What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Fire Protection Engineer (PE - Design) position at Vanderweil Engineers?
About the Company
Are you an experienced Fire Protection Engineer ready to lead complex, high-impact projects for some of the most respected clients in the industry? Do you want to join a forward-thinking A/E firm that values technical excellence, stability, and long-term career growth?
We are seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer and Team Lead to help drive and elevate our Fire Protection practice in our Alexandria, VA office. This is a leadership position with direct impact on project strategy, team development, and client success. Our Fire Protection group delivers a full suite of services across multiple sectors, including high-rise buildings, large campus systems, science and technology, mission critical, healthcare, commercial, and academic facilities.
About the Role
Provide senior technical leadership in the design of fire suppression, fire alarm, mass notification, smoke control, and special hazard systems across a diverse portfolio of projects.
Responsibilities
- Oversee system design for sprinklers, standpipes, high-rise fire pumps, gaseous agent suppression, voice evacuation, and advanced detection technologies.
- Serve as a project leader and trusted advisor to clients—coordinating closely with architects, engineers, and construction teams throughout design and construction.
- Conduct site assessments and documentation of existing FP/FA systems; develop recommendations and technical reports.
- Produce and review design drawings using Revit and AutoCAD ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to codes and standards.
- Lead construction administration efforts including site visits, field reports, RFI responses, and review of shop drawings and submittals.
- Manage the workflow, schedules, and priorities across multiple concurrent projects.
- Mentor, coach, and develop junior engineers—helping shape the future of our Fire Protection practice.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
- PE License (in Fire Protection or relevant discipline).
- 10 years of progressive fire protection engineering experience, including advanced design of FP/FA systems.
Required Skills
- Excellent communication, technical writing, and interpersonal skills—able to engage clients, lead meetings, and guide internal teams.
- Proven leadership experience with a passion for mentoring and developing junior engineering staff.
- Ability to create, review, and modify detailed technical drawings and specifications with precision and expertise.
Preferred Skills
- 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.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace.