Principal Engineer – Fire Protection Design Engineer (Alarm & Detection Systems)
RFQ 1518
Location: Aiken, SC (Onsite – SRS)
Estimated Pay Rate: $98.50/hr with a standard benefits package
RFQ Close Date: March 12, 2026
Job Description
The Principal Engineer will provide senior-level fire protection engineering support focused on alarm and detection systems design within DOE nuclear facilities. This role supports engineering programs that require advanced technical problem solving, program planning, and development of engineering solutions in highly regulated environments.
The engineer will define scope, develop engineering solutions, and lead the execution of complex technical programs involving fire detection and alarm system design. This position requires a recognized level of expertise within the technical discipline and the ability to lead complex engineering efforts.
Responsibilities include evaluating engineering programs, developing schedules and technical plans, coordinating with internal teams and site organizations, and communicating technical results through reports and presentations.
The engineer will also mentor less experienced professionals and assist in advancing engineering practices while maintaining awareness of emerging technologies and improvements applicable to fire protection engineering.
Key Responsibilities
Provide fire protection design engineering support to site programs
Perform engineering task analysis and field walk-downs
Develop fire alarm and detection system design documentation
Produce engineering design outputs including:
Location plans
Connection diagrams
Conduit and block diagrams
Logic diagrams
Panel detail drawings
Piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)
Battery loading calculations
Ensure designs comply with national consensus codes and standards
Provide technical support to construction, testing, and start-up teams
Prepare engineering deliverables including:
Data sheets
Statements of work
Procurement specifications
Design build specifications
Purchase requisitions
Develop engineering schedules, monitor progress, and evaluate results
Communicate program outcomes to management and technical stakeholders
Provide technical leadership and mentoring to engineering teams
Engineering services will be performed using site-specific engineering processes and procedures.
Required Education & Experience
One of the following:
PhD in engineering or applicable science with 5+ years of experience
MS in engineering with 8+ years of experience
BS in engineering with 10+ years of experience
Required Technical Qualifications
Candidates must demonstrate 10 years of recent engineering design experience, including 4 years of experience in fire alarm, detection, and signaling design.
Technical expertise must include:
Fire alarm and detection system design
Electrical and control systems knowledge
Connection diagrams
Layout plans
Logic diagrams
Panel layouts
Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams
Battery loading calculations
Candidates must also have working knowledge of the following codes and standards:
NFPA 13
NFPA 70
NFPA 72
NFPA 90A
NFPA 101
International Building Code (IBC)
ISA and IEEE standards
Additional technical requirements:
Experience using MicroStation 2D CADD
Proficiency with Microsoft Office
Ability to perform field walk-downs at construction sites
Education / Certification Options
Candidates must meet one of the following fire protection qualifications:
Graduate of an ABET accredited Fire Protection Engineering program
OR
BS in engineering plus one of the following:
Professional Engineer (PE) in Fire Protection
NICET Level III or IV certification in Fire Alarm / Detection systems
Professional or Fellow member of Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE)
Preferred Qualifications
Previous DOE or nuclear facility engineering experience
Prior SRS design engineering experience
Experience working with SRS engineering processes and procedures
Active or recently held DOE clearance (L or Q) within the last 2 years
Security Requirements
Candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance. Active clearance is not required initially but must be obtainable after award.
Work Schedule
Up to a 40 hour work week using standard site schedules such as:
5/8 schedule
4/10 schedule
9/80 schedule
Occasional overtime may be required based on project needs.