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Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Virginia

M.C. Dean, Inc

Sprinkler Engineer II

Tysons, VA · On-site

$90K - $113K/yr

Design fire sprinkler systems in accordance with applicable codes and standards including NFPA, IBC ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering * 2+ years of hands-on experience with fire alarm system ...

Fairfax County

Fire Inspector II

Fairfax, VA

$60K - $106K/yr

Receiving and responding to inquiries from citizens, contractors, owners, and developers regarding fire protection equipment, installation status, permitting requirements, codes, and standards.

Fairfax County, VA

Fire Inspector II

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$60K - $106K/yr

Receiving and responding to inquiries from citizens, contractors, owners, and developers regarding fire protection equipment, installation status, permitting requirements, codes, and standards.

Summit Companies

Design - Sprinkler

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$58K/yr

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 ...

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All JobsFire Protection Engineer JobsEntry Level Fire Protection Engineer JobsEntry Level Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 Aug 21, 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 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level fire protection engineer?

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 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 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:

Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,663 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Sprinkler Engineer II

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tysons, VA • On-site

$90K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

M.C. Dean rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

267th of 450 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
The Sprinkler Engineer II is responsible for the design, analysis, and execution support of fire sprinkler systems on medium to large, complex projects. This role includes performing site surveys, conducting code compliance assessments, supporting commissioning and acceptance testing, and coordinating with project teams, clients, and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) to ensure systems are safe, compliant, and delivered to quality standards.
Clearance/Citizen Type: Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements including U.S. citizenship for access to classified information.
(Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance.)
Responsibilities
  • Design fire sprinkler systems in accordance with applicable codes and standards including NFPA, IBC, IFC, FM Global, and local AHJ requirements
  • Perform site surveys to verify existing conditions and identify design constraints
  • Prepare and review design documents, calculations, specifications, and shop drawings for accuracy, constructability, and code compliance
  • Conduct code compliance assessments and support permitting and plan review processes, including responses to AHJ comments
  • Provide technical support to field teams during installation and resolve design-related issues
  • Participate in coordination meetings with other trades and project stakeholders
  • Support commissioning activities, inspections, system testing, and acceptance testing to verify system performance
  • Assist with RFIs, change orders, value engineering efforts, and project closeout documentation, including as-builts and test reports.

We offer an excellent benefits package including:
  • A competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Military Reserve pay offset
  • Paid maternity leave

Qualifications
Required Education / Technical & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience with fire alarm system installation, programming, testing, and troubleshooting
  • Working knowledge of NFPA standards and applicable building and fire codes
  • Experience performing site surveys and supporting construction activities
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD; Revit experience preferred; hydraulic calculation software required
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • This position has been identified as requiring an additional client background check.

Preferred
  • NICET Level II or III in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems
  • Experience supporting commissioning and acceptance testing
  • Experience with large-scale or complex facilities
  • EIT or PE (or progress toward licensure)

Abilities:
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person.

Pay Range
USD $90,640.00 - USD $113,300.00 /Yr.

What M.C. Dean employees say

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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