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Fire Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Wje

Fire Protection Engineer | 10+ years

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$101K - $169K/yr

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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFire Engineer JobsFire Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Fire Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.8K

$85.5K

$114.9K

How much do fire engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire engineer in Chicago, IL is $85,480.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $101,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How do you become a fire engineer?

To become a fire engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions and obtaining relevant certifications, such as the NICET certification, can enhance job prospects. Strong knowledge of fire safety codes, engineering principles, and safety tools is essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Fire Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fire Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Fire Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,480 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Staff Fire Protection Engineer - Mission Critical - Chicago

Burns & McDonnell

Chicago, IL • On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Burns & McDonnell rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 80 rated construction

Job description

Description The Staff Fire Protection Engineer will perform the design work on multi-discipline projects and prepare comprehensive fire protection packages including fire suppression, fire alarm, smoke management, and life safety. This position will work on various projects with a diverse portfolio of project types and clients.
  • Design, specify, and provide multi-discipline coordination of the following fire protection systems: Wet-pipe, dry-pipe, pre-action, deluge, and foam/water fire suppression systems. Fire water supply infrastructure including fire water storage tanks, fire pumps, underground and aboveground distribution piping and associated appurtenances. Outdoor fire suppression systems including monitors, spray systems, and exposure protection systems. Addressable and non-addressable voice evacuation fire alarm systems including initiation devices, supervision devices, and audible and visual notification appliances. Releasing systems for pre-action, foam/water, and clean agent systems.
  • Perform fire protection calculations including the hydraulic analysis of fire water supply and demand, battery calculations, and voltage drop calculations.
  • Evaluate building and life safety requirements including building area and height limitations, building construction types, fire resistive assemblies and opening protections, occupancy classifications, hazards, building egress, and active and passive smoke management systems.
  • Provide construction administration including coordination with field personnel to resolve design related installation issues, the review of contractor shop drawings and calculations, field inspections, and testing of fire protection systems.
  • Perform site evaluations and document existing fire protection systems.
  • Prepare project budgets and cost estimates.
  • Responsible for QA/QC process adherence.
  • Responsible for compliance with company and site safety policies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • Complies with all policies and standards

Qualifications
  • Bachelor Degree in Fire Protection Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program and 3 years of fire protection engineering experience. Required or
  • Bachelor Degree in Fire Protection or related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. and 3 years of fire protection engineering experience. Required or
  • Master Degree in Fire Protection Engineering and 2 years of fire protection engineering experience. Required
  • Strong knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Strong knowledge of building codes, fire codes, NFPA standards, FM Global datasheets, military standards, and refinery/industrial API guidelines.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment, and demonstrated critical thinking skills.
  • Proficient in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain access authorization to facilities and data of existing and potential clients, including, but not limited to DOE, aerospace, military, food and consumer product manufacturers, pharmaceutical, laboratories, and others necessary to perform work.
  • Engineers in Training-EIT Certification Preferred
  • NICET certification in Water-Based System Layout (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) Preferred or
  • NICET certification in Fire Alarm Systems (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) Preferred or
  • NICET certification in Special Hazard Systems (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) Preferred

Compensation
$115,000.00-165,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Fire Protection Engineer
Primary Location US-IL-Chicago
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Req ID: 263225
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-EH #GFS

What Burns & McDonnell employees say

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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