Field Application Engineer

1. About the Role The Field Application Engineer (FAE) is a technically oriented customer-facing role embedded within the Customer Excellence function. The FAE serves as the primary technical interface between the organization and its customers — including consultants, system integrators, EPC contractors, end users, and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ). The role demands hands-on knowledge of fire alarm and life safety systems, combined with the ability to translate technical requirements into commercially viable solutions aligned with applicable standards. 2. Key Responsibilities 2.1 Pre-Sales & Technical Support Provide expert technical guidance on product selection, system configuration, and application suitability for fire alarm, ASD/VESDA, conventional systems, notification appliances and integration with security, BMS, and fire protection products. Engage with consultants and specifiers to develop product specifications aligned with NFPA 72, IS 2189, NBC 2016, UL listings, and FM Approvals. Prepare and review Bills of Quantities (BOQ), tender submissions, and technical compliance statements. Conduct pre-bid site surveys and assess project-specific technical requirements. Support the sales team with technical presentations, product demonstrations, and proof-of-concept installations. 2.2 Project Design & Engineering Perform system design including detector layout, notification appliance candela calculations, loop loading, and cable sizing in compliance with applicable standards. Review architectural and MEP drawings to validate installation feasibility and code compliance. Develop system schematics, cause-and-effect matrices, and sequence of operations for FACP-based systems. Provide application guidance for addressable loop architecture, protocol compatibility, and integration with BMS/security systems. Evaluate ASD/VESDA pipe network designs and validate using manufacturer design tools (e.g., PipeCAD, ASPIRE, LaserFOCUS). 2.3 Post-Sales & Site Support Provide commissioning assistance and technical support during system installation and handover. Conduct factory acceptance tests (FAT) and site acceptance tests (SAT) where required. Troubleshoot system faults, false alarm conditions, and integration issues across multi-protocol environments. Coordinate with the R&D and product management teams to escalate and resolve field-reported product issues. 2.4 Training & Knowledge Dissemination Conduct technical training sessions for channel partners, system integrators, contractors, and end users. Develop and maintain application notes, technical bulletins, and FAQs for internal and external audiences. Represent the company at industry seminars, trade shows, and technical forums (e.g., FSAI events, CII, ASHRAE). 2.5 Compliance & Documentation Ensure all technical recommendations comply with NFPA 72, IS 2189, NBC 2016 Part 4, UL listing requirements, and FM Approval conditions. Maintain accurate records of technical submittals, approval drawings, commissioning reports, and customer correspondence. Support AHJ approvals and liaise with third-party inspection agencies (e.g., RDSO, CPWD, PESO, TAC/GIC, UL, FM). 3. Technical Competencies Required 3.1 Standards & Codes Standard / Code Application Area NFPA 72 (2022 / 2019) National Fire Alarm & Signaling Code – detection, notification, control, interfaces IS 2189: 2008 Indian standard for selection, installation & maintenance of automatic fire detection systems NBC 2016 – Part 4 National Building Code – Fire & Life Safety provisions for occupancies in India UL 268 / 464 / 1971 / 864 UL listings for detectors, audible appliances, visual appliances, and control units FM Approvals Factory Mutual product approvals relevant to detection and suppression interface EN 54 Series (preferred) European standards for fire detection components; awareness preferred for import-spec products   3.2 Product & Technology Knowledge Addressable fire alarm systems – loop topology, protocol (SLC), device addressing, cause & effect programming Conventional fire alarm systems – zone design, detector types, panel architecture Aspirating Smoke Detection (ASD/VESDA) – sampling pipe design, sensitivity classes (EN 54-20 Class A/B/C), tools Notification appliances – audible (dBA/SPL calculations per NFPA 72), visual strobes (UL 1971 candela, synchronization, ADA/NFPA mounting requirements) Security systems – intrusion detection, access control, CCTV integration concepts BMS integration – BACnet, Modbus, dry contact interfaces between FACP and BMS/IBMS Fire protection systems – interface with sprinkler, suppression (clean agent, FM-200, CO2), and deluge systems 4. Qualifications & Experience 4.1 Educational Qualification B.E. / B.Tech in Electronics & Communication, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation & Control, or equivalent discipline Diploma holders with significant relevant experience shall be considered 4.2 Work Experience 3 to 7 years of hands-on experience in fire alarm / ELV systems / building automation Prior experience in a manufacturer, system integrator, or consultant environment in the fire alarm domain Demonstrated exposure to addressable FACP systems (e.g., Notifier, Hochiki, Siemens, Honeywell, Johnson Control, Bosch, or equivalent) Experience with ASD/VESDA products (e.g., Xtralis, AirSens or equivalent) is a strong advantage 4.3 Certifications (Preferred) Manufacturer-certified product training from recognized fire alarm OEMs CFPS (Certified Fire Protection Specialist) – SFPE / NFPA Any BMS or security system certification (Honeywell, Schneider, Johnson Controls, etc.) 5.  Skills & Attributes 5.1 Technical Skills Proficiency in AutoCAD for system layout drawings Working knowledge of MS Office (Excel for BOQ, Word for submittals, PowerPoint for presentations) Familiarity with ASD pipe design tools Understanding of cable sizing, voltage drop calculations, and power supply loading Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings 5.2 Soft Skills Strong verbal and written communication in English and Hindi; regional language proficiency is an advantage Customer-centric approach with ability to manage multiple stakeholders simultaneously Structured, analytical problem-solving mindset Willingness to travel extensively within India (up to 50–60% travel) Self-motivated with ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team 6. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Number of technical submittals and specifications approved per quarter Technical win rate on projects supported by FAE Customer satisfaction scores from post-sales technical support interactions Training sessions conducted – internal and external (count per year) Speed and quality of BOQ / design support delivered to sales team Reduction in repeat field complaints on supported projects