Special Hazards Fire Suppression Designer

Job Title: Special Hazards Fire Suppression Designer

Location: Akron, OH

Department: Design

Employment Type: Full-time

Protect the spaces where water is not an option: data centers, control rooms and other mission-critical environments. Bring your clean agent and CO2 expertise to a team that values technical excellence.

Why Silco

• Unlimited access to training at our James A. Fraser Training Center in Columbus, plus company-paid certifications.
• Eight-time Top Workplaces winner and an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private company.
• Family-owned since 1931, with approachable leadership and real advancement across branches and departments.
• Veteran-friendly: about 30% of our team has served in the military.

About Silco

Silco Fire & Security protects lives and property for more than 45,000 businesses across Ohio, Kentucky and surrounding states. We design, install, inspect, service and monitor fire protection and security systems, from fire alarms, sprinklers and kitchen suppression to video surveillance and access control. Founded in 1931 and still family-owned and operated, Silco has more than 500 team members across seven branches: Cincinnati (headquarters), Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo and Louisville.

The Role

The Special Hazards Fire Suppression Designer develops engineered designs for clean agent, inert gas, CO2 and other non-water-based suppression systems. You will assess hazards in the field, run agent and flow calculations, prepare AHJ submittals and work with engineers and project teams to integrate suppression with detection and release systems.

What You'll Do (Essential Functions)

• Develop engineered designs for clean agent (e.g., FM-200, Novec 1230), inert gas and CO2 suppression systems.
• Perform field assessments of hazard classifications, protected assets and environmental conditions.
• Produce system layouts, flow calculations, piping schematics and equipment specifications using CAD or specialized design software.
• Complete agent quantity calculations and verify system performance requirements.
• Prepare submittal packages for AHJ review and approval, applying NFPA 2001, 12, 17 and 17A.
• Coordinate integration of suppression systems with detection and releasing systems.
• Assist with material takeoffs, cost estimates and procurement documentation.
• Review design packages for accuracy, compliance and constructability.

What You Bring

Required

• 3+ years of experience designing special hazards fire suppression systems.
• Strong working knowledge of NFPA 2001, NFPA 12 and related standards.
• Experience with clean agent system design and calculations.
• Proficiency with CAD or industry-specific design tools.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings.
• Strong communication and coordination skills.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to travel to job sites as needed.

Preferred

• NICET certification (Special Hazards or Fire Protection Engineering Technology).
• Manufacturer certifications (e.g., Kidde, Ansul).
• Experience with commissioning and testing clean agent systems and room integrity testing.
• Detection and releasing system integration experience.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to climb ladders, use lifts, and work at various heights.
• Able to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and crouching throughout the workday.
• Must have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for handling small components and tools.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, and testing equipment.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces or outdoor environments as needed.
• Requires occasional pushing, pulling, and reaching overhead.
• Must be able to wear and properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Capable of driving company vehicles and transporting equipment or materials when needed.
• Ability to remain alert and focused while performing detailed or repetitive tasks.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance; accident and illness insurance; Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid holidays and generous paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement and company-paid training and certifications.
• Up to 8 paid volunteer hours per year, plus dollar-for-dollar matching of your charitable gifts.
• Company events and recognition programs that celebrate success.

Equal Opportunity

Silco Fire & Security is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Reasonable accommodation: Silco provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants and employees with known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions. If you need an accommodation to apply or interview, contact Human Resources at (513) 733-5655 or aschmitz@silcofs.com.

Offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screen, conducted in accordance with applicable law, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Positions that drive for work also require a motor vehicle record review. Criminal history is evaluated individually in light of the position's duties.

This description outlines the essential functions, qualifications and physical demands of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of duties; other duties may be assigned. It does not create a contract of employment. Employment with Silco is at will.