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Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Fire Protection Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Design fire protection and automatic sprinkler systems for commercial and industrial facilities ... Coordinate designs with project managers, engineers, contractors, and AHJs * Ensure compliance with ...

... protection and life safety solutions. They deliver high-quality services across residential ... The engineer will be responsible for: * Designing fire sprinkler systems * Preparing detailed ...

Plumbing & Fire Protection IB

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$62.60K - $72.98K/yr

Bachelor or Master's degree in Engineering required. Bachelor or Master's degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited program preferred. * Minimum of 2+ years of related experience required.

Plumbing & Fire Protection IB

Chicago, IL · On-site

$62.60K - $72.98K/yr

Bachelor or Master's degree in Engineering required. Bachelor or Master's degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited program preferred. * Minimum of 2+ years of related experience required.

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Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$46.9K

$102.5K

$177.7K

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

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level fire protection engineer in Chicago, IL is $102,516.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,500.00 and $115,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Fire Protection Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 60% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 38% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,516 per year, or $49.3 per hour.
Fire Protection Consultant

Fire Protection Consultant

Telgian Corporation

Deerfield, IL • On-site

$55K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

The Fire Protection Consultant provides fire protection consultation services, support, and deliverables for Telgian clients as part of multi-discipline team. Provides fire protection advice to construction and other architect/engineering personnel, advises on compliance with fire-related standards and codes, and prepare and comment on reports, design, concepts, or project packages detailing fire prevention, life safety and protection issues. Develop and assist with the delivery of technical and programmatic presentations to clients, including coordination and facilitation of meetings. Collaborate or confer with other personnel, including engineering, environmental, financial, real estate, and facilities, to meet client requirements.


Role and Responsibilities

• Establish criteria for the design of fire alarms, suppression and/or life safety systems based on client’s operational and regulatory compliance needs

• Review existing fire alarm, suppression and/or life safety systems for operational functionality, compliance and regulatory requirements; determines improvement recommendations

• Develop and deliver reports to clients on recommended updates to ensure compliance and /or operational functionality of fire, suppression and/or life safety systems

• Meet with jurisdictional authorities and clients as needed to resolve compliance questions around client fire, suppression and/or life safety systems

• Identify and/or establish design criteria for specific systems applications; may include specific UL/FM test criteria and performance-based tests as required

• Apply standard techniques, principles and criteria to perform assigned tasks

• Maintain a working knowledge of relevant fire protection, risk, building codes and constructions technologies; identify trends and recommends proactive solutions to meet/exceed requirements


Qualifications and Education Requirements

At Telgian, we are looking for high performing associates to help drive Telgian’s mission to save lives and property in partnership with our customers. To achieve this, you will bring the following qualifications to the table:

• 2 years field engineering/consulting experience in fire protection and/or architecture is preferred

• CFPS or NICET certification is preferred

• High School Diploma or GED

• Ability to travel 50-75%

• Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs., climb ladders, and work on lifts as required for site surveys and field evaluations

• Working knowledge of Fire, Life Safety and Building Codes, NFPA Standards, and UL/FM standards

• Ability to apply broad knowledge of principles and practices in a specific area of practice

• Ability to manage small project of limited complexity

• Ability to evaluate, select and apply standard techniques and procedures and criteria to perform a task

• Working competency with MS Office software

• Ability to perform basic hydraulic calculations using water modeling software

• Demonstrated proficiency in verbal, written, presentation skills


Your Compensation and Benefits

At Telgian, we are proud to offer a unique, professional work environment where we consider all of our associates to be part of our family. We provide a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package with market leading (low!) health-care costs, and a place to advance your career. More importantly as a values driven organization, at Telgian you will be treated with dignity while having fun in your work!


About Telgian Engineering & Consulting

Telgian Engineering & Consulting (TEC), a strategic business unit of Telgian Corporation, is a full-service global engineering and risk mitigation consultancy specializing in complex, multi-discipline public and private sector projects. TEC provides professional services related to the protection of people, property, information and organizational mission against preventable losses. TEC professional service offerings include emergency management / operations continuity, environmental / health / safety, fire protection engineering / life safety, risk management / loss control, security / compliance, and related engineering services / sustainable (LEED) design.