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Fire Expert Witness Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Serve as a Fire Protection Engineering subject matter expert (SME) for all client locations ... Witness acceptance testing and commissioning of fire protection systems and equipment to validate ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Serve as a Fire Protection Engineering subject matter expert (SME) for all client locations ... Witness acceptance testing and commissioning of fire protection systems and equipment to validate ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$62K - $141K/yr

As a Fire Protection Engineer, you'll serve as a subject matter expert on fire protection and life ... Witness acceptance testing and commissioning of fire protection systems and equipment to validate ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$62K - $141K/yr

As a Fire Protection Engineer, you'll serve as a subject matter expert on fire protection and life ... Witness acceptance testing and commissioning of fire protection systems and equipment to validate ...

Serve as a fire protection subject matter expert (SME) for all client locations. * Review planning ... Witness acceptance testing and commissioning of fire protection systems and equipment to validate ...

Serve as a fire protection subject matter expert (SME) for all client locations. * Review planning ... Witness acceptance testing and commissioning of fire protection systems and equipment to validate ...

Fire Alarm & Special Hazard Inspector

Tysons, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27/hr

... expert for troubleshooting and inspection review. * Conduct final acceptance testing and witness ... NICET II in Fire Alarm * Preferred: NICET III in Fire Alarm Qualifications * High school diploma ...

... factory witness tests, collaboration, training, etc Minimum Qualifications: * 7+ years relevant ... Working knowledge of electrical, controls and fire / life safety systems * Experience working in a ...

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Fire Expert Witness information

How to get hired as a fire expert witness?

To become a fire expert witness, professionals typically need extensive experience in fire investigation, often holding certifications such as Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) or Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI). Building a reputation through relevant work, networking with legal and insurance professionals, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of fire science are essential steps to be considered for hiring in this role.

What is the difference between Fire Expert Witness vs Fire Investigator?

AspectFire Expert WitnessFire Investigator
CredentialsFire science certifications, forensic trainingFire science certifications, investigative training
Work EnvironmentCourts, legal settings, consultingOn-site fire scene investigation
Employer & IndustryLegal firms, insurance companies, consultingFire departments, insurance companies, private firms
Primary RoleProvide expert testimony, analyze fire causes in courtInvestigate fire origins, determine cause and origin

While both Fire Expert Witnesses and Fire Investigators have backgrounds in fire science and forensic training, their roles differ. Fire Investigators focus on on-site fire scene analysis, whereas Fire Expert Witnesses provide expert testimony in court based on investigations. Both roles are essential in fire-related legal cases but serve different functions within the industry.

How does a fire expert witness typically collaborate with legal teams during an investigation?

As a Fire Expert Witness, you will often work closely with attorneys and investigators, providing technical analysis and clear explanations of fire-related evidence. Your role involves reviewing case materials, conducting site inspections, preparing detailed reports, and sometimes testifying in court. Effective communication is key, as you'll need to translate complex fire science concepts into understandable information for legal professionals and juries. Collaboration is ongoing throughout the case, ensuring that your expertise supports the legal strategy and helps clarify the facts.

Are fire expert witnesses in demand?

Fire expert witnesses are in steady demand due to ongoing legal cases involving fire investigations, insurance claims, and safety standards. Their expertise in fire science, accident reconstruction, and report preparation is valued in courts and insurance disputes, with demand influenced by the frequency of fire-related litigation and regulatory changes.

What is a fire expert witness?

Fire Expert Witnesses are professionals with specialized knowledge and experience in fire science, investigation, or related fields who provide expert testimony in legal cases involving fires. They assist courts by explaining technical aspects of fire causes, spread, and damage, and may analyze evidence to determine factors such as origin or liability. Fire Expert Witnesses often have backgrounds in fire investigation, engineering, or forensic science, and their testimony can be crucial in both civil and criminal proceedings.

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

To thrive as a Fire Expert Witness, you need in-depth knowledge of fire science, investigation procedures, and relevant codes, often supported by a degree in fire protection engineering or similar and certifications such as CFEI or IAAI-CFI. Familiarity with fire modeling software, forensic analysis tools, and industry standards is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to clearly communicate complex findings to legal professionals and juries set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are vital for providing credible, objective, and comprehensible expert testimony in legal proceedings involving fire incidents.
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Fire Expert Witness jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Fire Expert Witness job openings:
Infographic showing various Fire Expert Witness job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Fire Protection Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: T2601798

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-03-05

Category: Environmental, Health & Safety

Subcategory: Environ H&S Eng

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI with Poly

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to join our team in our Chantilly, VA office. This position requires the interest & ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance with Polygraph.

In this role you will be responsible for providing compliance with life safety requirements for the protection of personnel, mission and property through the role of enterprise Authority Having Jurisdiction. Additionally, you will evaluate compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and Department of Defense regulations to limit client exposure to civil and criminal liability.

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities:

  • Serve as a Fire Protection Engineering subject matter expert (SME) for all client locations.
  • Review planning, programming, architectural and engineering design documents, specifications, and other technical documents for proposed construction activities to validate compliance with applicable codes and standards and to identify optimal fire protection solutions.
  • Provide support to assigned project managers by identifying issues, evaluating alternative solutions, and providing recommendations.
  • Witness acceptance testing and commissioning of fire protection systems and equipment to validate functional compliance.
  • Prepare enterprise fire protection governance and policy, standard operating procedures, and facility design standards.
  • Conduct comprehensive fire safety audits and inspections of new construction to validate compliance of fire protection and life safety.
  • Provide a variety of status reports and respond to internal and external audits.
  • Participate on a variety of committees as assigned; attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; ensure processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; ensure accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, government policies and procedures, rules and regulations.
  • Prepare client fire protection governance and policy, standard operating procedures, and facility design standards.
  • Prepare briefing documentation on subject areas directed by the client.
  • Support data collection and metrics development and contribute to records and knowledge management activities.

SAIC is about Reaching Our Tomorrow. We are guided by passion, innovation, inclusion, integrity and empowerment. We look for people who are willing to challenge themselves to find new solutions and lead the way creating state–of-the-art answers for today’s complex problems. Our culture gives you the freedom to expand your intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work and have fun along the way.

Qualifications

  • Ability to obtain/retain TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph, US Citizenship required by federal law.
  • Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Fire Protection Engineering.
  • Five (5) years’ experience with facilities fire protection projects.
  • One of the following certifications:
  • International Code Council F3 Fire Plans Examiner.
  • International Code Council B3 General Pans Examiner.
  • International Code Council CN Commercial Fire Alarms Plan Examiner I.
  • National Fire Protection Administration Certified Fire Plans Examiner.
  • Equivalent State Fire Protection Plans Review Certification.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Fire Protection or a related field.
  • Ten (10) years’ experience with facilities fire protection projects.
  • Knowledge of architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering disciplines in order to evaluate and critique coordinated integration of fire protection concepts into large facilities projects.
  • Demonstrated experience with DoD Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), International Building and Fire Codes and NFPA Codes and Standards.
  • Demonstrated experience with fire alarm and suppression systems, to include installation, testing, and operations and maintenance.
  • Experience providing fire protection education and safety information.

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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