Senior Fire Alarm Technician

STARLIGHT Security Incorporated (STARLIGHT) is a life-safety and security contractor serving commercial, government, and institutional customers across the DMV region. We are seeking a senior-level fire alarm professional who can lead field execution, solve complex system problems, support inspections, and mentor rising technicians. This is a role for a technician who wants more than basic service calls - you will be trusted as a technical leader and customer-facing representative.

Senior Fire Alarm Technician
Location: Beltsville, Maryland and surrounding DMV territory
Job Type: Full-time, hourly, non-exempt
Pay Range: $35.00 to $48.00 per hour, based on verified experience, active certifications, programming ability, inspection leadership, and brand expertise
Other Compensation: Eligible for a $2,500 signing bonus paid in installments during the first 90 days, subject to written bonus agreement terms and active employment/good standing on each payout date. Eligible on-call stipend and overtime pay in accordance with company policy and applicable law.

Why Join STARLIGHT
At STARLIGHT, our ethos is simple: “If you want to go FAST, go alone. If you want to go FAR, GO TOGETHER.” We believe that our success is built on the strength of our people, and we are excited to have you as part of our growing force.

What STARLIGHT Provides

• Competitive hourly pay with overtime eligibility for qualifying hours worked.
• Structured on-call rotation with flat-rate dispatch stipend plus applicable overtime for emergency service rollouts.
• Fully equipped take-home service truck for approved business use, fuel card, and mobile device.
• Company-paid or company-supported NICET retakes, approved manufacturer/factory brand training, and mandatory license renewal support under the Career Backing policy.
• A professional field environment with apprentices and junior technicians who need senior mentorship.
• Clear 30-60-90 day onboarding plan, technical expectations, and growth pathway.

Role Summary
The Senior Fire Alarm Technician serves as a technical anchor for STARLIGHT Security field operations. This position leads complex programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, inspections, service coordination, and apprentice mentoring for commercial fire alarm systems. The technician must be able to represent STARLIGHT professionally with customers, prime contractors, inspectors, AHJs, and internal project teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead programming, logic mapping, node/network integration, and commissioning for addressable commercial fire alarm systems.
• Troubleshoot network synchronization issues, audio amplifier failures, intermittent ground faults, NAC/SLC/open circuit conditions, and complex device or panel issues.
• Read and interpret blueprints, fire alarm risers, matrix lists, as-builts, specifications, and manufacturer submittals.
• Coordinate with project managers, customers, prime contractors, and AHJs for inspections and final acceptance testing.
• Mentor apprentices and intermediate technicians on wiring practices, labeling, documentation, code compliance, device testing, and safe field procedures.
• Maintain accurate daily reports, photos, time entries, service tickets, material usage, and final closeout documentation.
• Enforce compliance with applicable codes, manufacturer instructions, project specifications, and company QA/QC checklists.
• Participate in a structured on-call rotation, typically one week every five to six weeks, to support emergency service calls.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 to 7 years of dedicated commercial fire alarm experience with programming and commissioning responsibilities.
• Active NICET Level II certification in Fire Alarm Systems required. NICET Level III or IV strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated programming competence on Notifier, Silent Knight, Honeywell/Fire-Lite, or comparable commercial addressable platforms.
• Valid driver license with an acceptable and insurable driving record for company vehicle operation.
• Ability to pass company-required background screening, MVR review, customer badging requirements, and jobsite safety requirements.
• Ability to lift/carry tools and equipment, climb ladders, access mechanical/electrical rooms, work in active facilities, and follow site safety rules.
• Professional communication skills with customers, inspectors, field crews, and management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Manufacturer training or certification for Notifier, Silent Knight, Honeywell/Fire-Lite, Siemens, EST, Bosch, Potter, or other commercial systems.
• Experience supporting government, institutional, healthcare, education, transportation, or high-security facilities.
• Ability to train apprentices and document field quality issues without disrupting project progress.
• Basic access control, CCTV, low-voltage networking, and documentation experience.