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Data Centre Fire Protection System Engineer

Position Overview

A Data Centre Fire Protection System Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing fire detection and suppression systems specifically for mission-critical data center facilities. This role ensures continuous protection of critical IT infrastructure, servers, and telecommunications equipment while maintaining high availability standards.

Key Responsibilities

System Design and Engineering The engineer develops fire protection strategies tailored to data center environments, including clean agent suppression systems (FM-200, Novec 1230, Inergen), VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus), and pre-action sprinkler systems. They create detailed specifications, system layouts, and integration plans that comply with NFPA standards, local fire codes, and insurance requirements while minimizing water damage risks to sensitive equipment.

Installation Oversight and Commissioning The role involves managing the installation of fire protection systems during new builds or retrofits, coordinating with contractors, MEP teams, and facility managers. The engineer conducts comprehensive commissioning tests, validates system performance against design specifications, and ensures proper integration with building management systems and emergency response protocols.

Maintenance and Compliance Regular inspection, testing, and maintenance of all fire protection components falls under this position. The engineer ensures compliance with NFPA 72, NFPA 75, NFPA 76, and other relevant standards, maintains detailed documentation of all inspections and tests, and coordinates required annual certifications with authorities having jurisdiction.

System Monitoring and Incident Response Continuous monitoring of fire alarm panels, suppression system status, and early warning detection devices is essential. The engineer responds to alarms, investigates false activations, and implements corrective actions. They develop and refine emergency response procedures specific to data center operations.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation Conducting regular fire risk assessments, identifying vulnerabilities in existing protection schemes, and recommending improvements forms a critical part of the role. This includes evaluating hot aisle/cold aisle containment impacts on smoke detection, assessing risks from high-density computing environments, and planning protection for evolving infrastructure.

Required Qualifications

Technical Education and Certifications A bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or related field is typically required. Professional certifications such as NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level III or IV, CFPS (Certified Fire Protection Specialist), or PE license in fire protection engineering are highly valued.

Technical Expertise Deep knowledge of data center fire protection technologies including gaseous suppression agents, VESDA and air sampling systems, FM-200/Novec/Inergen system design and hydraulics, and pre-action sprinkler systems is essential. Understanding of data center infrastructure including cooling systems, power distribution, raised floor environments, and cable management is required. Proficiency with fire alarm control panels, building management systems integration, and AutoCAD or Revit for system design documentation is expected.

Standards and Codes Knowledge Comprehensive understanding of NFPA 2001 (Clean Agent Systems), NFPA 72 (Fire Alarm Code), NFPA 75 (IT Equipment Protection), NFPA 76 (Telecommunications Facilities), and local fire codes and insurance requirements is mandatory.

Experience Requirements Typically 3-5+ years of experience in fire protection system design, installation, or maintenance with specific data center or mission-critical facility experience preferred. Project management experience and familiarity with data center tier classifications (Uptime Institute standards) adds significant value.

Essential Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities for troubleshooting complex integrated systems are crucial. The engineer must communicate effectively with IT teams, facility managers, contractors, and emergency responders. Attention to detail in documentation, testing procedures, and compliance reporting is essential. The ability to work under pressure during emergency situations while maintaining data center uptime requirements is expected. Understanding of change management processes in live production environments and the ability to plan maintenance windows around critical operations completes the skill set.

Working Conditions

This position often requires 24/7 on-call availability for emergency response, occasional work during off-hours for system testing and maintenance in live environments, and regular site visits to multiple data center locations. Physical requirements include the ability to access raised floors, ceiling spaces, and equipment rooms in data center environments.

Location:

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

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