Fire Protection Engineer

Fire Protection Engineer – Ensuring Safety, Compliance, and Excellence in Fire Protection Systems

At ZESLA, we are a forward-thinking engineering organization dedicated to delivering innovative, reliable, and high-impact solutions within the built environment. Our mission is rooted in safety, technical precision, and unwavering adherence to industry codes and standards. As a Fire Protection Engineer, you will play a critical role in designing, implementing, and maintaining robust fire protection systems that safeguard lives, property, and operations. Join our team of experts and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, professional growth, and accountability.

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Fire Protection Engineer to join our Medina-based team. In this full-time, on-site role, you will oversee the installation, maintenance, and compliance of fire protection and fire alarm systems, ensuring full alignment with NFPA, SBC, and Civil Defense regulations. Your expertise will be instrumental in preparing comprehensive evacuation plans, managing project submissions through Safety Portal, and leading a team of technicians to deliver exceptional results.

Key Responsibilities

Your role will encompass a broad spectrum of technical, operational, and administrative duties, ensuring that every aspect of fire protection is executed with precision and professionalism:

• Fire Fighting Systems (NFPA 13 / 14 / 20 / 25)
  - Supervise the installation of advanced sprinkler systems in strict compliance with NFPA 13, ensuring optimal coverage and functionality.
  - Oversee the setup of standpipes and hose cabinets according to NFPA 14, guaranteeing readiness for emergency response.
  - Install, test, and maintain fire pumps (diesel-electric-jockey) as per NFPA 20, verifying performance and reliability.
  - Inspect and validate pipe quality, fittings, supports, and slopes to meet industry standards.
  - Conduct thorough pressure and flow tests prior to system handover and replace activated or damaged sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 25.
• Fire Alarm Systems (NFPA 72)
  - Install and configure smoke, heat, and gas detectors, ensuring full compliance with NFPA 72.
  - Integrate fire alarm control panels with suppression systems and perform comprehensive system testing before Civil Defense inspections.
  - Implement voice evacuation systems and verify the functionality of wiring, batteries, and control devices.
• Maintenance & Operation
  - Perform regular maintenance on fire fighting and fire alarm systems, adhering to NFPA 25 guidelines.
  - Conduct weekly pump inspections and meticulously document results.
  - Inspect sprinklers, detectors, and hose cabinets to identify and address potential issues.
  - Troubleshoot leaks, pressure anomalies, and system faults, ensuring uninterrupted functionality.
  - Prepare detailed routine and emergency maintenance reports for stakeholder review.
• Civil Defense Compliance & Safety Portal Management
  - Upload all project documentation, including drawings, reports, certificates, and site photos, through Safety Portal.
  - Respond to Civil Defense comments with clear, technical explanations and justifications.
  - Prepare sites for final inspections and accompany approval visits to ensure seamless compliance.
• Site & Technician Leadership
  - Assign and oversee technician tasks, ensuring high-quality execution and adherence to occupational safety protocols.
  - Document daily activities and submit progress reports to maintain transparency and accountability.
  - Resolve technical challenges swiftly and effectively, fostering a culture of problem-solving.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation
  - Conduct thorough risk assessments for new sites, identifying potential hazards related to storage, electrical systems, gas, heat, and chemical exposure.
  - Recommend and implement control measures to enhance safety and mitigate identified risks.
• Evacuation Plans & Egress Routes (NFPA 101 / SBC)
  - Develop and update evacuation plans for each floor, aligning with NFPA 101 and SBC requirements.
  - Define clear escape routes and emergency exits, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
  - Mark critical fire safety equipment, including extinguishers, hose cabinets, detectors, and alarm devices.
  - Verify that exit doors open outward and include panic bars, while ensuring exit lighting is functional and obstructions are removed.
  - Select and clearly mark assembly points outside the building and review plans for any necessary updates due to site changes.
• Administrative & Technical Reporting
  - Operate under the direct supervision of the General Manager, submitting daily and weekly reports.
  - Follow project-specific instructions for execution and inspections, ensuring all work meets Civil Defense, NFPA, and SBC standards.

This role demands a strong foundation in Fire Protection Engineering, with a focus on both design and hands-on implementation. You will bring expertise in Life Safety principles, fire safety standards, and best practices, alongside experience in Safety Engineering and risk mitigation. A Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline is required, along with practical experience in fire suppression systems, including sprinklers and clean agent systems.

If you are passionate about ensuring safety, driving technical excellence, and contributing to a culture of accountability, we invite you to be part of ZESLA’s mission. Join us in shaping safer environments and delivering solutions that make a lasting impact.