Life Safety and Security (LSS) Designer

Overview

Imagine shaping the future of technology by contributing to the design and construction of the world's most advanced semiconductor manufacturing facilities for industry giants. At SSOE, you won't just be executing tasks; you'll continuously expand your expertise by confronting diverse and complex technical challenges unique to this cutting-edge sector, supported by access to advanced training and leading design tools. We foster your ambition with clear pathways for career progression, whether your aspiration is technical leadership, project management, or becoming a revered subject matter expert. All of this unfolds within a truly integrated, multidisciplinary team environment that champions knowledge sharing and innovation, backed by the stability and proven excellence of a well-established firm renowned for its high-tech facility design.

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Life Safety and Security (LSS) Designer to join our team. In this role, you will engage in designing, developing, and implementing cutting-edge life safety and security systems for state-of-the-art industrial and high-tech manufacturing facilities serving global leaders in technology. As an LSS Designer, you will apply your expert knowledge in creating sophisticated designs for integrated fire detection and suppression systems, emergency evacuation systems, access control systems, intrusion detection systems, and video surveillance systems specifically tailored for high-tech environments. Your designs will directly impact on the safety of personnel, protection of multi-million-dollar equipment, and prevention of production downtime in critical manufacturing environments. Join us in shaping innovative design-build projects with a relentless commitment to quality, efficiency, and collaborative excellence.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative and robust designs for comprehensive life safety systems tailored to high-tech and semiconductor manufacturing environments, including fire detection systems, fire suppression systems, smoke control systems, and emergency notification systems.
• Design advanced security systems including access control, intrusion detection, and video surveillance systems with integration capabilities to other building systems.
• Create specialized designs for high-hazard production material (HPM) leak detection, toxic gas management systems, and other specialized detection systems critical in semiconductor facilities.
• Design early smoke detection apparatus (VESDA) systems to protect sensitive manufacturing tools and processes from smoke contamination.
• Prepare detailed technical specifications, drawings, diagrams, and documentation for life safety and security systems using AutoCAD and Revit MEP to create accurate 3D models.
• Develop system flow diagrams, rack elevations, riser diagrams, and point-to-point wiring diagrams for complex integrated systems.
• Ensure all life safety and security designs comply with relevant industry standards, codes, and regulations including NFPA 318 (Protection of Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities), NFPA 72, ICC, UL standards, and local building codes.
• Conduct thorough fire risk assessments and hazard analyses specific to cleanroom environments, taking into account unique risks such as pyrophoric materials, flammable chemicals, and high voltage equipment.
• Perform code compliance checks and basic engineering calculations to validate system designs.
• Analyze potential safety challenges based on building design, occupancy, materials used and implement design solutions to address identified risks.
• Work closely with Lead Engineers, Project Managers, and multi-disciplinary design teams to integrate LSS systems with other building systems (HVAC, electrical, structural).
• Attend and actively participate in design review meetings, progress meetings, and client presentations.
• Collaborate with global engineering teams to maximize design efficiency and leverage digital technology capabilities.
• Provide verification of installed systems through field inspections to ensure compliance with design specifications and functional requirements.
• Provide technical guidance during construction phases to resolve field issues and coordinate system integration.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience designing life safety and security systems for commercial, industrial, institutional, high-tech, or semiconductor manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record designing integrated systems that protect sensitive manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Experience and knowledge pertaining to:
  • Fire alarm system design principles, detection technologies, and suppression methodologies.
  • Security system design includes access control, CCTV, and intrusion detection systems.
  • Emergency evacuation systems and emergency response planning principles.
• Understanding system integration requirements between fire alarm, building automation, security, and emergency communication systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of applicable codes and standards including NFPA 318, NFPA 72, NFPA 13, ICC, UL, and regional building codes.
• Proficiency in the use of Revit MEP and AutoCAD for system modeling and documentation.
• Working knowledge of BIM coordination processes in complex projects.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to assess complex risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Strong communication skills for explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborative mindset with experience working in multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes, cleanroom environments, and associated hazards (particularly regarding HPM areas, toxic gas systems, and pyrophoric materials) is a plus.
• Industry certifications such as NICET certification in Fire Alarm Systems, Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS), ASIS Physical Security Professional (PSP), or Certified Security System Designer (CSSD) is a plus.
• Salary Range: $67,000 - $110,000/year depending on location, education, experience, and any certifications that are directly related to the position.
• Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401K retirement savings plan (with company matching), opportunities for professional development and training, generous PTO & paid holidays.

Join us at SSOE, where your expertise will thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design and engineering excellence. If you're passionate about innovation and eager to make a significant impact, we invite you to apply and become a part of our forward-thinking team.