Fire Protection Site Engineer at Vestal Corporation in San Antonio, TX

JOB SUMMARY: The Fire Protection Site Engineer serves as the on-site engineering representative, working closely with the fire protection contractor, general contractor, owner, and design team to support the successful execution of construction projects. This position is responsible for assisting in the preparation and coordination of Requests for Information (RFIs), resolving field-related engineering issues, and facilitating timely communication among project stakeholders to ensure design intent is maintained and project milestones are achieved.

This role is primarily based at the project site for the duration of the project and typically requires 40 to 60 hours per week, depending on project demands. Project site located in central Missouri, approximately 75 miles west of St. Louis, MO. Upon completion of the project, the engineer will transition to an office-based engineering role, supporting design and project execution activities.

In addition to a competitive salary, this position offers additional compensation while on site at project site assignments as well as mileage and meal allowance for eligible travel.

JOB DUTIES (ON-SITE):

• Proactively identify potential design or project issues and coordinate the timely preparation and submission of Requests for Information (RFIs) to prevent project delays.
• Attend and actively participate in project meetings with the general contractor, owner, design team, fire protection subcontractor, and site safety personnel, as required.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, contractors, and other project stakeholders to ensure RFIs are technically accurate, clearly documented, and include sufficient information to facilitate timely responses from the design team.
• Monitor the status of shop drawings and submittals and assist in ensuring all required approvals are obtained before materials are delivered to the project site or installation begins.
• Coordinate with the fire protection subcontractor, general contractor, and other project team members to support project phasing, sequencing, and project planning.
• Provide technical guidance and engineering support in the development, review, and resolution of RFIs.
• Support project managers during client meetings, project reviews, and presentations by providing technical expertise and project updates.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and solutions-oriented working environment with internal and external project teams.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of project and organizational objectives.

JOB DUTIES (IN-OFFICE):

• Develop conceptual and detailed fire protection system designs based on verbal direction, sketches, models, and project requirements, incorporating standard details and notes into construction documents.
• Take ownership of the fire protection scope of work, ensuring technical accuracy, quality, adherence to project schedules, and budget objectives.
• Collaborate with project managers, architects, engineers, contractors, and clients to develop coordinated, practical, and client-focused design solutions.
• Participate in all phases of project delivery, including conceptual design, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding, and construction administration.
• Conduct site surveys, field investigations, inspections, and evaluations of existing facilities to support design development.
• Apply comprehensive knowledge of applicable building codes, standards, and regulations, including the International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), NFPA codes and standards (including NFPA 13, 14, 20, 24, 72, and 101), FM Global requirements, OSHA regulations, and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.
• Prepare fire protection engineering calculations, hydraulic analyses, system layouts, technical specifications, construction documents, and engineering reports.
• Design and coordinate fire sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire pumps, fire water storage systems, clean agent suppression systems, fire alarm interfaces, and other fire suppression systems as required by the project.
• Perform hydraulic calculations, water supply analyses, and fire protection system performance evaluations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and project requirements.
• Coordinate fire protection system designs with architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other engineering disciplines to ensure fully integrated project solutions.
• Review and approve shop drawings, product submittals, hydraulic calculations, Requests for Information (RFIs), and other contractor-generated technical documents.
• Participate in commissioning activities, system acceptance testing, final inspections, and project closeout to verify proper installation and system performance.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and quality assurance oversight to junior engineers and designers.
• Assist in developing, maintaining, and continuously improving company fire protection design standards, engineering procedures, and quality control processes.
• Adhere to company quality assurance, quality control, and project management procedures throughout all phases of project execution.
• Support project managers in client meetings, presentations, business development efforts, and proposal preparation.
• Foster a collaborative, professional, and solutions-oriented team environment while maintaining strong relationships with clients, contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of departmental and organizational objectives.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Primarily based at an active projectjob site with occasional office-based activities as required.
• Regular exposure to project site conditions, including dust, fumes, noise, uneven terrain, moving equipment, changing weather conditions, and other potential hazards associated with active project environments.
• Must comply with all company, project-specific, and client safety requirements, including the proper use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• May be required to work extended hours, including occasional evenings or weekends, based on project schedules, project activities, and site requirements.
• Must be able to work collaboratively with contractors, subcontractors, owners, and design professionals in a fast-paced project environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Regularly required to walk throughout active construction areas, stand for extended periods, climb stairs/ladders as needed, maintain balance on uneven surfaces, and navigate job site conditions.
• Frequently required to use hands and fingers, reach, grasp, handle tools or equipment, inspect installations, and perform field observations.
• Required to communicate effectively through verbal and written communication and to hear alarms, equipment operation, and job site instructions.
• May occasionally be required to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or work in confined or restricted-access areas.
• Ability to lift and carry materials, equipment, or documents up to 25 lbs. as required.
• Ability to perform field inspections and walk construction sites for extended periods while wearing required PPE.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred; Fire Protection PE strongly Alternatively, NICET Level 3 certification, in lieu of PE, is strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of fire protection engineering and design experience.
• Proficiency with Revit preferred, along with hydraulic calculation software (e.g., HydraCALC, HASS, or AutoSPRINK) and AutoCAD.
• Experience with SCRUM and Lean Design/Construction preferred.
• Strong knowledge of fire protection engineering principles, hydraulic analysis, applicable building and fire codes, and industry standards.
• Experience designing automatic sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire pumps, fire water distribution systems, and special hazard suppression systems.
• Familiarity with fire alarm systems and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related software.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, collaboration, organizational, and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Ability to travel occasionally (domestic and international); valid passport required or ability to obtain.
• Commitment to upholding company core values and fostering positive professional relationships.
• Experience in industrial, manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, or mission-critical facilities is a plus.
• Experience with designing dry and hybrid fire protection systems is a plus.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Collaborative work environment with exposure to diverse, complex projects.
• Support for continuing education and licensure.