About Us

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

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We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

HDR is looking for a Senior Fire and Life Safety Engineer to join our Building Engineering Services Group in either San Antonio, Austin, or Dallas, TX. HDR's Fire and Life Safety (FLS) team provides essential consulting and design expertise to a broad range of markets including: science/tech/labs, data centers/mission-critical, auditoriums/arenas, electric vehicle facilities, federal (DoD, NASA, VA, NPS, GSA), aviation, mining, power generation, hydropower, oil and gas, water/wastewater, and many more. Our services in these markets are growing rapidly and we are seeking a Senior Fire and Life Safety Engineer to develop and lead a team based in Texas. They will work closely with FLS Leads in other geographies across HDR and serve in a consultant role to our internal project teams and as well as consulting with external clients. They will also be expected to leverage their experience as a technical subject matter expert, and fill a project management role for stand-alone FLS projects and for the FLS discipline on inter-disciplinary projects. They will have a key role in providing leadership in continually evolving and delivering our FLS design services, and participating in business development and proposal activities. They will be expected to participate and provide technical direction in services such as these: active and passive fire and life safety systems, code consulting, life safety and egress evaluations, performance based design, fire/smoke/egress modeling, inspection and plan review, hazard and risk analysis, emergency management and planning, structural fire protection, fire root cause analysis, and accessibility consulting. This individual must be self-motivated, goal and detail oriented. They must enjoy leading and developing teams, and be energized by working with clients. Travel (domestic and international, estimated to be 10% or less) may be required at various times. The FLS team is distributed throughout the U.S. and works as an integrated element in larger A/E teams across a broad range of industries. Success in this role will require the ability to:

• Know your strengths, foster relationships, and be a proactive communicator
• Share our desire to grow our FLS team globally
• Collaborate in a team environment with a positive and helpful attitude
• Be highly motivated, constantly seek improvement in how we do things, and be willing to take on new challenges
• Be able to manage multiple projects immediately, including developing proposals, project planning, staffing, and successful delivery of projects through independent work and engaging other FLS teammates
• Cultivate good working relationships with project managers, project teams, FLS teammates, and other clients as we grow our team
• Effectively network with other fire and life safety industry professionals

On a day-to-day basis, the Senior Fire and Life Safety Engineer will also be expected to be responsible for:

• Fire protection engineering and code consulting efforts, taking responsibility as engineer of record for many projects across the country
• Project management for dedicated fire and life safety projects
• Performing analysis of existing fire protection systems, as well as designing new fire protection systems including suppression systems, fire detection, alarm and mass notification systems
• Providing consulting for life safety, building, and fire code compliance
• Developing thorough and clear design analysis, summary of code requirements and life safety plans, and accurate reports
• Planning and designing details including engineering concepts, distribution plans, riser diagrams, detail drawings, schedules, specifications, design analysis, engineering reports
• Occasional on-site project observations and reviews to fulfill contractual obligations for construction phase services, and overseeing other personnel assigned to this responsibility
• Managing day-to-day contacts with internal and external clients while utilizing experience and technology to meet expectations

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Fire Protection Engineering PE registration is required
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a technical fire protection design or consulting role involving fire protection systems
• Experience in designing fire sprinkler, suppression, and fire alarm systems layouts utilizing hydraulic calculation programs, and knowledge of NFPA Codes, and International Building and Fire Codes is required
• Project management experience is required
• Working knowledge of NFPA codes as applicable to HDR's project types
• Ability to cultivate good working relationships with project managers, project teams, FLS teammates, and other clients as we grow our team
• An enterprising attitude and intrinsic commitment to being an active participant in our unique and dynamic employee-owned culture is a must

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with one or more of the following: electric fleet vehicle charging facilities, healthcare facilities, data center/mission-critical facilities, higher education, water/wastewater, industrial process facilities
• Experience identifying, recruiting, hiring, and managing team members
• Local candidates are preferred

Why HDR

At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for it's also about what you do and how you do it. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible. When you join HDR, we give you license to do the same. We help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way.