Fire Systems SME

Description

Senior role for an experienced NICET-certified fire protection professional with deep expertise in mission-critical environments (factories, data centers, energy storage, labs, and battery production facilities). You will be the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) and system owner for fire alarm, detection, notification, and fire suppression / fire protection systems. You'll support project development with design and construction, lead and own the fire alarm and suppression systems for the Gigafactory Nevada campus.

Responsibilities

• Own strategy, standards, specifications, and lifecycle management for fire alarm, detection/notification, and suppression systems (sprinkler, pre-action, deluge, clean agent, fire pumps, and special hazards)
• Address special hazards (e.g., agent, dry chem, foam, mist, etc. suppression systems). Battery energy storage, manufacturing processes, cleanrooms, data environments experience is plus
• Manage consultants, vendors, and subcontractors for field inspections, and quality assurance for both alarm and suppression scopes
• Support construction, commissioning, acceptance testing, AHJ inspections, Certificate of Occupancy, and turnover documentation for fire alarm and suppression systems
• Provide ongoing SME support: troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, upgrades, maintenance strategy, and reliability improvement across alarm and suppression systems
• Support project development with design, construction, and Fire Response, as well as support RFP/RFQ packages, vendor qualification, and technical evaluations
• Review designs, drawings, calculations, shop drawings, and submittals for code compliance (NFPA 72, NFPA 13, NFPA 20, NFPA 25, NEC, IBC/IFC, NFPA 101, local amendments, insurer requirements such as FM Global)
• Build relationships with AHJs, and internal stakeholders

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Fire Protection, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent extensive experience
• NICET Level II or higher in Fire Alarm Systems (Level III+ strongly preferred); NICET Water-Based Systems or equivalent suppression experience is a plus. Manufacturer certifications and hands-on experience (Edwards, Siemens, or Honeywell, etc.) highly valued
• 8+ years of progressive experience in fire alarm and fire suppression design, engineering, programming, installation oversight, commissioning, and/or system ownership—focused on industrial, manufacturing, and/or critical infrastructure. Experience in OSID, aspirating/VESDA, multi-criteria detection, networked systems, mass notification, and/or flame detection systems is a must
• Working knowledge of water-based and special-hazard suppression (wet, dry, pre-action, deluge, clean agent, and fire pumps) and how detection interfaces with releasing and suppression
• Proven ownership of projects from kickoff through construction, commissioning, acceptance, and operational handover
• Strong knowledge of fire alarm architecture, detection, notification/emergency communications, networking/programming, power supplies, survivability, and integration
• Deep familiarity with NFPA 72, NFPA 13, NFPA 20, NFPA 25, NEC, IBC/IFC, NFPA 101, and related standards—including practical application and alternative approaches
• Strong project management, documentation, and problem-solving skills; comfortable with fast-paced, multi-site priorities

Compensation and Benefits

Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
• Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
• Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
• Tesla Babies program
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program
• Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)