Lead Fire Protection and Plumbing Engineer

DLB Associates is a premier engineering and consulting firm specializing in innovative, mission-critical solutions across hyperscale data centers, advanced infrastructure, and high-performance building systems. With over four decades of expertise, we partner with some of the world’s most influential companies to design and optimize environments that demand precision, scalability, and resilience.

Join us and be part of a team where your voice matters, your work makes an impact, and your growth is a shared priority.

Position Title: Lead Fire Protection and Plumbing Engineer 

Position Location: Remote - work virtually from anywhere in the United States 

Salary 

DLB recognizes salary ranges from job boards do not necessarily reflect our pay ranges.  In many instances we out-compete those ranges for well-qualified candidates. 

Job Summary 

The Lead Fire Protection and Plumbing Engineer will have the opportunity to collaborate with all design staff and oversee full cycle plumbing and fire protection design activities for commercial building design and construction.  This person will work as part of the Engineering Team and interact closely with the Project Management Team to produce construction documents, develop and edit project specifications and lead the construction administration process. 

The Lead Fire Protection and Plumbing Engineer will be self-directed on day-to-day work and receive high level instruction on new projects or assignments.  Will execute and lead design teams and design projects of complex scope.  May coordinate activities of other personnel. 

The Lead Fire Protection and Plumbing Engineer will communicate and operate in line with organizational goals and values, as well as departmental objectives.  

Essential Functions 

Lead Fire Protection / Plumbing Engineering Design Activities (50%) 

• Independently perform intermediate to advanced engineering work  

• Perform intermediate to advanced plumbing and fire protection design tasks including infrastructure layouts and detailed tenant fit-out designs for various occupancy groups  

• Perform intermediate to advanced computations and analysis for plumbing systems and can use this information to size pumps, piping and other system components  

• Independently perform and analyze hydraulic calculations for fire protection  

• Independently analyze and size fire pump systems and associated components when applicable  

• Utilize AutoCAD and Revit software to prepare drawings and visual aids 

• Prepare book or sheet specifications for plumbing and fire protection 

• Develop and / or review sequence of operations  

• Assist in proposal development including project scope, schedule and budget; generally, seeks supervisory input before sending to client  

• Timely and effective management of project design team including resource forecasting and coordination  

• Identify potential project scope changes and aid in development of strategies to minimize impact and control deviations from estimated costs and project deadlines  

• Support contact for design clients and builds effective, long-term client relationships 

• May direct interns / other engineering and technical staff 

Lead Pre-Construction Activities (15%) 

• Survey existing building conditions and prepares technical reports of findings 

• Collect data and other information for construction documents 

• Prepare project design, specification and construction documents  

Lead Construction Activities (25%)  

• May lead or work as part of the engineering team and interact closely with the project management team 

• Review shop drawings and submittals  

• Review and respond to RFIs 

• Review and complete punch lists and project closeout documents 

Reporting (10%) 

• Prepare project progress reports for internal and external stakeholders  

• Update and maintain shop drawing and RFI log 

• Manage personal hours using company tools 

Technology, Digital Tools & AI-Enabled Efficiency 

• Identify opportunities and lead the strategic use of technology, digital platforms, and AI-enabled tools to enhance efficiency through workflow automation, reduced manual effort, and improved accuracy in forecasting, documentation, reporting, and quality processes. 

• Support adoption of emerging technologies - including advanced analytics, data visualization tools, and digital construction management platforms - to strengthen readiness, quality assurance, and project controls. 

• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure technology solutions align with DLB standards for data security, privacy, and operational integrity. 

• Promote a culture that embraces innovation, continuous improvement, and the strategic use of technology to optimize performance and scalability. 

Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget 

Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned 

Position Requirements (Advanced level for all the following) 

• Knowledge of designing mechanical, fire protection and plumbing systems 

• Knowledge of codes, code analysis and specifications for mechanical, fire protection and plumbing systems 

• Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), along with exceptional organizational skills for file management 

• Skilled in performing and analyzing hydraulic calculations 

• Skilled in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail 

• Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company-wide innovation 

• Ability to work successfully in a remote environment thru effective communication and organizational skills, self-motivation, proactiveness and resourcefulness in a distraction free workspace 

• Ability to follow company and site safety requirements  

• Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence 

• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form (technical and non-technical information)  

• Ability to communicate effectively directly with clients and at times serve as primary point of client contact  

• Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with moderate supervision 

• Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines  

• Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others 

• Organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously 

Physical Demands   

The following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is 

• Frequently required to remain in a stationary position 

• Frequently moving through office, facility and other environments 

• On occasion the employee may move equipment weighing up to 25 pounds   

Travel / Relocation Requirements 

• Up to 10%, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states  

• Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meeting for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc. 

Education / Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or fire protection engineering 

• PE in related discipline  

PLUS 

• Minimum of eight years of mechanical or fire protection engineering experience 

DLB Associates is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and participates in the E-Verify program with the Department of Homeland Security. We encourage diversity in our workforce.

Are you ready to challenge yourself and redefine standards in the AEC industry? Apply now and join our award-winning team!

Benefits

DLB Associates offers a very competitive benefits package; highlights include

• Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option)
• Health reimbursement account (HRA), flex spending accounts (FSA)
• Dental and vision plans
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse / domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26
• 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option
• PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year
• Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Short and long-term disability, AD&D coverage
• Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance
• Paid parental leave after one year of employment

CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC residents only: In accordance with CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC law, the range provided is DLB's reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location.

DLB Associates is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and participates in the E-Verify program with the Department of Homeland Security. We encourage diversity in our workforce.

Are you ready to challenge yourself and redefine standards in the AEC industry? Apply now and join our award-winning team!​

​NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

DLB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to DLB in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where DLB has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of DLB and DLB will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.