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Fire Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fire Engineer

Montclair, CA · On-site

$89K - $108K/yr

Fire Department Opening Date: 05/19/2026 FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: MFFA The contents of the job bulletin should not be construed as an implied contract. All information is subject to change ...

Under general supervision, drives assigned fire apparatus or other automotive equipment to scenes of emergencies; operates fire pumps, aerial devices, and other Fire Department equipment; assists in ...

Lead Fire Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

A Lead Fire Engineer in our Health sector designs advanced building systems, prepares design documents and performs engineering calculations in coordination with project teams and multiple ...

Senior Fire Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

A Senior Fire Engineer in our Business sector, designs the most complex advanced building systems, prepares design documents and performs engineering calculations in coordination with project teams ...

Senior Fire Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

A Senior Fire Engineer in our Business sector, designs the most complex advanced building systems, prepares design documents and performs engineering calculations in coordination with project teams ...

Senior Fire Engineer

Dallas, TX

$103K - $142K/yr

A Senior Fire Engineer in our Business sector, designs the most complex advanced building systems, prepares design documents and performs engineering calculations in coordination with project teams ...

🔥Elevate your Fire Protection Engineering career at Holmes US! 🚀 Are you a Fire Protection Engineer with a few years of experience ready to step into a role where your expertise truly drives ...

🔥Elevate your Fire Protection Engineering career at Holmes US! 🚀 Are you a Fire Protection Engineer with a few years of experience ready to step into a role where your expertise truly drives ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Engineer information

See California salary details

$41.9K

$81.9K

$110K

How much do fire engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire engineer in California is $81,892.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Fire Engineer vs Fire Safety Officer?

AspectFire EngineerFire Safety Officer
CredentialsFire engineering degree, certifications in fire safety and risk assessmentFire safety training, certifications in fire prevention and safety protocols
Work EnvironmentDesigning fire protection systems, conducting risk assessments, working on construction sitesInspecting premises, enforcing safety regulations, conducting safety drills
Employer & IndustryConstruction firms, engineering consultancies, industrial facilitiesGovernment agencies, corporate safety departments, facilities management

Fire Engineers focus on designing and implementing fire protection systems and conducting risk assessments, often working in construction and industrial settings. Fire Safety Officers primarily enforce safety regulations, conduct inspections, and ensure compliance within various organizations. While both roles require fire safety knowledge, Fire Engineers are more involved in system design, whereas Fire Safety Officers focus on safety enforcement and training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire engineer?

To thrive as a Fire Engineer, you need a solid background in fire protection engineering, building codes, and risk assessment, typically supported by a degree in engineering and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or CFPS. Familiarity with fire modeling software, CAD systems, and fire alarm and suppression systems is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help in designing safe structures and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills are crucial for ensuring building safety, code compliance, and effective fire prevention strategies.

How does a fire engineer typically collaborate with architects and construction teams during a building project?

Fire Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring fire safety compliance throughout the design and construction phases of a project. They regularly consult with architects to integrate fire protection systems, egress routes, and safety features without compromising the building's aesthetics or functionality. Fire Engineers also work closely with construction teams to ensure fire safety measures are properly implemented and adhere to local codes and regulations. This collaborative approach helps identify potential issues early and ensures the final structure is both safe and compliant.

What is a fire engineer?

Fire Engineers are professionals who apply engineering principles to protect people, property, and the environment from the harmful effects of fire and smoke. They design systems and strategies for fire prevention, detection, and suppression in buildings and other structures. Their responsibilities include assessing fire risks, developing evacuation plans, ensuring compliance with fire codes and regulations, and investigating fire incidents to determine causes. Fire Engineers often work with architects, builders, and emergency services to enhance overall fire safety.
What job categories do people searching Fire Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Fire Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Fire Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Engineer jobs in CA? For Fire Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Fire Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,892 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

$89K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Salary : $89,095.08 - $108,295.80 Annually
Location : Montclair, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 20260519
Department: Fire Department
Opening Date: 05/19/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: MFFA
The contents of the job bulletin should not be construed as an implied contract. All information is subject to change and the City is not bound to any information or errors contained in the bulletin.
This posting may close earlier than the indicated closing date if an excessive number of applications is received. The closing date may also be extended, or the job may be re-posted if an insufficient number of applications is received during the initial posting period.
Job Description
Under general supervision, drives assigned fire apparatus or other automotive equipment to scenes of emergencies; operates fire pumps, aerial devices, and other Fire Department equipment; assists in suppression of fires and the mitigation of other emergency incidents; performs inspection, preventive maintenance and minor repairs of Department apparatus and equipment; participates in fire prevention inspections, pre-fire planning and public education presentations; and performs related duties as required.
Essential Job Duties
(include but are not limited to the following)
Responds to fire and other emergency alarms by driving assigned fire apparatus or other automotive equipment; assists in fire suppression activities; protects life and property; performs as truck company supervisor when assigned; administers emergency medical aid; inspects, services, and maintains assigned fire equipment; inspects residential and commercial occupancies as assigned and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local fire prevention laws and regulations; participates and instructs firefighters in maintaining fire stations, quarters, grounds, and equipment; performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs of fire apparatus and instructs firefighters in these duties; maintains competency in training and instruction programs through individual study and attendance at drills and classes; assists in training and evaluating probationary firefighters when assigned; performs other firefighting and fire prevention duties; periodically performs out of classification on an interim or temporary basis; assists fire captains in some collateral responsibilities such as record keeping and research and development functions; conducts specialized educational programs; and performs public relations activities in the interest of fire prevention and safety as directed by departmental supervisor.
ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
This class reports to a Fire Captain and is a promotional class from Firefighter, with emphasis on technical, legal, and leadership skills; and may act as a company commander.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: Principles of hydraulics as applied to fire suppression; modern fire prevention and suppression strategy and tactics; hazardous materials and caustic substances; design, use, and maintenance of fire apparatus and equipment; emergency medical techniques; city and departmental policies, rules, and regulations; federal, state, and local laws governing fire prevention and safety; location of water mains and fire hydrants in the district; geography of the city, district, and automatic aid areas; and basic principles of accepted supervisory practices and organizational relationships.
Skills/Ability to: Operate fire trucks, pumpers, aerial devices, and other large equipment safely, efficiently, and effectively under adverse conditions; work under pressure and in hazardous situations; perform duties requiring physical endurance and agility; learn a variety of legal and technical material; develop and maintain records and reports; maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and the public; and maintain required level of competency in the appropriate areas of fire science.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from High School or G.E.D. required. At least two years of paid full-time experience as a Firefighter with a public agency.
LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
1. A valid California Driver License with a Firefighter endorsement.
2. A valid Emergency Medical Technician Certificate or Paramedic License required.
3. A valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR/BLS) certificate.
4. Driver Operator 1A and 1B completion certificate.
5. Complete San Bernardino County Sheriff Emergency Vehicle Operations Center (EVOC) course by the end of probation.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
In the performance of daily activities, this position requires the ability to sit, stand, and walk for up to two hours at a time. Must be able to reach, grasp, twist, turn, and bend. The ability to climb, stoop, knee, squat, run, and jump. Must be able to lift, drag, and pull heavy objects up to 150 pounds. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions including cold, wet, and hot with extreme sun exposure.
SELECTION PROCESS (Read Carefully)
1. All applicants must hold required licenses and certificates as required to be considered.
2. Upload proof of all required licenses/certificates listed below under the "Attachments" section of the application:
Required Documents to Attach to the Online Application
  • High School Diploma, G.E.D., or transcript showing completion.
  • Valid California Driver's License with Firefighter endorsement.
  • Valid Emergency Medical Technician Certificate or Paramedic License
  • Valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR/BLS) certificate.
  • Driver Operator 1A Certificate.
  • Driver Operator 1B Certificate.

Failure to provide proof of the required documents above may lead to disqualification during the screening process.
3. All applications received will be screened in relation to the criteria outline in this job announcement. Candidates will be reviewed and only those determined to be the most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements listed in this job announcement does not guarantee advancement in subsequent phases of the selection process. The selection process may be changed as deemed necessary by the City Human Resources Department.
4. Top candidates will be invited to a written examination on a future date (to be determined). The written examination will be a multiple choice pass/fail examination with a requirement of 70% in order to achieve a passing score. Questions on the written examination are sourced from the following publications: IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting 7th Edition; and IFSTA Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook 3rd Edition.
5. Candidates passing the written examination will be invited to participate in a structured oral interview and practical examination (Type 1 Engine pumping) on a future date (to be determined).
6. Successful candidates' names will be placed on an eligibility list from which a selection will be made. The candidate's total overall score throughout the testing process will be weighted according to the following: (Oral Interview - 50% of total score, Practical Pumping Assessment - 50% of total score). (Candidates must maintain a 70% or higher score on each section of the examination process for both oral interview as well as practical pumping assessment in order to move forward in the process.)
7. Candidates will be required to complete a Fire Chief's oral interview after the eligibility list is approved prior to hiring.
8. Final appointments will be made by the City Manager, upon the recommendation of the Fire Chief.
9. Candidate(s) must pass a thorough background investigation and pre-employment physical (including a drug screening) prior to hiring. **Note: Current Montclair Fire Department employees will be exempt from this requirement.
10. To complete your application for this position, you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. This information will be used as part of the application screening and selection process and is designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. This may include a selection step in which your application and supplemental questions are reviewed.
The City of Montclair is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Full-time employees are currently covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System. The City contributes to medical, dental, and vision health plans for the employee with family coverage available. A term life insurance policy is paid by the City, as well as a long-term disability plan. To encourage employees to further their education in job-related fields, an educational subsidy is available upon completion of one-year probation.
Nonshift employees receive 80 hours of vacation after one year of service; 120 hours after five years of service; 160 hours after ten years of service; and 200 hours after 20 years of service. Shift employees receive 145.21 hours of vacation after one year of service; 217.79 hours after five years of service; and 290.40 hours after ten years of service. Sick leave accumulates at the rate of eight hours per month. The City may credit an employee who is coming from another governmental agency with one half of his/her accumulated sick leave up to a maximum of 240 hours. Presently, 104 hours of paid holidays are provided each year for nonshift employees and 157.29 hours of paid holidays are provided each year for shift employees.
01
Did you attach all required documentation as outlined in the "Required Documents" section of the job posting? All required documents (photocopies or pictures) are to be attached under the "attachment" section of the application.
  • Yes
  • No

02
By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.
  • Yes, I understand and agree
  • No, I do not agree

Required Question