Columbia Fire, LLC is hiring : Design Manager in Seattle

Company : Columbia Fire, LLC

Location : Seattle, WA

Supervisor : Operations Manager

COMPANY OVERVIEW Founded in 2005, Columbia Fire is a Seattle-based fire protection company, currently employing over 60 team members and rapidly expanding through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. We specialize in inspection, testing, maintenance, service, and retrofitting of fire protection systems across multiple disciplines. With a strong emphasis on operational excellence, we are building a team of professionals dedicated to protecting lives and property through meaningful, hands-on work.

CORE VALUES Customer Centricity : Every decision considers the customer first.

Effective Communication : Clear, proactive, and responsive at every stage.

Consistency : We deliver what we promise, when we promise it.

Initiative : Empowered to take ownership and drive improvement.

Trustworthiness : We act with integrity, accountability, and respect.

POSITION OVERVIEW The Design Manager oversees Columbia Fire’s design team, driving excellence through mentorship, clear standards, structured training, and continuous professional development. The ideal candidate will establish and uphold rigorous design criteria, templates, and standard operating procedures, ensuring alignment with Columbia Fire’s core values and commitment to efficient constructability. This role requires comprehensive oversight of design operations, compliance with regulatory codes, timely project delivery, and direct involvement in project design as needed.

This position is classified as exempt under the professional exemption, reflecting the required NICET certification or engineering credentials.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Design Operations Management

Review and refine existing design standards developed collaboratively with field superintendents and internal stakeholders within the first 30 days. Implement comprehensive training for the design team and update standards regularly.

Develop, maintain, and enforce a detailed review checklist that clearly communicates expectations to designers, ensuring high-quality and consistent output.

Manage design team operations, including workload distribution, prioritization, and adherence to project deadlines.

Collaborate proactively with project management and field teams to ensure seamless transitions from design to installation.

Training & Team Development

6-Month Objective : Evaluate each designer’s current skills, identify gaps, and create personalized development plans.

12-Month Objective : Establish a structured training program for new designers, focused on NICET certification and proficiency in AutoSprink software and 3D modeling.

Leverage both AutoSprink’s formal training programs and internal expertise to enhance technical competencies.

Facilitate monthly "Lunch & Learn" sessions for ongoing professional growth, utilizing internal resources and external experts as appropriate.

Compliance & Certification Management

Maintain an active WA Certificate of Competency (Level III or higher), ideally through NICET Level III / IV in Water-Based Systems Layout, and ensure all design submissions are accurate, compliant, and stamped before submission to Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).

Review all fire sprinkler drawings by designers, comparing them to the standard review checklist, company standards, and project-specific specifications. Evaluate for code accuracy, efficient design, and ease of constructability.

Oversee accurate and timely management of the AHJ compliance database.

Ensure adherence to local codes and regulatory requirements, proactively addressing compliance to prevent project delays.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES Recruit, onboard, and mentor new designers to achieve departmental goals.

Regularly evaluate staff performance using the EOS scorecard model, reinforcing alignment with Columbia Fire’s values.

Address performance issues proactively, providing targeted coaching or initiating staff changes when necessary.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Competitive salary based on qualifications :

$120,000–$140,000 for candidates holding WA Certificate of Competency Level III (NICET III or IV).

$135,000–$150,000 for licensed Fire Protection Engineers (WA P.E.).

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

Employer-paid life insurance with options for additional coverage

Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution

401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 3.5%

Paid Time Off (PTO) starting at 10 days / year, increasing to 15 days / year after one year

8 paid holidays annually

Paid community service time

WORK ENVIRONMENT In-person role at Columbia Fire’s Seattle office

Standard 40-hour workweek, exempt from overtime, with flexibility to meet project demands

Oversee and train staff on the use of AutoSprink software

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Columbia Fire, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, gender, or other protected status.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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