When Jason Daniels graduated from the University of Missouri – Rolla (now Missouri University of Science and Technology) with a degree in mechanical engineering, he assumed he’d go into a manufacturing or mechanical design job. But after being recruited to design sprinkler systems and learning more about the fire protection industry, he quickly realized it was the right fit for him.
“It was a field that definitely seemed interesting and outside of what really any other mechanical engineers I knew were doing,” Jason says. “Especially when I got into modeling, which is highly technical and requires a lot of problem-solving skills. The projects tend to be more nuanced and interesting than typical mechanical engineering projects.”
Jason joined the team as one of Harrington Group, Inc.’s newest senior fire protection engineers in November with about 2 years of experience in fire sprinkler system design and 11 years of experience in computer fire and egress, performance-based design and smoke control analyses. He also has a master’s degree in fire protection engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional. The industry has expanded and evolved since he started his career, but he likes that it’s still small and conducive to knowing most of his peers and competitors and working across a broad spectrum of project types.
“I get to meet a lot of interesting people with wide ranging backgrounds, including both clients and officials or other people from whom I’m seeking approval of concepts and designs,” he says. “It allows me to not only be an engineer but to also be somewhat of a salesman and pitch concepts.”
Jason and his family live in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was born and raised. His four kids keep him busy with all their sports and activities, and when he isn’t shuttling them to practices or games, Jason enjoys watching the St. Louis Blues and St. Louis cardinals. He also appreciates craft beer, and looks forward to trying local beers once places are open and he’s traveling again.