Designer, Sr FP

As a Senior Designer at Ahern, you will be involved in the detailed design of fire protection systems, specifically automatic sprinkler systems. Your responsibilities will include using AutoSPRINK and HydraCAD for design tasks, conducting on-site field surveys, generating hydraulic calculations, and ensuring compliance with building permits. You'll also coordinate 3D BIM models using NavisWorks and prepare project-related documentation. This role requires a keen attention to detail and excellent organizational skills to manage timelines and project execution effectively.

To qualify for the Senior Designer role at Ahern, candidates should have a background in design or drafting, ideally with a degree from a related program. Relevant experience, especially with AutoSPRINK and CAD systems, is highly valued. While a NICET certification is advantageous, it is not a strict requirement. Applicants should demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment, as well as a commitment to exceptional customer service.

Ahern is committed to the professional development of its employees, including Senior Designers. We offer education assistance and access to various training programs aimed at enhancing your skills and advancing your career. Regular opportunities for development ensure that our team remains at the forefront of industry knowledge and practices, helping you to grow in your role and take on new challenges within the company.

Senior Designers at Ahern enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes top-tier health benefits, a robust 401(k) match, generous paid time off, and paid parental leave. We also offer mental health resources, wellness programs, and flexible work schedules to promote work-life balance. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate in bonus programs that share profits with employees, enhancing your overall compensation.

Ahern stands out as an exceptional workplace for Senior Designers due to its rich history and unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. As part of a 145-year-old family-owned business, you will find a supportive environment where your work is valued and acknowledged. Ahern fosters a culture of teamwork, offers career advancement opportunities, and provides resources for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, ensuring you can thrive both personally and professionally.

When answering this question, mention specific projects where you utilized AutoSPRINK, highlighting the design challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Discuss any custom features or calculations you employed and emphasize your comfort with the software to showcase your technical proficiency and attention to detail.

Your response should illustrate your organizational skills. Outline the steps you take from initial design to project close-out. Explain how you conduct field surveys, manage timelines, and coordinate with team members, ensuring every aspect of the project aligns with client expectations and building codes.

Discuss how you stay updated on relevant safety regulations and building codes. Explain your methods for verifying that designs meet these standards, including any collaboration with local authorities or using specific software tools to check compliance, illustrating your attention to detail.

Use the STAR method to structure your response. Describe the situation, your task, the action you took, and the result. Focus on showcasing your problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to work under pressure, particularly in a deadline-driven environment.

Highlight the importance of clear and consistent communication in your answer. Discuss how you keep stakeholders informed throughout the project lifecycle, including regular updates and check-ins. Mention any specific tools you use for project management that enhance communication and collaboration.

Discuss specific instances where you coordinated 3D models in NavisWorks. Mention how you used it to facilitate collaboration among different trades, resolve conflicts, and improve design accuracy. Highlight any successful outcomes that resulted from your efforts in BIM coordination.

In your answer, reflect on Ahern's long-standing reputation and commitment to quality and innovation. Express how you align with the company's values and culture, and emphasize your eagerness to contribute to impactful projects while benefiting from professional growth opportunities and a supportive work environment.

Emphasize that understanding customer needs is crucial in this field. Describe how you actively listen to clients, incorporate their feedback into designs, and ensure they feel involved in the process. This approach not only enhances customer satisfaction but also helps build long-term professional relationships.

Discuss your commitment to continuous learning. Mention any professional development courses, certifications, or industry conferences you attend to stay abreast of trends and technologies in fire protection and design practices. This underscores your dedication to excellence and innovation in your work.

For this answer, share your passion for the field. Explain how creating safe and effective fire protection systems positively impacts communities and lives. Speak to the satisfaction you derive from seeing your designs in action, knowing they contribute to safety and efficiency in building operations.