Fire Alarm Engineer (AI Data Centers)

Location: Remote, USA, or onsite at offices in Houston, TX; Long Beach, CA; San Francisco, CA; or Reno, NV. Travel to active project sites and client meetings is expected.

Company

hirify.global develops AI data centers at scale by combining equipment supply, engineering, general contracting, and real estate development capabilities.

What you will do

• Lead the technical design of fire alarm, detection, smoke control, and life safety systems for data center and mission-critical facility projects.
• Design systems using manufacturer equipment, including detection and monitoring for lithium-ion battery energy storage and UPS systems.
• Prepare sequences of operation, equipment schedules, riser diagrams, device layouts, specifications, and circuit calculations.
• Review drawings and submittals for technical accuracy, code compliance, design intent, and coordination across engineering disciplines.
• Interface with clients, fire alarm contractors, engineers, and authorities having jurisdiction to obtain approvals and resolve technical issues.
• Support site observations and acceptance testing, resolve construction-phase issues, and mentor junior engineers and drafters.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience designing fire alarm systems, including extensive data center and life safety system experience.
• NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level III or IV certification and a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field.
• Extensive experience with VESDA systems, VEWFD spot smoke detectors, addressable panels, releasing services, suppression interlocks, preaction systems, clean agents, and generator and battery enclosure interfaces.
• Knowledge of IBC, IFC, NFPA 1, NFPA 13, NFPA 70, NFPA 72, NFPA 75, NFPA 76, NFPA 92, NFPA 101, NFPA 2001, NFPA 2010, NFPA 855, and FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets.
• Experience with lithium-ion battery hazards, off-gas detection, hydrogen monitoring, thermal runaway response sequences, installation, testing, commissioning, and AHJ acceptance testing.
• Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD, strong communication and self-checking skills, and the ability to manage multiple assignments with minimal oversight.

Nice to have

• Professional Engineer license or Engineer-in-Training certification.
• Experience estimating and scheduling mid-to-large-scale projects.
• Fire protection or plumbing design experience.
• Experience with hyperscale, colocation, or AI-focused data centers and Texas AHJ processes.

Culture & Benefits

• Fast-paced, ownership-oriented environment with direct communication and practical decision-making.
• Subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Equity options in a rapidly growing startup.
• 401(k) with a 4% employer match, unlimited PTO, and parental leave.
• FSA or HSA, commuter benefits where applicable, and periodic in-person team and company events.