Job Summary

Paragon is an established engineering firm based in Waterloo, delivering energy and electrical engineering services to the ICI (industrial, commercial, institutional) and agricultural sectors. Founded in 2015, we’ve grown from a startup into a respected multi-disciplinary practice, and we’re hiring a motivated technician/designer to join our growing Fire Alarm & Sprinkler Systems division.

The word Paragon means “a model of excellence,” which we strive for in every project and client interaction. We hold strong values around integrity, work ethic, customer service, and respect for everyone we work with — employees, partners, suppliers, and clients alike.

This opportunity is well suited to a current student or graduate of an Electrical Engineering Technician – Industrial program, or a similar electrical engineering technology program. We are open to both full-time permanent candidates and co-op students. Previous fire alarm or sprinkler design experience is an asset but not required — we’re looking for a strong electrical foundation, excellent attention to detail, and a genuine interest in developing specialized skills in fire protection systems.

This role is a great fit if you…

- Thrive in a small, collaborative team and are comfortable asking questions and learning from experienced colleagues
- Are detail-oriented and can spot inconsistencies in drawings and documentation
- Are organized and can manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Are comfortable both in the office and out at project sites
- Can work independently once trained, and bring initiative
- Want to build specialized expertise in fire protection — and work somewhere with real character: our home is Den 1880, a vibrant coworking building and community in the heart of the region

A note on experience

We care as much about who you are as what’s on your transcript. We give real weight to life experience beyond school — retail, food service, the trades, coaching, volunteering, a side project you’ve built — anything that’s required you to solve problems, work with people, and juggle a variety of tasks. Show us you’ve engaged with the world, worked hard, and bring initiative and grit. In your application, tell us what you’re passionate about and what you’ve done beyond the classroom.

What You’ll Be Doing

Working alongside our engineering team, you’ll receive hands-on training and gradually take on responsibilities including:

- Assisting with fire alarm system design and modifications




- Assisting with sprinkler system layouts and design coordination
- Preparing and updating AutoCAD drawings, floor plans and system layouts
- Reviewing architectural, electrical and mechanical drawings
- Assisting with fire alarm verification and inspection documentation
- Supporting CAN/ULC-S1001 integrated systems testing
- Assisting with site surveys and field inspections
- Identifying and documenting fire alarm devices, sprinkler components and associated building systems
- Preparing reports, deficiency lists and project documentation
- Coordinating information between electrical, fire alarm, sprinkler and other building systems
- Learning applicable Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code and CAN/ULC requirements
- Supporting project managers and engineers with project coordination and technical documentation

As your knowledge and experience grow, you’ll have the opportunity to take on greater responsibility for system design, field work and project coordination.

Working Conditions

- Design work is done in our Waterloo office at Den 1880, with regular site visits across the region
- Our clients are typically within a 90-minute drive of Waterloo
- A valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle are required for site work
- Field work requires provided personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety shoes/glasses)
- The core schedule is a 40-hour work week, 8:00am–4:30pm Monday to Friday with a half-hour lunch, and flexibility for flex time

Who We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is:

- Currently enrolled in or a graduate of Electrical Engineering Technician – Industrial, or a comparable program

- Interested in developing a career in fire alarm, sprinkler and fire protection system design

- Comfortable reading electrical drawings, schematics and floor plans

- Familiar with AutoCAD, or interested in developing strong AutoCAD skills

- Detail-oriented and able to identify inconsistencies in drawings and documentation

- Organized and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines

- Comfortable working both in the office and at project sites





- A strong communicator who is comfortable asking questions and learning from experienced team members

- Able to work independently once trained while also contributing to a small, collaborative team

Assets

The following experience is helpful but not required:

- AutoCAD experience

- Fire alarm system design or installation knowledge

- Sprinkler or fire protection system knowledge

- Familiarity with CAN/ULC-S524, S536, S537 or S1001

- Construction, electrical or other skilled-trades experience

- Previous engineering consulting or co-op experience

Why Join Paragon?

Paragon is a growing engineering consulting company where team members work directly on real projects rather than being limited to one small part of the design process. For someone interested in fire protection, this position offers the chance to develop specialized experience in fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, integrated testing, inspections and engineering design.

We offer:

- Hands-on training and mentorship

- Exposure to projects from initial site investigation through design, construction and closeout

- Opportunities for both office and field experience

- Experience working directly with engineers, contractors and clients

- Opportunities to develop specialized fire protection expertise

- A collaborative setting within a growing engineering company, based in the Den 1880 community

- Potential for long-term employment following a successful co-op placement

How to Apply

Please submit your resume along with a brief introduction explaining your interest in fire alarm, sprinkler or fire protection system design to [email protected]. We encourage applications from candidates who may not yet have direct fire protection experience but have a strong electrical foundation and an interest in developing expertise in this field.

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we operate in. Paragon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants without regard to age, race, colour, national origin, citizenship, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected status. The Paragon Group welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities; accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Pay: $64,000.00-$80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
- Paid time off

Work Location: In person

📌 Fire Alarm & Sprinkler Systems Technician / Designer (Waterloo)
🏢 The Paragon Group
📍 Waterloo