Senior Fire Protection Engineer and Team Lead

Vanderweil Engineers is a nationally recognized, top-ranked engineering firm specializing in MEP/FP and technology services. For 75 years, we've delivered innovative solutions across diverse sectors—including Science & Technology, Mission Critical, Academic, Healthcare, and Commercial. As one of the largest independently owned engineering firms in the U.S., our team of 500+ professionals operates from nine offices nationwide, bringing deep expertise and a commitment to excellence to every project.

If you are looking for an opportunity to grow your career with some of the best minds in the industry, we are looking for you. We offer growth and stability in an ever-changing volatile environment. We are looking for a Senior Fire Protection Engineer and Team Lead in our Alexandria, VA office (Hybrid role).

Our Fire Protection Department services include fire alarm and detection system design, high-rise buildings, large campus fire alarm and protection, sprinkler, emergency communications and more. 

Some of your responsibilities include the following:

• Design of fire suppression and fire alarm systems throughout all company market sectors including academic, commercial, healthcare, science and technology, and mission critical.
• The engineer will be responsible for designs of automatic sprinklers, standpipes, high-rise fire pumps, gaseous agent suppression, fire alarms, voice evacuation, mass notification, special technology fire detection and smoke control.
• Coordinate with the design team and/or construction staff to lead related portions of construction planning and visit the project construction site throughout the construction administration process along with field reports, RFI responses, and FP / FA shop drawing and submittal reviews.
• Design and layout systems, and create drawings using Revit, AutoCAD, and HydraCALC.
• Survey existing project sites to document existing conditions and to assess existing FP / FA infrastructure.
• Coordinate workload and schedules of multiple concurrent projects with junior engineering staff.
• Lead and mentor junior engineering staff.

Essential Skills & Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Fire Protection Engineering.
• 10+ years of professional fire protection engineering industry experience designing fire protection and fire alarm systems.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit with fluency in MS Office products including Word, Excel and Outlook and cloud tools.  Strong communication and computer skills are required.  
• The preferred candidate will have excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Candidate must have the ability to create and modify technical drawings and specifications.
• Customer service perspective with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff.
• PE required. LEED preferred.
• Proven Leadership Experience.
• Valid driver’s license required with the ability to travel to project sites as needed.

Our Work Culture:

At Vanderweil Engineers, we believe our best work is done when flexibility is offered. We know that work/life synergy is crucial to our employees, our flexible and hybrid work style allows team members to have the freedom to be innovative, and drive results their way.  

Our wellness programs are above and beyond, as our team members physical and behavioral health are a priority. 

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace.