Fire Protection Specialist

At Westinghouse, innovation is in our DNA.  We are creative. We think differently. We reimagine the possible across the nuclear industry every day. We continuously work towards providing cutting-edge products and services that are not only needed for today, but for our tomorrow.

Yet, thinking differently must go beyond our technical applications and products. We must incorporate innovation into all aspects of our business. In doing so, we can drive greater efficiency, create greater growth and strengthen our culture.

One area where innovative thinking can be impactful is sustainability. Protecting our planet and restoring our earth are not abstract concepts because of the carbon-free technology our teams create and deploy.  From the efficient and economical AP1000 nuclear plant to the new eVinci micro-reactor for remote energy applications, we are leading the way with the development of new nuclear technologies that will enable us to share the benefits of this reliable, clean, safe and economical source of energy for generations to come.

Focused on our customers’ success, Westinghouse is committed to delivering innovative nuclear energy solutions by leveraging our global insights, CANDU expertise, collaborative mindset, and best-in-class technology. We are proud to play a key role in accelerating Canada’s energy sustainability and achieving its net-zero goals.

Fueled by a team of more than 200 experts in 6 offices across Canada, we have been advancing the art and science of nuclear power plant design and operations for more than 60 years.  When it comes to operating nuclear power plants, utilities need a partner that understands what it takes to maximize safety, performance, and longevity. Westinghouse is the proven choice for end-to-end services and technologies from fuel manufacturing through to decommissioning and waste management.

Fire Protection Specialist – Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada (Hybrid working arrangement of 2 to 3 days per week onsite)

About the Opportunity

Westinghouse Electric Canada is a leading supplier of custom equipment, process systems and engineering consultant services for the Nuclear industry in Canada.  The successful candidate will join an innovative team that supports Westinghouse’s mission to provide clean energy solutions.

The Junior Fire Protection Specialist applies experience and knowledge of fire protection engineering principles, theories, concepts and science to advise and assist clients and internal workgroups in preparing designs and evaluations of systems, products and procedures for the purpose of safeguarding life and property against damage caused by fires, explosions and related hazards, while enhancing their skills by working under the mentorship of senior Fire Protection Division personnel.

The Fire Protection Specialist is expected to understand, in addition to general engineering principles:

• Fire Science — the underlying physical principles of fire and its related mechanisms.
• Active Fire Protection — the role of fire protection systems in fire safety design.
• Passive Protection — the role of passive protection measures in fire safety design.
• Human Behavior & Evacuation — the behavior of persons during an emergency and the principles of evacuation design and escape facilities.
• Performance-Based Design (PBD) — the principles of using a PBD approach for fire safety design.
• Fire Protection Analysis — the principles of technical analysis related to fire safety design.
• Computational Modeling — the use of advanced modeling related to fire safety design.
• Fire Hazard and Risk Assessment — the basic principles of risk management and probabilistic analysis.
• General Building Design — how architectural, engineering and technical principles are incorporated into the design of buildings, industrial construction and other similar facilities.
• Code and Regulations — the role of regulations in relation to fire safety design.

What will you do?

Your day to day: 

• Assist in the design of fire detection, fire suppression and emergency signaling systems equipment and procedures in accordance with all applicable governing Codes and Standards and industry best practices.
• Assist in the development of performance-based design analyses utilizing fire protection engineering principles, Code analyses, consultation with Authorities Having Jurisdiction, computer-based fire modeling, egress calculations, and other available resources as necessary to suit the specific of each application.
• Assist in the creation of fire detection and emergency signaling system design and layout plans, schematics, equipment specifications, supporting design calculations, system narratives, and construction specifications.
• Assist in the creation of fire suppression system design criteria, specifications and layouts, preliminary hydraulic calculations, fire pump selection specifications, and fire detection system integration.
• Assist in the creation of special hazard fire protection designs, including but not limited to aspirating and beam-type smoke detection, video imaging detection, flame detection, suppression system monitoring and control and smoke control system integration.
• Assist in the creation of integration designs between life safety and building services systems as required to comply with all applicable Codes, Standards and system operating objectives, including but not limited to information technology, telephone, security, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing.
• Assist in the creation of detailed installation and commissioning work plans identifying acceptable installation methodologies, sequences, post-installation testing and commissioning and other associated critical installation parameters based on the system design documentation and applicable Codes and Standards.
• Assist in the provision of engineering review of shop drawings, construction oversight and inspection, field surveys and systems acceptance testing for all life safety systems, including but not limited to fire detection, emergency signaling and fire suppression systems.
• Attendance and participation in project meetings for the purposes of providing progress oversight, coordinating prioritization of work as it relates to other areas of construction, and providing recommendations for resolution of issues encountered by construction trades during implementation of life safety system designs.
• Complete field evaluation of existing building and life safety system conditions through code compliance, life safety and fire hazards analysis surveys.
• Assist with the Development of hazardous materials assessments for storage, process manufacturing and laboratory facilities.
• Creation of technical reports detailing specific fire prevention and protection issues, including identified compliance issues, applicable revisions to governing Codes or Standards, remedial work required to address deficiencies, and identified gaps in facility procedures and practices.
• Assist with the development and delivery of training materials related to fire protection and life safety for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Completion of periodic skills refreshment and enhancement through professional literature, conference attendance and participation in professional training.
• Provision of technical and interpretative guidance on the requirements of related Codes and Standards and the federal, provincial/state and municipal level for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provision of system-specific technical support for fire protection systems to site construction, operations and maintenance personnel.
• Provision of periodic after-hours or on-call engineering services in the event of an emergency.

What will you bring?

Who you are: 

• College diploma or degree in Fire Protection Engineering Technology.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering from an accredited college or university.
• None required.  New graduates are welcome to apply.
• We will also consider applicants having not more than 3 years of experience in one of the following areas:
  • fire protection engineering or a related field
  • fire protection systems or equipment manufacturing
  • fire protection equipment installation, commissioning and maintenance.
• Certification as an Engineer-in-Training, or in-progress accreditation by a nationally-recognized technical governing body (OACETT, NICET, etc.) is beneficial, but not mandatory.
• The successful candidate must be able and willing to submit for and maintain federal and facility-specific security clearance(s).
• Fire protection engineers have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.  They must provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external clients, having great interpersonal skills, strong oral communication skills and above-average written communications with an emphasis on their ability to clarify the requirements of applicable Codes and Standards.  A successful candidate must be able to work effectively with a team as well as displaying passion and optimism.

What will you get?

Westinghouse is a firm believer in fostering a workplace that is powered by inclusive leaders, teams and culture.  This commitment separates us as a leader in our industry and differentiates from our competition. You will be working closely with global leaders who will support your development through coaching and managing opportunities. Together, and using the talents of our employees, we will advance technology and services to power a clean, carbon-free future.

Why Westinghouse?

Westinghouse offers competitive benefits to all our employees around the globe to keep them healthy and enhance their well-being.  In Canada the following are representative of what we offer:

• Competitive Salary
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacations, Flextime, Sick/Personal and Holidays
• We encourage healthy work-life balance and offer flexible schedules and with the potential to work from anywhere in Canada
• We pay 100% of the medical/dental/vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Incredible opportunity for growth in an innovation driven, global company
• Educational Reimbursement Program
• Employee Referral and Recognition Program

While our Global Headquarters are located in Cranberry Township, PA, we have over 9,000 employees working at locations in 19 different countries. You can learn more by visiting http://www.westinghousenuclear.com.

EOE of Minorities / Females / Vets / Disability.

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