Job Description

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

We currently have an exciting opportunity within our Corporate Facilities group for a Fire Life Safety Specialist, based in the San Diego, California region. Under minimal supervision, this position is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the inspection, testing, maintenance, repair, and regulatory compliance of the organization's fire and life safety systems. The Fire Life Safety Specialist serves as the primary liaison with third-party fire protection vendors and contractors, ensuring all required inspections, corrective actions, and preventive maintenance activities are completed in accordance with applicable fire and building codes, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, manufacturer's recommendations, and company safety policies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate and oversee third-party vendors performing inspections, testing, maintenance, repairs, and emergency service for all fire and life safety systems.
• Manage inspection schedules to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.
• Oversee the inspection, testing, maintenance, repair, and service of:
  • Fire sprinkler systems
  • Special hazard fire protection systems (clean agent, foam, pre-action, deluge, etc.)
  • Kitchen hood fire suppression systems
  • Fire alarm systems, including control panels, initiating devices, and notification appliances
  • Fire pumps and related fire protection equipment, where applicable
• Review vendor inspection reports for accuracy, code compliance, and required corrective actions.
• Track all deficiencies identified during inspections and repairs through completion and verification.
• Coordinate repair work with contractors, facility operations, and building occupants to minimize operational disruption.
• Verify that vendors perform work in accordance with applicable codes, contract specifications, and industry best practices.
• Maintain exceptional digital documentation and records of inspections, testing, maintenance, repairs, impairments, permits, and certifications to support regulatory compliance and audits.
• Maintain organized electronic recordkeeping systems to ensure readily accessible fire life safety documentation.
• Monitor inspection frequencies and proactively schedule recurring services to prevent lapses in compliance.
• Maintain accurate asset inventories for all fire life safety equipment and systems.
• Coordinate annual, semi-annual, quarterly, monthly, and required periodic testing activities.
• Conduct routine field inspections to verify system condition, contractor performance, and overall fire life safety readiness.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining fire life safety policies, procedures, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Coordinate fire protection system impairments, ensuring appropriate notifications, fire watch procedures, and restoration activities are completed in accordance with code requirements.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for fire protection contractors, inspectors, insurance representatives, and AHJs.
• Support regulatory inspections and compliance audits by providing required documentation and coordinating corrective actions.
• Maintain working knowledge of applicable fire and building codes, including NFPA standards, International Fire Code (IFC), International Building Code (IBC), and local jurisdictional requirements.
• Interpret inspection findings and recommend corrective actions or system improvements.
• Monitor contractor performance, service quality, and contract compliance.
• Assist with budgeting for inspections, repairs, system upgrades, and capital replacement projects.
• Recommend equipment replacements and modernization projects based on system condition, code changes, and lifecycle analysis.
• Coordinate emergency response and restoration efforts following fire protection system activations, impairments, or failures.
• Investigate recurring system deficiencies and recommend long-term corrective solutions.
• Maintain strong working relationships with facility management, operations, engineering staff, vendors, and regulatory agencies.
• Promote a proactive culture of fire prevention and life safety throughout the organization.
• Thorough knowledge of fire protection and life safety systems and their inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements.
• Strong understanding of applicable NFPA standards.
• Working knowledge of International Fire Code (IFC), International Building Code (IBC), OSHA requirements, and local fire regulations.
• Experience coordinating multiple fire protection vendors and service contracts.
• Excellent project coordination and organizational skills.
• Exceptional digital recordkeeping and document management abilities.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify compliance deficiencies.\
• Ability to interpret inspection reports, fire protection drawings, and technical documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), electronic document management systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and related software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting regulatory deadlines.
• Experience supporting regulatory inspections and compliance audits.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of contractor safety requirements and permit coordination.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of fire and life safety compliance.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

 

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, military class C school or Military Occupation Specialty (MOS), and five or more years of progressive experience as an apprentice plumber or HVAC mechanic.  
• Must be customer focused and possess:
  • The ability to identify, analyze, interpret and report on issues.
  • Organization skills to maintain flow of work within the unit.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to interface with all levels of internal employees, external customers and management.
  • The ability to represent the company as a knowledgeable resource.
  • The ability to analyze and use judgment in resolving complex issues and problems
  • Knowledge of computer operations and applications including word processing, spreadsheets, and specialized facilities management software.
• Responsible for observing all Federal, State and Local laws, OSHA CAL-OSHA safety regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. Expected to maintain a productive and safe working environment in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Complies with all regulations, local applicable laws regarding health, safety or environment and General Atomics Standard Operating Procedures and Policies.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle (valid license required).  May require use of a personal, or company vehicle, or electrical cart.
  • May require a valid California driver's license with a good driving record verified by the DMV.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment as a leader is essential as well as the ability to work extended hours as required.
  • Must participate in the Facilities On-Call program as required.
  • Ability to travel to other regional locations for work, training, meetings, and other work-related activities.
  • Must be able to work a 9/80 schedule, Monday-Thursday 5:30am-3:00pm, (working) Friday 6:00am-2:30pm.  Must be able to work outside of normal business hours and different work shifts as required to support facility objectives..
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance may be required