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Environmental Protection Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

xAI

Fire Protection Engineer

Memphis, TN

$80K - $108K/yr

This role focuses on protecting mission-critical environments with extreme power densities, liquid ... Design and engineer comprehensive fire protection systems for data centers and power plants ...

xAI

Fire Protection Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$80K - $108K/yr

This role focuses on protecting mission-critical environments with extreme power densities, liquid ... Design and engineer comprehensive fire protection systems for data centers and power plants ...

Merrick & Company

Fire Protection Engineer II

Oak Ridge, TN · Hybrid

$79K - $107K/yr

Deliver Fire Protection Engineering subject matter expertise to our unique DoD federal government ... Collaborate in a design team environment, working together with engineers, designers, and project ...

xAI

Fire Protection Engineer

Memphis, TN

$80K - $108K/yr

This role focuses on protecting mission-critical environments with extreme power densities, liquid ... Design and engineer comprehensive fire protection systems for data centers and power plants ...

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All JobsEnvironmental Protection Engineer JobsEnvironmental Protection Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Environmental Protection Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$34.9K

$82.8K

$120.7K

How much do environmental protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental protection engineer in Tennessee is $82,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,700.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the role of an engineer in environmental protection?

An environmental protection engineer designs and implements solutions to reduce pollution, manage waste, and protect natural resources. They analyze environmental data, develop regulations, and use tools like GIS and modeling software to ensure compliance and sustainability. Certification and knowledge of environmental laws are often required for this role.

Is there a high demand for environmental engineers?

Environmental protection engineers are in high demand due to increasing environmental regulations and the need for sustainable practices. Job growth is expected to be faster than average, with opportunities in government agencies, consulting firms, and industry sectors focused on pollution control, waste management, and renewable energy projects.

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

To thrive as an Environmental Protection Engineer, you need a strong background in environmental engineering principles, regulatory compliance, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in environmental or civil engineering. Familiarity with environmental modeling software, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are commonly required. Excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and navigate complex environmental challenges. These competencies ensure that environmental projects are designed and executed efficiently, safely, and in line with regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Environmental Protection Engineer vs Environmental Engineer?

AspectEnvironmental Protection EngineerEnvironmental Engineer
CertificationsPE license, environmental certificationsPE license, environmental certifications
Work EnvironmentRegulatory agencies, consulting firms, industrial sitesConsulting firms, government agencies, industrial projects
Primary FocusEnsuring compliance with environmental laws, pollution controlDesigning sustainable systems, environmental impact assessments

Environmental Protection Engineers primarily focus on ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and controlling pollution, often working with regulatory agencies or industrial sites. Environmental Engineers have a broader scope, including designing sustainable systems and conducting impact assessments. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in industry settings, but their core responsibilities differ slightly.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior-level environmental protection engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or managerial roles. Such positions often require advanced degrees, leadership responsibilities, and expertise in areas like environmental compliance, project management, or consulting.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior-level engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain software engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes certifications or advanced degrees. Compensation varies by industry, location, and company size.

What types of projects do Environmental Protection Engineers typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other professionals?

Environmental Protection Engineers are often involved in projects such as designing pollution control systems, developing waste treatment solutions, and assessing environmental impact for new developments. They regularly collaborate with scientists, regulatory agencies, and construction teams to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and to integrate sustainable practices. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as these engineers must translate technical findings into actionable plans and coordinate with multiple stakeholders throughout a project's lifecycle.

What does an Environmental Protection Engineer do?

An Environmental Protection Engineer is responsible for developing solutions to environmental problems by applying principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry. They work to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control. Their duties may include designing systems to reduce pollution, conducting environmental impact assessments, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. These engineers often collaborate with government agencies, private companies, and communities to ensure environmental sustainability and protect public health.
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Environmental Protection Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Environmental Protection Engineer job openings:
Environmental Protection Engineer jobs near you

Fire Protection Engineer

xAI

Memphis, TN

$80K - $108K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are seeking an exceptional Fire Protection Engineer to design, implement, and optimize advanced fire protection and life safety systems for xAI's high-density AI supercomputing facilities and on-site power generation infrastructure. This role focuses on protecting mission-critical environments with extreme power densities, liquid cooling systems, and large-scale natural gas generation while meeting the highest standards of reliability, code compliance, and operational uptime.

You will own fire protection strategy from conceptual design through construction, commissioning, and ongoing operations. This is a full-time, onsite role based in the Memphis region, working closely with mechanical, electrical, thermal, gas pipeline, and construction teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design and engineer comprehensive fire protection systems for data centers and power plants, including clean agent suppression, pre-action sprinkler systems, water mist, fire detection/alarm, smoke control, and gas detection.
  • Perform fire hazard analyses, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) fire modeling, and risk assessments for high-heat-flux GPU clusters, battery storage, and natural gas turbine installations.
  • Develop fire protection drawings, P&IDs, specifications, sequences of operations, and performance-based design approaches.
  • Integrate fire protection systems with HVAC, liquid cooling, electrical infrastructure, and gas pipeline safety systems to ensure coordinated performance.
  • Ensure full compliance with NFPA (70, 72, 75, 76, 855, 2001), IBC, IFC, FM Global, and local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.
  • Support permitting, authority approvals, and third-party reviews; participate in commissioning, integrated system testing, and handover to operations.
  • Conduct failure mode analysis, root cause investigations, and continuous improvement of fire protection standards for current and future facilities.
  • Provide technical guidance during construction and act as a subject matter expert during any fire protection-related incidents or drills.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 1+ years of experience in fire protection system design and engineering, with direct experience in data centers, mission-critical facilities, or power generation plants.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience designing fire protection for hyperscale AI/HPC data centers or large natural gas-fired power generation facilities.
  • Hands-on experience with clean agent systems (Novec 1230, FM-200), very early warning smoke detection (VESDA), and water mist systems.
  • Familiarity with performance-based design approaches and alternative means and methods approvals.
  • Experience working with AHJs in Tennessee and Texas.
  • Knowledge of integrating fire protection with liquid cooling and high-density electrical systems.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Willingness to work extended hours and be fully onsite as needed during critical design, construction, and commissioning phases.
  • Ability to work in active construction and industrial environments.
  • Strong communication and documentation skills for collaborating with internal teams, contractors, consultants, and regulators.

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