Lead Fire Suppression Engineer
Battelle
Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Summary
Battelle is currently seeking an experienced Lead Fire Suppression Engineer or similar candidate to join our team. Battelle is providing service to a range of clients with AFFF transition needs which are supported by our technology and research in PFAS management and destruction. We are looking for a leader to provide scoping, review and oversight for cleaning and replacement projects associated with transition needs.
This position offers the flexibility of remote work. Candidates based near Columbus, OH, can work at Battelle headquarters; however, candidates located in the western U.S. and interested in remote work are also desirable.
The role involves applying multidisciplinary engineering skills, regulatory compliance knowledge, and project management experience to design and execute engineering research studies. Responsibilities include determining appropriate analysis methods, identifying issues, developing and implementing solutions to complex problems, directing vendors, and providing detailed specifications.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the client service lead, driving project delivery and business development efforts related to AFFF system replacements and fire suppression engineering needs. Build and maintain strong relationships with clients to support project success and growth opportunities.
- Lead the development and oversight of project scopes, budgets, and schedules, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and client-specific objectives.
- Manage and oversee engineering contractors, including the development of SOWs and RFPs, review of contractor submittals, and coordination of replacement activities such as system cleanout, dismantling, AFFF waste and wastewater management, and new system installation.
- Provide day-to-day technical and project leadership for internal teams and external partners, including assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and ensuring high-quality deliverables are completed on time and within budget.
- Analyze complex technical data to identify solutions, contribute to innovative approaches, and recommend modifications to improve project outcomes.
- Prepare and present technical reports, findings, and presentations to clients and stakeholders, both formally and informally.
- Support proposal development and marketing efforts by contributing technical content and insights for new project opportunities, including IR&D studies.
- Mentor and train junior staff, providing guidance to support technical development and project contributions.
Key Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in fire suppression engineering or a related field with 8 years of experience, a master’s degree with 5 years of experience, a Ph.D. with 2 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Established network within the commercial client space.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience with AFFF systems or PFAS-related projects – aligns with the current environmental context of the role.
- Knowledge of NFPA codes and standards – critical for fire suppression engineering.
- Experience managing engineering contractors or cross-functional project teams – aligns with project oversight duties.
- Demonstrated success in proposal development or business development – supports the client-facing nature of the role.
- Professional Engineer (P.E.) certification preferred.
- Applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person, as defined by U.S. export control laws.
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Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.
- Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
- Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
- Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
- Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
- Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
- Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
- Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.
A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:
- Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
- Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
- Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
- Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
- Give back to and improve our communities
Vaccinations & Safety Protocols
Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).
Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.
For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers