Title:

Kitchen Suppression Technician (Experienced)

Location:

Alexandria, VAJob Type:

Full-TimeWorkplace Type:

In Person /

Field-BasedCompensation:

Starting at $24/hour, based on experience

Travel:

DMV market | Northern Virginia / Maryland / DCJob SummaryCompany 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 successful candidate will have experience with systems such as ANSUL R-102, Kidde, Pyro-Chem, Range Guard, and other equivalent UL 300-compliant wet chemical 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 ResponsibilitiesKitchen Fire Suppression Inspection & CompliancePerform 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 nozzlesExcessive grease accumulationInadequate suppression coverageMissing or damaged componentsExpired or depleted agentsImproper system connectionsClearly document deficiencies and communicate findings to customers.

Verify that suppression systems properly interface with kitchen equipment.

Gas & Electrical Equipment ShutdownTest 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 MaintenanceReplace 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 & TroubleshootingDiagnose 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 ResponsibilitiesThe technician will also assist with commercial portable fire extinguisher services, including:

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 ResponsibilitiesInstall 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 & ReportingMaintain 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 & CommunicationServe 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 OperationsManage 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 QualificationsMinimum 2 years of experience servicing or repairing commercial kitchen fire suppression systems.

Working knowledge of:

NFPA 17ANFPA 96NFPA 10UL 300

kitchen fire suppression requirementsHands-on experience with one or more of the following:

ANSUL R-102KiddePyro-ChemRange GuardEquivalent commercial wet chemical suppression systemsStrong 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 QualificationsICC 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.

ICC/NAFED

certification is preferred but not required. The company provides certification assistance and training.

Ideal Candidate ProfileThe 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 skilledMechanically inclinedDetail-orientedSafety-consciousCustomer-focusedReliable and organizedComfortable working independentlyComfortable traveling between multiple customer locationsAble to communicate deficiencies and corrective actions professionallyWilling to respond to emergency service requirementsBecause 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 SkillsCommercial Kitchen Fire SuppressionANSUL R-102KiddePyro-ChemRange GuardUL 300 Systems

NFPA 17ANFPA 96NFPA

10Wet Chemical SuppressionHood Suppression SystemsFusible LinksSuppression NozzlesManual Pull StationsGas Shutoff SystemsElectrical Shutoff SystemsFire Extinguisher ServiceHydrostatic TestingEmergency LightingExit SignsElectrical TroubleshootingMechanical TroubleshootingInspection & TestingPreventive MaintenanceRepair & ServiceAHJ ComplianceWork EnvironmentThis 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:

RestaurantsCommercial kitchensSchoolsHotelsHospitality facilitiesLight industrial facilitiesCommercial buildingsThe position involves physical field work, equipment inspection, climbing/reaching as necessary, working around commercial kitchen environments, and interacting directly with customers.

Compensation & BenefitsStarting at $24/hour, based on experienceCompetitive market compensationQuarterly performance bonus based on number of completed jobsCompany-provided vehicleCompany-provided toolsCompany-provided uniform2 weeks' vacationStatutory holidays3 personal/sick daysHealth benefitsPotential equity and profit-sharing opportunity after one yearCompany-sponsored training

ICC/NAFED

certification assistanceProfessional development opportunitiesFlexible schedulingCareer advancement opportunitiesPotential progression into managementCareer Growth OpportunityThis 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 ManagerThe 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.