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

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.

• 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.

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

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 Micro Station 2D CADD
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Ability to perform field walk-downs at construction sites

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)

• 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

Candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance. Active clearance is not required initially but must be obtainable after award.