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Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Fire Sprinkler Designer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$50K - $100K/yr

We are a small fire protection engineering firm looking for a fire sprinkler designer with good experience and a desire to work on interesting projects. We don't do malls or fast food restaurants, we ...

Fire Sprinkler Designer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$50K - $100K/yr

We are a small fire protection engineering firm looking for a fire sprinkler designer with good experience and a desire to work on interesting projects. We don't do malls or fast food restaurants, we ...

Fire Protection Inspector 2

Tysons, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27/hr

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ... Engage in training sessions and workshops to develop foundational knowledge of fire protection ...

Fire Protection Engineering Technology Diploma in Fire Protection Engineering Technology plus 6 months of experience as a Sprinkler Designer or a related occupation Offered Salary: $58,968 per year ...

Fire Preventer

Portsmouth, VA

$80K - $108K/yr

Fire Preventer (Active Secret Clearance Required) Location: Norfolk & Portsmouth Shipyards, Hampton Roads, VA Schedule: Full-Time | Overtime Available Security Clearance: Active Secret Clearance ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$45.1K

$98.7K

$171K

How much do entry level fire protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level fire protection engineer in Virginia is $98,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,300.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level fire protection engineers in their first year on the job?

Entry level fire protection engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex building codes and standards, adapting to the fast pace of project deadlines, and learning how to effectively communicate technical information to clients and multidisciplinary teams. Gaining hands-on experience with fire modeling software and field inspections can also be demanding at first. However, most firms provide mentorship and training to help new engineers develop these skills and build confidence as they grow in the role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer vs Fire Safety Technician?

AspectEntry Level Fire Protection EngineerFire Safety Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in fire protection engineering or related field; may include certifications like NICET Level IHigh school diploma or equivalent; NICET certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning fire protection systems, performing calculations, collaborating with engineers and clientsInspecting fire safety equipment, conducting tests, ensuring compliance on-site
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, construction companies, industrial facilitiesBuilding management, safety consulting firms, maintenance companies

Entry Level Fire Protection Engineers focus on designing and analyzing fire safety systems, requiring technical degrees and certifications. Fire Safety Technicians primarily inspect and maintain fire safety equipment on-site. Both roles are essential in fire safety but differ in responsibilities, work environment, and qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in fire protection, mechanical, or civil engineering, along with a fundamental understanding of fire safety codes and building systems. Familiarity with CAD software, hydraulic calculation tools, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with teams and ensure safety compliance. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing effective fire protection systems that safeguard lives and property.

What does an Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer do?

An Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer assists in designing, evaluating, and implementing systems and strategies to protect buildings and occupants from the dangers of fire. Their responsibilities often include creating fire alarm and sprinkler system layouts, reviewing building plans for fire code compliance, performing risk assessments, and collaborating with architects and contractors. They also help ensure that fire safety systems meet local regulations and standards, while gaining professional experience under the supervision of senior engineers. This role is crucial for enhancing public safety and minimizing fire-related hazards in various types of facilities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,663 per year, or $47.4 per hour.
Fire Protection Designer - Buildings, Government Services

Fire Protection Designer - Buildings, Government Services

Stantec

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Stantec rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 367 rated engineering


Job description

Stantec's Buildings team is on a mission to become the world's leading integrated design practice. Our architects, engineers, interior designers, consultants, sustainability specialists, and technologists are passionate about the power of design. Our collaborative culture and our innovative, sustainable approach to projects help us create buildings that matter to our world.
Together, we are enhancing the quality of life globally through design.
Join us and design your place with Stantec.
Your Opportunity
Take the first step towards designing your career with Stantec. As a professional services firm we are seeking Fire Protection Designer to join our growing North America Fire Protection Engineering Team. We are better together. Fire Protection Engineers (FPEs) protect lives and property. They plan and design engineering projects that prevent fires from occurring and minimize the impact of those fires that do occur. Fire protection systems detect, control and reduce fire and smoke in buildings and structures. FPEs recommend materials, equipment, and systems to assist in safeguarding life and property against fire, analyze how fire behaves and model how safety features perform in a fire. They assess the fire protection needs within projects and document those in design analysis or basis of design reports. They create design documents for fire protection systems, including drawings, using computer-aided design (CAD) or Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, and specifications that are used to direct the construction of buildings and systems in the field. FPEs perform construction progress inspections and acceptance tests / commissioning to ensure that installed systems comply with the construction documents and applicable codes and that they function as intended.
A Fire Protection Designer performs engineering work under close supervision requiring the application of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria to carry out a sequence of related fire protection engineering tasks such as the preparation of simple plans, designs, calculations, costs and bills of material in accordance with established codes, standards and drawings. The role applies professional concepts and expands upon learning while performing various phases of engineering work receiving detailed instruction.
Your Key Responsibilities
  • Apply general concepts of fire protection engineering through investigation and analysis to support engineering projects that may include design of fire suppression systems (sprinklers and standpipes, water supply, special hazard extinguishing systems), fire detection and alarm systems, and smoke control systems, selection of fire-resistant materials and assemblies, and development of egress strategies.
  • Perform basic calculations to analyze and design engineering system components using company standard software and proprietary manufacturer software.
  • Gather information to support design decisions.
  • Assist team in preparing engineering designs, drawings, specifications, presentations and reports.
  • Verify compliance with applicable codes and engineering standards and practices.
  • Work with other architecture and engineering design professionals in the coordination and delivery of projects under the direction of a senior engineer.
  • Assist the team in providing support services during construction, including submittal reviews, response to requests for information and contract document clarifications, construction progress inspections and acceptance testing.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by senior engineering staff.

Your Capabilities and Credentials
  • Basic knowledge of interpretation and application of building and fire codes and NFPA standards.
  • Knowledge of active and passive fire protection systems, including fire suppression systems, fire detection and alarm systems, smoke control systems, fire resistive construction and egress systems.
  • Ability to participate and collaborate in project team setting with internal and external clients.
  • Strong technical writing, presentation and interpersonal skills.
  • Requires understanding of Microsoft Office Suite, Revit, AutoCAD.
  • Experience with Fire Dynamics Simulator, Contam, Pathfinder and other computer modeling software is a plus.

Education and Experience
Minimum of Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Protection Engineering or other closely related engineering discipline with an emphasis in Fire Protection Engineering coursework.
0-3 years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as those listed above.
Engineer in Training (EIT) / Engineering Intern (EI) preferred, working towards obtaining Fire Protection Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure.
Typical office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods of time. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather.
This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
About Stantec
Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what's previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what's possible.
Pay Range:
• Locations in MN, OH, VT, & Various CA, NY Areas-$67,800.00 - $94,900.00 Annually
• Locations in WA, DC & Various CA, MA, VA Areas-$80,000.00 - $112,000.00 Annually
Primary Location: United States | VA | Richmond
Other Locations: United States | VA | Arlington
Organization: 2383 Buildings-US ACQ PSP GS-GS PSP Richmond VA
Employee Status: Regular
Business Justification: New Position
Travel: No
Schedule: Full time
Job Posting: 18/02/2026 02:02:49
Req ID: 1004396
#additional
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.

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