Fire Protection Design Manager

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we’re building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We’re making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

• renewables and energy services
• engineering and design
• construction and facility services

To get where we’re going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

The Opportunity with McKinstry

We are adding a Fire Protection Design Manager to our growing Fire Protection division in Portland, OR.

This is a key role in our growing Fire Protection Division at the Portland, OR location. This is a dynamic position and requires a person with a “can do” and “problem solver” mentality. Your day may include assisting with estimates by providing design suggestions, preliminary calculations, and design hours input; Participating in project meetings and interviews; Fostering professional growth through mentoring, training, and regular performance feedback; managing the design staff and assisting with project problem solving; and more. All this while assuring the highest integrity in fire life safety and being an example of McKinstry values.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of fire sprinkler designers, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Design Oversight: Oversee the creation of detailed fire sprinkler and fire suppression system drawings using CAD software (e.g., AutoSprink, HydraCAD, Revit, AutoCAD).
• Review design drawings, hydraulic calculations, and material submittals to ensure accuracy and compliance with NFPA standards, local codes, and project specifications.
• Assign projects and manage the design team's workload to ensure deadlines are met. Track project progression and communicate status updates to the operations and sales teams.
• Act as the technical design lead for large or complex projects, coordinating with project managers, sales representatives, field superintendents, architects, and engineers.
• Provide input on design labor hour estimates and assist in resource allocation during the pre-bid phase.
• Provide ongoing feedback and create development plans for team members, including assisting designers with achieving NICET certifications.
• Drive continuous improvement of design processes and workflows to enhance efficiency and quality.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Construction Management, Business Management, or equivalent work experience required.
• NICET Leve III or IV in Water-Based Systems Layout is required.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in fire sprinkler system design, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency with design software, including AutoCAD and specialized programs like HydraCAD.
• Experience with Revit and BIM (Building Information Modeling) for complex project coordination.
• Strong understanding of hydraulic calculations and relevant NFPA codes (e.g., NFPA 13, 13R, 14, 20).

Additional Skills:

• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and team management abilities.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and cloud-based software systems required.
• Solutions-based thought process and general management skills required.
• Strong Knowledge of Applicable codes and standards adopted by the AHJ required.
• Ability to effectively teach design practices.

PeopleFirst Benefits

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Transgender inclusive benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Pet insurance
• “Building Good” paid community service time
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
• McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

If you’re driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.

The pay range for this position is $93,600 - $155,230 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Base pay information is based on market location. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.