Kitchen Suppression Technician (Experienced)

About the Role

Company is seeking an experienced Kitchen Suppression Technician to support and help lead commercial kitchen fire protection service operations throughout the DMV market. This is a hands-on field-service position focused on the inspection, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of pre-engineered commercial kitchen fire suppression systems.

The technician will manage a daily route of commercial accounts, including restaurants, schools, hospitality facilities, and light industrial customers, while ensuring systems remain operational and compliant with applicable fire protection standards and local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements. In addition to kitchen suppression systems, the technician will support the company's portable fire extinguisher and emergency lighting operations.

This position requires strong technical skills, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, professional customer communication, and the ability to work independently in the field. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced technician who wants to join a growing organization and develop toward leadership or management responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Fire Suppression Inspection & Compliance

• Perform required semi-annual inspections of commercial kitchen fire suppression systems
• Inspect systems in accordance with NFPA 17A, NFPA 96, applicable UL 300 requirements, and local AHJ regulations
• Verify complete system readiness and operational condition
• Inspect hood nozzle placement and coverage
• Inspect fusible links and related detection components
• Verify wet chemical agent tank pressure and quantity
• Test manual pull stations and system activation components
• Identify deficiencies such as:
  • Obstructed or incorrectly positioned nozzles
  • Excessive grease accumulation
  • Inadequate suppression coverage
  • Missing or damaged components
  • Expired or depleted agents
  • Improper system connections
• Clearly document deficiencies and communicate findings to customers
• Verify that suppression systems properly interface with kitchen equipment

Gas & Electrical Equipment Shutdown

• Test automatic gas shutoff functionality
• Test electrical cooking equipment shutdown mechanisms
• Verify proper system activation and interconnection
• Troubleshoot shutdown-system deficiencies
• Coordinate testing and shutdowns with kitchen personnel to minimize disruption to operations

Service & Preventive Maintenance

• Replace spent, discharged, or expired wet chemical agents
• Replace fusible links and nozzle caps as required
• Perform routine system maintenance and functional testing
• Reset systems following inspection or service
• Conduct complete operational tests before returning the kitchen to service
• Coordinate system shutdowns and resets with restaurant and facility personnel
• Ensure systems are fully operational and code compliant following service

Repairs & Troubleshooting

• Diagnose discharged kitchen suppression systems
• Troubleshoot defective or damaged nozzles
• Repair manual pull station malfunctions
• Diagnose mechanical linkage failures
• Troubleshoot control panel and associated system issues
• Identify electrical and mechanical deficiencies
• Restore systems to proper operational condition
• Respond to same-day or emergency service calls when required
• Escalate complex technical issues appropriately

Fire Extinguisher Responsibilities

• Inspecting portable fire extinguishers
• Recharging extinguishers
• Performing hydrostatic testing
• Repairing and replacing extinguisher components
• Identifying deficiencies and documenting required corrective actions
• Maintaining compliance with applicable NFPA 10 requirements

Emergency Lighting & Exit Sign Responsibilities

• Install and inspect emergency lighting systems
• Inspect exit signs and related equipment
• Identify electrical deficiencies
• Test emergency lighting functionality
• Document deficiencies and recommend corrective action
• Coordinate repairs when electrical issues require additional expertise

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate digital inspection and service records
• Complete documentation required for fire marshal and AHJ review
• Record inspection findings, deficiencies, repairs, and corrective actions
• Maintain accurate service history for customer accounts
• Identify recurring system problems and communicate them to management
• Stay current with applicable AHJ requirements throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC

Customer Service & Communication

• Serve as a professional representative of the company at customer locations
• Communicate professionally with restaurant managers, facility managers, property representatives, and other customers
• Explain inspection findings and fire protection requirements in an understandable manner
• Clearly communicate deficiencies, recommended repairs, and corrective-action timelines
• Take ownership of assigned service calls from arrival through completion
• Maintain strong customer relationships through reliable service and follow-through

Field Operations

• Manage a daily route of commercial customer accounts throughout the DMV
• Travel to restaurants, schools, hospitality properties, and other commercial facilities
• Work independently at customer locations while maintaining company service standards
• Participate in an on-call rotation
• Respond to emergency service requirements as needed
• Maintain company-provided vehicle, tools, and equipment
• Follow all applicable safety procedures and fire protection standards

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience servicing or repairing commercial kitchen fire suppression systems
• Working knowledge of: NFPA 17A, NFPA 96, NFPA 10, UL 300 kitchen fire suppression requirements
• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following: ANSUL R-102, Kidde, Pyro-Chem, Range Guard, or equivalent commercial wet chemical suppression systems
• Strong electrical troubleshooting skills
• Good mechanical aptitude
• Ability to diagnose and repair suppression system components
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong commitment to safety and code compliance
• Professional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently in a field-service environment
• Valid Virginia driver's license
• Ability to travel throughout the DMV market
• Ability to participate in on-call and emergency service coverage

Preferred Qualifications

• ICC certification
• NAFED certification
• Experience with commercial restaurant fire protection systems
• Portable fire extinguisher inspection/service experience
• Emergency lighting and exit sign experience
• Familiarity with local AHJ requirements in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC
• Experience working directly with fire marshals or other regulatory authorities
• Experience using digital inspection and service reporting systems
• Previous experience leading technicians or service routes

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an experienced kitchen suppression professional who can confidently perform inspections, service, troubleshooting, and repairs with minimal supervision.

The successful candidate should be:

• Technically skilled
• Mechanically inclined
• Detail-oriented
• Safety-conscious
• Customer-focused
• Reliable and organized
• Comfortable working independently
• Comfortable traveling between multiple customer locations
• Able to communicate deficiencies and corrective actions professionally
• Willing to respond to emergency service requirements

Because this is a growing operation, the company is particularly interested in technicians who want to grow with the organization and eventually take on leadership responsibilities.

Core Technical Skills

• Commercial Kitchen Fire Suppression
• ANSUL R-102
• Kidde
• Pyro-Chem
• Range Guard
• UL 300 Systems
• NFPA 17A
• NFPA 96
• NFPA 10
• Wet Chemical Suppression
• Hood Suppression Systems
• Fusible Links
• Suppression Nozzles
• Manual Pull Stations
• Gas Shutoff Systems
• Electrical Shutoff Systems
• Fire Extinguisher Service
• Hydrostatic Testing
• Emergency Lighting
• Exit Signs
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• Mechanical Troubleshooting
• Inspection & Testing
• Preventive Maintenance
• Repair & Service
• AHJ Compliance

Work Environment

This is an in-person, field-based position requiring regular travel throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Technicians will work at a variety of commercial facilities, including:

• Restaurants
• Commercial kitchens
• Schools
• Hotels
• Hospitality facilities
• Light industrial facilities
• Commercial buildings

The position involves physical field work, equipment inspection, climbing/reaching as necessary, working around commercial kitchen environments, and interacting directly with customers.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting at $24/hour, based on experience
• Competitive market compensation
• Quarterly performance bonus based on number of completed jobs
• Company-provided vehicle
• Company-provided tools
• Company-provided uniform
• 2 weeks' vacation
• Statutory holidays
• 3 personal/sick days
• Health benefits
• Potential equity and profit-sharing opportunity after one year
• Company-sponsored training
• ICC/NAFED certification assistance
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible scheduling
• Career advancement opportunities
• Potential progression into management

Career Growth Opportunity

This position offers an opportunity to grow beyond a traditional technician role. High-performing technicians may have opportunities to progress into: Kitchen Suppression Technician → Lead Technician → Service Supervisor → Operations/Division Manager. The company will support continued technical training and professional certification as the operation expands.

Why Join the Company?

This is an opportunity to join a growing fire protection organization where experienced technicians can make a direct impact on the development of the service operation. The company offers an entrepreneurial environment with fewer layers of management, flexible scheduling, professional development, and opportunities to grow into leadership. If you have hands-on commercial kitchen suppression experience and take pride in performing accurate, compliant, and professional work, this position provides an opportunity to build a long-term career in fire protection.