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Fire Alarm Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

M.C. Dean, Inc

Fire Alarm Engineer 3

Bethesda, MD · On-site

A Fire Alarm Engineer 3 handles all the life cycle of any fire detection and alarm project: design, fabrication, pretesting, installation and commissioning. The Fire Alarm Engineer 3 provides both a ...

Solution Staffing, Inc

Fire Alarm Designer

Exton, PA · On-site +1

We are open to speaking with experienced Fire Alarm Designers, Fire Suppression Designers, or recent Mechanical or Electrical Engineering graduates that are interested in growing in the Fire ...

Power Design

Fire Alarm Programmer

Tampa, FL · Remote

As a Fire Alarm Systems Programmer, you will design, develop, test, implement, and support fire alarm system programming throughout the project lifecycle. Working from our state-of-the-art corporate ...

Power Design, Inc.

Fire Alarm Programmer

Tampa, FL · On-site

As a Fire Alarm Systems Programmer, you will design, develop, test, implement, and support fire alarm system programming throughout the project lifecycle. Working from our state-of-the-art corporate ...

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Fire Alarm Engineer information

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How much do fire alarm engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire alarm engineer in the United States is $82,979.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $98,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a fire alarm engineer do?

A Fire Alarm Engineer is responsible for designing, installing, maintaining, and repairing fire alarm systems in various types of buildings. Their job ensures that fire detection and alarm systems function correctly, keeping people and property safe from fire hazards. They may also conduct system testing, provide technical support, and ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards. Fire Alarm Engineers often work closely with other engineers, building managers, and safety officials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire alarm engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Alarm Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, fire safety standards, and relevant building codes, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with fire alarm control panels, CAD software for system design, and certifications such as NICET are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help ensure projects are completed accurately and safely. These competencies are crucial for designing, installing, and maintaining reliable fire alarm systems that protect lives and property.

What are some common challenges fire alarm engineers face when working on large-scale commercial projects?

Fire alarm engineers working on large-scale commercial projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple contractors, adhering to strict building codes, and integrating new systems with existing infrastructure. Managing timelines while waiting for approvals or inspections can be demanding, as can troubleshooting complex system malfunctions during commissioning. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential to ensure smooth collaboration with electrical, construction, and safety teams throughout the project lifecycle.

What is the difference between Fire Alarm Engineer vs Fire Detection Technician?

AspectFire Alarm EngineerFire Detection Technician
CertificationsFire safety certifications, electrical qualificationsFire alarm system certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentDesign, installation, maintenance of fire alarm systems in buildingsTesting, troubleshooting, and repairing fire detection devices
Industry UsageConstruction, facilities management, fire safety consultingMaintenance companies, alarm system providers

Fire Alarm Engineers focus on designing, installing, and maintaining comprehensive fire alarm systems, often requiring electrical and fire safety certifications. Fire Detection Technicians primarily test, troubleshoot, and repair fire detection devices. Both roles are essential in fire safety but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How much do fire alarm engineers make in the US?

Fire alarm engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior or specialized engineers with certifications like NICET can earn higher salaries, and the role often involves installing, inspecting, and maintaining fire alarm systems in commercial and industrial settings.
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Fire Alarm Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Alarm Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,979 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Fire Alarm Engineer 3

Bethesda, MD • On-site

M.C. Dean, Inc
Engineering Professional Services • 10K+ employees

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

267th of 450 rated engineering

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about M.C. Dean, Incexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

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.
A Fire Alarm Engineer 3 handles all the life cycle of any fire detection and alarm project: design, fabrication, pretesting, installation and commissioning. The Fire Alarm Engineer 3 provides both a code compliant set of deliverables, and shop drawings to achieve the intent of design in construction. They have vast experience in the use of REVIT and AUTOCAD. They understand that requirements for these systems are driven by Building, Life Safety Codes, jurisdiction-specific mandates, and owner specifications and are able to shape a project life safety requirement from these. They are able to produce Basis of Design Narratives, and Specifications for projects in many occupancy types, including health care, transit, data centers, and federal projects that also include healthcare and aircraft hangars. They are comfortable in design-build projects, and are able to produce and update a schedule, and respect a budget. They are capable to mentor junior engineers. They should master the use of NFPA 72 and other applicable standards. Fire Alarm Engineer 3 has mastered the basics of fire protection and have large experience in fire detection projects but also have experience with the other two pillars of fire protection: suppression and containment. They understand a fire detection and alarm system provides emergency control functions that interface with most other construction trades, and are prepared to commission complex projects. A Fire Alarm Engineer 3 at M.C. Dean is also able to produce artifacts and plans to transition the engineering phase and follow through fabrication, PITCO, and onsite Commissioning. They are responsible to provide training on the operations and maintenance of the system and produce all close-out documentation.
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 required).
Responsibilities
  • Design of Fire Alarm & Detection, Supervising Station and Mass Notification Systems
  • Design of Special hazard suppression systems.
  • Maintain design standards and process for Life Safety Group.
  • Consult with architects, engineers and other clients on Building/Fire Code & Standards including negotiating with Fire Marshals and Building Officials

Traits / Qualities
  • Client facing
  • Works well in team environment
  • Capable of working on multiple tasks / assignments and can prioritize work
  • Takes ownership of schedule & budget as it relates to engineering and design deliverables
  • High integrity
  • Quality awareness
  • Demonstrate technical leadership, providing resolution to technical issues either through own knowledge or by coordination with Subject Matter Expert

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
Education / Technical & Experience:
  • B.S. in Electrical or Fire Protection Engineering with 5 + years of experience;
  • Minimum of 2+ years of experience in the design and review of Fire Protection.
  • Experience in developing plans and specifications for a wide variety of Fire Alarm.
  • Intimate knowledge of NFPA and building codes; experience with working with plan reviewers & AHJs
  • General life safety design knowledge along with programming and commissioning of FA systems; experience with Notifier & VESDA is a plus.
  • Fluent in ACAD / Revit or other design tools;
  • Performs complete system layout in accordance with code, battery calculations and develop sequence of operations / scripts for complete FA systems; and
  • Prior hands on field experience is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Possess NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level II or Pass exam within 90 days of employment.
  • Possess NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level III (Preferred)

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 $104,240.00 - USD $156,360.00 /Yr.
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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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