Service Technician in San Diego, California at AMPAM Parks Mechanical

AMPAM is a leading Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) contractor serving large-scale multifamily and commercial projects across California. With 1,500 employees across multiple business units, we are committed to delivering quality, safety, and excellence in every project. In June 2026, AMPAM acquired Coastal Fire & Integration Systems (“Coastal”), a San Diego-area provider of fire protection, low-voltage, and life safety systems. This role will join the AMPAM team as a part of our Coastal Fire & Integration Systems acquisition.

Position Summary

The Fire & Low-Voltage Service Technician is responsible for the inspection, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, commissioning, and service of commercial fire alarm, access control, CCTV, intrusion, structured cabling, and other low-voltage systems. This position responds to scheduled service calls, preventive maintenance inspections, emergency service requests, and warranty work while providing exceptional customer service and ensuring systems operate safely, reliably, and in compliance with applicable codes and manufacturer requirements.

The Service Technician works closely with the Service Manager, Service Coordinators, customers, Project Managers, and other technical personnel to resolve system issues and maintain long-term customer relationships.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Service & Maintenance

• Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, testing, and service on commercial low-voltage systems.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain:
  • Fire alarm systems
  • Access control systems
  • CCTV systems
  • Intrusion systems
  • Structured cabling
  • Telephone systems
  • Data networks
  • Audio-visual systems
  • Other integrated low-voltage systems
• Perform emergency service calls and scheduled maintenance visits.
• Identify equipment failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Replace defective devices, equipment, wiring, and system components as required.
• Verify systems are restored to proper operating condition before leaving the job site.

Fire Alarm Systems

• Inspect, test, troubleshoot, and repair commercial fire alarm systems.
• Perform functional testing of:
  • Initiating devices
  • Notification appliances
  • Control panels
  • Power supplies
  • Monitor modules
  • Control modules
  • Annunciators
  • Voice evacuation equipment
• Support fire alarm commissioning and acceptance testing.
• Troubleshoot EST fire alarm systems (EST3/EST4 experience preferred).
• Ensure work complies with NFPA 72, manufacturer requirements, and local AHJ requirements.

Security & Access Control Systems

• Service and troubleshoot:
  • Card access systems
  • Electric strikes
  • Magnetic locks
  • Door contacts
  • Request-to-exit devices
  • CCTV systems
  • Intrusion systems
  • Panic buttons
  • Intercom systems
• Conduct maintenance and operational testing of door hardware and electronic locking systems.
• Program or configure equipment when required.
• Verify proper communication between integrated security systems.

Network & Low-Voltage Systems

• Install, configure, and troubleshoot IP-enabled devices including:
  • Wireless access points
  • Network cameras
  • Audio-visual equipment
  • Access control controllers
  • Network switches
• Troubleshoot structured cabling and network connectivity issues.
• Test copper and fiber cabling where applicable.
• Verify proper communication between networked devices.

Customer Service

• Communicate professionally with customers regarding system status, repairs, and recommendations.
• Review completed work with customers prior to leaving the site.
• Provide customer instruction on system operation and functionality.
• Recommend repair or upgrade options when deficiencies are identified.
• Maintain positive customer relationships through professional service and communication.

Documentation

• Complete accurate service tickets documenting work performed, equipment serviced, deficiencies identified, materials used, and labor performed.
• Obtain customer review and electronic or written sign-off before leaving the customer site.
• Upload completed service documentation promptly.
• Maintain accurate inspection reports, testing records, deficiency reports, and service documentation.
• Document programming changes, equipment replacements, and system modifications.

Safety

• Follow all Coastal Fire & Integration Systems safety policies and procedures.
• Comply with OSHA regulations, General Contractor safety requirements, and customer site rules.
• Properly wear required personal protective equipment.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
• Report unsafe conditions, incidents, and injuries immediately.
• Operate ladders, lifts, and testing equipment safely.

Housekeeping

• Maintain professional housekeeping standards on all customer sites.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and free of debris throughout the service visit.
• Protect customer property and minimize disruptions during service activities.

Professional Development

• Participate in manufacturer training and continuing education.
• Maintain current knowledge of fire alarm, access control, security, and networking technologies.
• Obtain and maintain required certifications.
• Stay current on applicable codes and industry best practices.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical training in electronics, electrical systems, or low-voltage systems preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience installing, servicing, troubleshooting, and integrating commercial fire alarm and low-voltage systems.
• Experience servicing commercial fire alarm, access control, CCTV, and intrusion systems.
• Experience with IP-based systems and network-connected devices preferred.
• Experience with EST3 or EST4 fire alarm systems preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of:
  • Fire alarm systems
  • Access control systems
  • CCTV systems
  • Intrusion systems
  • Structured cabling
  • Telephone systems
  • Data networks
  • Audio-visual systems
• Ability to install and configure IP-enabled devices.
• Ability to troubleshoot low-voltage cabling and network communication issues.
• Knowledge of NFPA standards, fire alarm codes, and life safety systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Excellent customer service and communication abilities.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and mobile service software.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple service calls.
• Strong work ethic, integrity, professionalism, punctuality, and dependable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

• NICET Fire Alarm Systems certification.
• Manufacturer certifications for Edwards/EST, Brivo, Kantech, Genetec, Lenel, or similar systems.
• OSHA 10 certification.
• Experience with commercial integrated security systems.
• Experience with IP networking and structured cabling.

Licenses & Other Requirements

• Valid California Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass required background screening and drug testing.
• Ability to travel throughout assigned service territory.
• Ability to participate in an on-call rotation if required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, kneel, crouch, crawl, bend, and climb throughout the workday.
• Ability to climb ladders, scaffolding, and operate aerial lifts.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to work in electrical rooms, riser rooms, mechanical spaces, ceilings, rooftops, parking structures, and active construction environments.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Visual acuity and hearing sufficient to safely perform testing, troubleshooting, and installation activities.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, testing equipment, laptops, and diagnostic instruments.

Success in This Role

A successful Fire & Low-Voltage Service Technician consistently delivers responsive, high-quality service that keeps customers' life safety and security systems operating reliably. This individual demonstrates exceptional troubleshooting skills, professionalism, and attention to detail while accurately documenting work, maintaining strong customer relationships, and resolving system issues efficiently. Success is measured by first-time service resolution, customer satisfaction, accurate documentation, safety performance, and dependable support of the Service Department.