Fire Alarm Technician / Programmer

Fire Alarm Technician / Programmer

Aven Fire Systems, Inc.
New Castle, PA
Full-Time | Field Position
Pay Range: $25.00–$40.00+ per hour, based on experience, certifications and programming capability

About the Position

Aven Fire Systems is seeking an experienced Fire Alarm Technician / Programmer to join our fire alarm and life-safety team.

This is not strictly an installation position.

We are looking for a technician who understands how fire alarm systems actually work and can independently troubleshoot, service, program, test and commission systems in commercial, industrial, institutional and construction environments.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with addressable fire alarm systems and be comfortable working with platforms such as Potter, Kidde/Aries, Siemens and similar commercial fire alarm and releasing systems.

Candidates with strong fire alarm service experience who are ready to expand their programming capabilities are also encouraged to apply.

What You'll Be Doing

• Troubleshoot, service and repair commercial fire alarm and life-safety systems
• Program and modify addressable fire alarm control panels and associated equipment
• Perform system startup, commissioning and acceptance testing
• Diagnose ground faults, communication faults, SLC/NAC issues, device failures and intermittent system problems
• Add, remove, replace and reprogram initiating devices, notification appliances, modules, relays and other system components
• Review and interpret fire alarm drawings, riser diagrams, wiring diagrams, specifications and sequence-of-operations documents
• Verify programming against project drawings, specifications and intended sequence of operation
• Perform point-to-point testing and confirm proper system operation
• Test and troubleshoot initiating devices, notification circuits, supervisory devices and control functions
• Program and verify interfaces with sprinkler systems, suppression systems, HVAC shutdown, elevator functions, door holders, monitoring equipment and other life-safety systems
• Work with releasing and special-hazard systems when applicable, including Kidde/Aries and related suppression interfaces
• Perform inspections, testing and service in accordance with applicable requirements of NFPA 72 and other applicable codes and standards
• Identify system deficiencies and recommend appropriate corrective action
• Coordinate with customers, contractors, inspectors, monitoring companies and other trades during service and commissioning
• Support fire alarm system inspections when needed
• Complete service reports, testing documentation, programming records and field paperwork accurately and promptly
• Maintain programming files, panel documentation and system information as required
• Provide clear redlines and field information when drawings or system documentation require updates
• Assist less-experienced technicians with troubleshooting and technical issues
• Maintain an organized service vehicle, tools, programming equipment and commonly used service material
• Participate in emergency service and on-call coverage as assigned

Systems We Work With

Aven Fire Systems services a variety of commercial fire alarm and life-safety equipment.

Relevant experience may include:

• Potter fire alarm systems
• Kidde / Aries systems
• Siemens fire alarm systems
• Addressable and conventional fire alarm systems
• Releasing panels and clean-agent suppression interfaces
• VESDA and aspirating smoke detection
• Sprinkler supervisory and waterflow monitoring
• Fire pump monitoring
• Elevator recall and associated fire alarm interfaces
• HVAC shutdown and smoke-control interfaces
• Door-holder and access-control release interfaces
• Central-station and communicator equipment

Experience with every manufacturer is not required. Strong troubleshooting fundamentals and the ability to learn additional platforms are more important.

What We're Looking ForRequired

• Previous professional fire alarm installation, service, troubleshooting or programming experience
• Strong working knowledge of commercial fire alarm system operation
• Ability to troubleshoot systems logically rather than simply replacing components
• Ability to read electrical drawings, fire alarm drawings, risers and wiring diagrams
• Understanding of initiating circuits, notification circuits, addressable loops, modules, relays and control functions
• Comfortable using laptops, manufacturer programming software, meters and electronic test equipment
• Ability to work independently in the field
• Strong attention to detail and documentation
• Professional communication with customers, inspectors, contractors and coworkers
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record
• High school diploma or equivalent

Strongly Preferred

• Fire alarm programming experience
• Experience with Potter, Kidde/Aries and/or Siemens systems
• NICET Fire Alarm Systems certification
• NICET Level II or higher
• Experience commissioning new fire alarm installations
• Experience troubleshooting complex or networked systems
• Experience with releasing or clean-agent systems
• Knowledge of NFPA 72 and applicable requirements of NFPA 70
• Experience performing fire alarm inspections and testing
• Manufacturer-specific factory training or certifications

NICET certification is preferred but is not the only thing we evaluate. Demonstrated technical ability and real field experience matter.

The Person We're Looking For

We want someone who can be handed a service problem and work through it.

That means being able to arrive at a site, understand the complaint, communicate with the customer, look at the system intelligently, diagnose the issue, determine what is required and either complete the repair or clearly communicate the next step.

We value technicians who take ownership of their work, document what they find and leave both the system and the customer in a better position than when they arrived.

Work Environment

This is a field-based position involving work in commercial buildings, manufacturing facilities, healthcare facilities, institutional properties, active construction sites and other customer locations.

The position may require:

• Driving to customer and project locations throughout our service area
• Standing and walking for extended periods
• Working from ladders and lifts
• Working above ceilings and in mechanical/electrical areas
• Bending, kneeling and working in confined areas
• Lifting and carrying equipment or material up to approximately 50 pounds
• Occasional early starts, overtime or after-hours work based on project and service requirements
• Participation in an on-call rotation

Compensation

Recommended starting range: $25.00–$40.00+ per hour

Final compensation should be based on:

• Fire alarm experience
• Programming capability
• Manufacturer experience
• NICET certification level
• Ability to independently troubleshoot and service systems
• Commissioning experience
• Special-hazard/releasing-system experience

Highly experienced multi-platform programmers may be considered above the posted range.

About Aven Fire Systems

Aven Fire Systems, Inc. is a full-service fire protection contractor headquartered in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

Our work includes fire alarm, fire sprinkler, special-hazard suppression, clean-agent systems, fire pumps, VESDA, fire extinguishers, kitchen suppression, backflow testing, inspections, service and construction.

We serve commercial, industrial and institutional customers throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.

Aven Fire Systems is a certified woman-owned business.

Benefits

Health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, paid holidays, company vehicle, company phone, uniforms, training, manufacturer certifications and NICET support, as applicable.

Aven Fire Systems, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 – 50.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person