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Fire Apparatus Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Town of Davidson

Firefighter Engineer

Davidson, NC · On-site

$57K - $60K/yr

Distinguishing Features of the Class The Firefighter Engineer has the primary responsibility of ... Ensures fire apparatus are in a state of readiness after each incident Inspects equipment for ...

BME Fire Trucks LLC

Electrical Designer

Boise, ID · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

BME has manufactured apparatus for CAL FIRE, BLM, USFS, and municipal fire departments across the ... with other engineering teams to cover cross-principle demands of each design. Other ...

BME Fire Trucks LLC

Electrical Designer

Boise, ID · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

BME has manufactured apparatus for CAL FIRE, BLM, USFS, and municipal fire departments across the ... with other engineering teams to cover cross-principle demands of each design. Other ...

Macon-Bibb County, GA

EVT Fire Mechanic

Macon, GA · On-site

$46K/yr

Fire/Administration Opening Date: 05/28/2026 Closing Date: 6/26/2026 5:00 PM Eastern Summary ... Performs external repairs to apparatus, wreak repairs and proprietary electronic programming.

PLANIT Group

Fire Protection Design Engineer

Monrovia, CA · On-site +1

$88K - $118K/yr

Fire Protection Design Engineer Reporting to the Facilities Engineering Manager, as a Fire Protection Design Engineer you will be responsible for ensuring quality and timely deliveries of our Fire ...

K2 Staffing

Fire Protection Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$97K - $130K/yr

Summary The Fire Protection Design Engineer is responsible for supporting the design and analysis of fire protection and life safety systems across a diverse range of projects. This mid-level role is ...

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Fire Apparatus Design Engineer information

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$45.5K

$91.6K

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How much do fire apparatus design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire apparatus design engineer in the United States is $91,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Fire Apparatus Design Engineers during the development process?

Fire Apparatus Design Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing complex safety requirements, customization needs from fire departments, and regulatory compliance. Designing vehicles that are both durable and able to accommodate specialized equipment can require creative problem-solving and close collaboration with manufacturing, safety experts, and end users. Additionally, engineers must stay updated on evolving standards and technologies to ensure the apparatus meets performance and reliability expectations. Effective communication and adaptability are key to overcoming these challenges and delivering robust, mission-critical vehicles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fire Apparatus Design Engineer, and why are they important?

A Fire Apparatus Design Engineer requires a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, experience with vehicle systems, and typically a relevant engineering degree or licensure. Familiarity with CAD software, hydraulic systems, and industry standards such as NFPA 1901 is essential, along with knowledge of compliance and safety certifications. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills are key soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the engineer can design safe, reliable, and regulation-compliant fire apparatus that meet the unique operational needs of fire departments.

What does a Fire Apparatus Design Engineer do?

A Fire Apparatus Design Engineer is responsible for designing and developing specialized vehicles and equipment used by fire departments, such as fire trucks, pumpers, and aerial apparatus. They ensure that these vehicles meet industry safety standards, operational requirements, and client specifications. Their work involves collaborating with manufacturers, using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and often incorporating new technologies to improve functionality and efficiency. Fire Apparatus Design Engineers also test prototypes, address technical issues, and work with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

What is the difference between Fire Apparatus Design Engineer vs Fire Equipment Technician?

AspectFire Apparatus Design EngineerFire Equipment Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; certifications like FE or PE often preferredHigh school diploma or technical training; certifications like NFPA or manufacturer-specific training
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering firms, manufacturing facilitiesFire stations, maintenance shops, on-site at fire departments
Industry UsageDesigning fire trucks and emergency vehiclesMaintaining, repairing, and testing fire equipment and vehicles

While both roles serve the fire service industry, the Fire Apparatus Design Engineer focuses on designing fire trucks and emergency vehicles, requiring engineering credentials and working mainly in design environments. In contrast, the Fire Equipment Technician maintains and repairs fire equipment, working directly at fire stations or maintenance facilities. Both roles are essential but differ in responsibilities, skills, and work settings.

Infographic showing various Fire Apparatus Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,578 per year, or $44 per hour.

Firefighter Engineer

Town of Davidson

Davidson, NC • On-site

$57K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

General Statement of Duties Performs responsible fire suppression activities including operating fire apparatus and participating in firefighting. Distinguishing Features of the Class The Firefighter Engineer has the primary responsibility of safely and effectively driving and operating fire apparatus and other emergency equipment. This includes driving emergency vehicles in emergency and non-emergency situations; pumping fire apparatus at fire scenes; and inspecting assigned fire apparatus / equipment to ensure readiness.

The Firefighter Engineer must also be able to perform the duties of a Firefighter, which include operating in IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health) atmospheres and providing emergency medical care to sick or injured persons as needed. Other major responsibilities include working in coordination with supervisors and the fleet mechanics to perform certain maintenance and minor repairs of assigned apparatus and training personnel to ensure that an adequate number of qualified driver / operators exist in the department to fill vacancies should they occur. The Firefighter Engineer is subject to all hazards associated with firefighting and rescue work in both inside and outside environments.

These hazards include extreme temperatures, loud noise, vibration, moving parts, potential chemical exposure, fumes, dust, gases, poor ventilation, and confined spaces. The Firefighter Engineer must be able to wear SCBA and other respirators, and is subject to all applicable OSHA regulations, including respiratory protection and blood borne pathogen standards. Responsibilities: Responds to emergency calls and participates in firefighting operations as needed Responds to and assists in the mitigation of hazardous materials incidents and other hazardous conditions Provides emergency medical care as needed at emergency medical incidents Drives apparatus to the scene and properly places apparatus for operations, and operates the apparatus as needed to ensure efficient operations at emergency incidents; Ensures fire apparatus are in a state of readiness after each incident Inspects equipment for proper appearance and condition; performs light maintenance of fire apparatus and related equipment /facilities Performs community service functions as required May be required to fill in as an acting officer in the absence of a duty officer Performs other duties as required Eligibility Requirements: 18 years of age High school diploma, GED, or equivalent Valid North Carolina Class B Driver's License (or equivalent if employee lives out of state) IFSAC / Pro Board North Carolina Firefighter Certification North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician Certification Must meet the medical requirements set forth in NFPA 1582 North Carolina Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification North Carolina Driver Operator (Pumps &Aerials) North Carolina Technical Rescuer(Preferred) Must obtain within (1) year of employment Physical Requirements: Firefighters must have the agility and physical strength to do prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions.

This includes but is not limited to the ability to lift, move, and maintain position on items (e.g. charged hoses) up to 90 pounds; push objects up to 25 pounds; pull objects from 25 to 50 pounds, and lift or pull victims weighing more than 150pounds.

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