We are seeking an experienced Building Code & Fire Safety Liaison to help Automist customers navigate building codes in California and accelerate adoption of this life-saving technology. In this role, you will serve as our Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) liaison – working directly with building officials, fire marshals, and our customers to secure approvals for Automist installations statewide. This position is ideal for a retired code official or fire marshal with deep knowledge of California codes and a strong network in the fire/building safety community. You’ll be at the forefront of introducing an innovative fire protection solution as an alternative to a NFPA 13D fire sprinkler system, thereby helping to protect more families. Automist is UL-listed under UL 2167A, which certifies it as a water mist fire suppression system for one- and two-family dwellings under NFPA 750.
We offer flexible arrangements (contract or staff) with competitive compensation commensurate with experience. If you are passionate about life safety and excited to bring cutting-edge technology to new jurisdictions, we want to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities:
AHJ Liaison & Approvals: Serve as the primary liaison to local building and fire authorities across California. Coordinate with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to explain Automist’s code compliance path (UL 2167A listing, NFPA 750 design standard) and obtain approval for its use as an NFPA 13D sprinkler alternative.
Customer Guidance: Work closely with homeowners, builders, and Automist installers to guide them through permit and plan submittal processes. Provide expert advice on what documentation and code references are needed so that building permit applications including Automist are successful. This includes preparing or reviewing any alternate materials and methods requests if required (though Automist usually falls under prescriptive code via CFC 904.11).
Code Compliance Support: Ensure each project’s fire suppression plans meet California Building and Fire Code requirements. Review floor plans and Automist layouts for compliance with NFPA standards (e.g. NFPA 750 for water mist systems) and local amendments. Identify any code issues and recommend solutions so installations achieve sign-off without delays.
Outreach & Education: Proactively introduce Automist to unfamiliar jurisdictions and officials. This may involve delivering presentations or demonstrations to fire departments, building officials, and other stakeholders to educate them on how Automist works and its life-safety benefits. Explain technical distinctions (e.g. water mist vs. sprinklers, suppression vs. extinguishment) in clear terms to gain AHJ buy-in.
Network & Community Engagement: Leverage your existing network of contacts (building officials, fire marshals, ICC chapters, NFPA members, etc.) to build support for Automist. Attend industry meetings, code hearings, or fire safety conferences in California to represent the company and stay updated on relevant code changes. Act as a trusted expert spokesperson for Automist within the code enforcement community.
Internal Team Support: Collaborate with the Plumis US team (engineering, sales, installer support) to provide feedback from the field. Advise our team on California-specific code requirements, and help refine our documentation and training materials (e.g. installation manuals, approval guides) to address AHJ concerns and streamline approvals. Your insights will help shape strategy as we expand to new regions and use-cases.
Qualifications and Experience
Fire/Building Code Expertise: Extensive knowledge of California Building Code (CBC), Fire Code (CFC), and Residential Code as they relate to fire protection. In-depth understanding of NFPA 13D (residential sprinkler standard) and NFPA 750 (water mist systems standard) is required. You are comfortable interpreting code language and applying it to innovative systems.
Professional Background: Preferred: Former code official, fire marshal, or plan reviewer with 10+ years in code enforcement or fire prevention. Experience reviewing and approving residential fire sprinkler or suppression systems in California is highly desired. ICC certification (e.g. Fire Inspector, Plans Examiner) or CA Registered Fire Protection Engineer a plus.
Industry Network: Established connections within the California fire service and building departments. Existing network in the AHJ community is a strong asset – you know who to call and how to speak their language to move approvals forward. This role is ideal for a retired professional who remains active in code organizations and wants to continue making an impact.
Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with UL listings and fire protection product standards. (Automist is UL Listed under UL 2167A for one- and two-family dwellings, so understanding the significance of listings and test protocols is important.) Ability to read and interpret technical installation manuals, engineering drawings, and hydraulic calculations related to fire suppression.
Plan Submittal & Permitting Process: Hands-on experience with the building permit process in CA – including crafting code equivalency justifications or alternative means and methods proposals. Ability to navigate plan check comments and resubmittals efficiently. Knowledge of ADU permitting and their fire sprinkler requirements is beneficial (many California jurisdictions require NFPA 13D sprinklers in ADUs; Automist can fulfill this requirement as an approved alternative).
Communication Skills: Excellent communicator able to bridge the gap between technical code jargon and practical understanding for customers and officials. Comfortable speaking to groups or leading discussions with senior fire officials. Strong writing skills to produce clear explanatory briefs, code reference letters, and email communications.
Travel & Work Setup: Must be based in California (remote/home office is fine). Willingness to travel as needed within the state to attend key meetings or site visits (estimated ~10-20% travel). Must have a valid driver’s license. We are open to candidates seeking part-time (consulting) work or a full-time position, depending on your availability and interest.
