment.
• Protective gear: Wearing personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, clothing, and a hard hat, for most of the day while on the construction site.
• Work Hours: This position generally works standard hours, but may occasionally work extended hours, nights, and weekends, especially during critical project phases, to address project delays or to assist with site coverage.
• Company Culture: Columbia strives to maintain a culture that is respectful of family and work/life balance and values that everyone is a hands-on contributor and feels comfortable sharing ideas and opinions. Our day-to-day operations are designed to encourage interactions between Columbia employees within and across teams, and to spark conversation and creativity.
Columbia Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Columbia does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, staffing agencies, or any other third parties. Any resumes submitted to Columbia or its employees without an agreement in place will be considered the property of Columbia, and the company will not be responsible for any associated fees or placement costs.
Third-party vendors interested in working with Columbia must contact recruiting@columbiacc.com to be considered for an approved vendor agreement.
All approved vendors must submit candidates directly to Talent Acquisition. Submissions sent to hiring managers or any employee outside of Columbia Talent Acquisition will not be recognized and may disqualify the agency from future partnership consideration.
Columbia Construction is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. We evaluate compensation decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Salary Description
$125,000- $160,000