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Fire Dynamics Simulator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wje

Fire Protection Engineer | 10+ years

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$101K - $169K/yr

Familiarity with drafting, analysis, and modeling software (e.g., AutoCAD, REVIT, Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), PyroSim, Smokeview, Pathfinder, and CFAST) * Proactive, team player mindset with ...

Scattermesh

VFX Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

... body dynamic simulations to a photo real deliverable. The ideal candidate has a strong ... fire, etc. * Collaborate - Work closely with our 3D artists and compositing team to deliver high ...

Scattermesh

VFX Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

... body dynamic simulations to a photo real deliverable. The ideal candidate has a strong ... fire, etc. * Collaborate - Work closely with our 3D artists and compositing team to deliver high ...

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Fire Dynamics Simulator information

See salary details

$31K

$105.6K

$183K

How much do fire dynamics simulator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire dynamics simulator in the United States is $105,577.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Fire Dynamics Simulator vs Fire Protection Engineer?

AspectFire Dynamics SimulatorFire Protection Engineer
Required CredentialsKnowledge of fire modeling software, engineering principlesEngineering degree, PE license, fire safety certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, design firms, simulation software environmentsConstruction sites, building design firms, safety consulting
Industry UsageFire modeling, safety analysis, research projectsDesigning fire safety systems, code compliance, risk assessment

Fire Dynamics Simulator is a specialized software tool used by engineers and researchers to model fire behavior, while Fire Protection Engineers design and implement fire safety systems in buildings. Both roles require a strong understanding of fire science, but the Simulator focuses on simulation and analysis, whereas the Engineer applies safety principles in real-world settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fire Dynamics Simulator specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Dynamics Simulator specialist, you need a strong background in fire protection engineering, computational fluid dynamics, and a relevant degree in engineering or physical sciences. Proficiency in using the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) software, familiarity with computer modeling tools, and possibly certifications in fire safety or modeling are commonly required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear technical communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting simulation results and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure accurate modeling of fire scenarios, supporting safety assessments and effective design solutions in fire protection engineering.

What is a Fire Dynamics Simulator?

A Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) is a specialized computational tool used to model the spread of fire and smoke in various environments, such as buildings and tunnels. Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), FDS uses computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate fire-driven fluid flow and predict how fires develop, spread, and interact with their surroundings. It is widely used by fire protection engineers, researchers, and safety professionals to assess fire hazards, design fire safety systems, and investigate fire incidents. FDS helps improve building safety by allowing experts to test different fire scenarios in a virtual setting before implementing real-world solutions.

What are some typical challenges faced by engineers using Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) in real-world projects?

Engineers working with Fire Dynamics Simulator often encounter challenges such as ensuring accurate input data for complex building geometries and interpreting simulation results to meet code requirements. Another common hurdle is managing the computational resources needed for large-scale or high-resolution simulations, which can be time-consuming. Collaboration with architects, safety consultants, and regulatory authorities is essential to ensure that simulation outcomes are integrated effectively into the overall fire safety strategy.
Infographic showing various Fire Dynamics Simulator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,577 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Fire Protection Engineer | 10+ years

Fire Protection Engineer | 10+ years

Wiss Janney Elstner Associates, Inc.

Northbrook, IL • On-site

$101K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE), an employee-owned firm, is seeking a curious, committed, and enthusiastic Fire Protection Engineer to join our dynamic and diverse team of engineers and designers. This position can be located in either our Downtown Chicago office or at WJE company headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois.
Building on the industry experience you bring to WJE, our team will commit to your development into a well-rounded consultant; facilitating your continued deepening of technical expertise and project management skills, encouraging your participation in industry professional development opportunities, and supporting your desire to make a meaningful impact in your field.
If you are enthusiastic about solving problems, curious about how things work, and not afraid to get your hands dirty, we want you on our team!
Responsibilities:
  • Assume responsibility for the day-to-day success of multiple projects, including acting as the primary point of contact for clients, contractors, and project teams; training and mentoring teammates; and managing small-to-medium projects, as appropriate
  • Perform on-site investigations, condition assessments, and inspections, which may include surveying, documenting deficiencies, field testing, collecting data and samples, and preparing site visit reports
  • Develop fire growth, smoke movement, and egress zone models
  • Analyze field data, interpret model results, and perform research and review of construction documents, governing codes, and design guidelines to facilitate analysis, problem-solving, and development of alternative designs for a variety of fire protection systems, building code issues, and life safety objectives
  • Prepare conceptual, preliminary, and final client deliverables, including written reports, calculation packets, construction documents, and project specifications
  • Contribute to company-wide objectives through involvement in office and company development initiatives, in-house Technical Resource Groups (TRGs) and research projects, and relevant industry committees and professional organizations (e.g., SFPE)

Qualifications/Competencies:
  • Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience, which may include designing and evaluating various fire protection systems; conducting building code analysis and code consulting; developing equivalencies for alternative methods and materials; writing fire protection building code programs; and/or building and analyzing complex fire, smoke, and egress models
  • Bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering or related field; master's degree preferred
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (FPE); EIT in pursuit of PE will be considered on a case-by-case basis
  • Effective technical, graphical, written, and verbal communication skills
  • Familiarity with drafting, analysis, and modeling software (e.g., AutoCAD, REVIT, Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), PyroSim, Smokeview, Pathfinder, and CFAST)
  • Proactive, team player mindset with willingness to take on various responsibilities, tackle new challenges, and learn new skills
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing demands, while maintaining productive interpersonal relationships and a high standard of excellence, integrity, and attention to detail

Culture, Compensation, and Benefits:
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 175,000 projects combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve.
Working at WJE is a team endeavor characterized by a culture of trust and personal responsibility. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, ongoing mentoring, and free-flowing collaboration. We seek highly talented and hard-working individuals who want to be challenged, who want hands-on work, who want to set a higher standard, and who want to be mentored by the industry's most accomplished experts. People with outstanding Character, unwavering Commitment to our core and culture, strong Expertise, and genuine Enthusiasm for their work.
Learn more about the Extraordinary People we hire at WJE at www.wje.com/careers
WJE offers a robust, total compensation structure composed of base salary, incentive pay, and industry-leading benefits:
  • Base salary is determined through consideration of a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role while remaining mindful of our commitment to internal equity.
  • Employees receive variable compensation based on personal and company performance, typically resulting in above-market total compensation.

A good faith estimate of the annual starting base salary (gross) is in the following range:
$101,550.00 - $169,250.00
WJE's industry-leading, total rewards package enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits, including:
  • Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high-deductible PPO options
  • Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay, vesting immediately
  • Time off to care for yourself and others
  • Investments in employees' educational assistance and professional development

Learn more about WJE's total rewards package here.
WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.

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