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Fire Life Safety Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Head of Fire Life Safety

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Cross-Functional Collaboration: work closely with construction, engineering, and operations teams to integrate fire life safety systems into overall project design and execution. * Standards ...

Senior Fire Life Safety Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site +1

$107K - $147K/yr

Design Engineering Market: Industrial Employment Type: Full Time Position Overview We are adding Senior level Fire Life Safety Engineers to our Industrial Engineering team. Our Fire Life Safety ...

Fire Life Safety Director

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$24.04 - $32.05/hr

Position Overview The Fire Life Safety Director is responsible for maintaining a safe and compliant environment by overseeing fire and life safety procedures at the assigned site. The position ...

The Fire Life Safety Director is responsible for maintaining a safe and compliant environment by overseeing fire and life safety procedures at the assigned site. The position monitors fire alarm and ...

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Fire Life Safety Design Engineer information

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How much do fire life safety design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire life safety design engineer in the United States is $31.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire life safety design engineer?

A Fire Life Safety Design Engineer is a professional who designs systems and solutions to protect people and property from fire and related hazards. They develop plans for fire alarm systems, sprinklers, emergency exits, smoke control, and building evacuation protocols, ensuring compliance with local and international fire codes. Their work involves collaborating with architects, engineers, and safety officials to integrate fire safety measures into building designs, renovations, and operations. These engineers play a crucial role in safeguarding lives and minimizing property damage during emergencies.

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

To thrive as a Fire Life Safety Design Engineer, you need a strong background in fire protection engineering, building codes, and system design, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and often a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, hydraulic calculation software, and NFPA standards is essential for creating compliant and effective designs. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and communication skills help you coordinate with architects, contractors, and regulatory bodies. These abilities ensure the safety and regulatory compliance of buildings by delivering robust fire protection solutions.

What are some common challenges fire life safety design engineers face when working on large-scale building projects?

Fire Life Safety Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders—including architects, contractors, and local authorities—to ensure all fire safety systems integrate seamlessly with the building's overall design. Adhering to evolving codes and standards while customizing solutions for unique project needs can also be complex. Additionally, balancing cost-effective design with stringent safety requirements requires careful planning and frequent communication within multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Fire Life Safety Design Engineer vs Fire Protection Engineer?

AspectFire Life Safety Design EngineerFire Protection Engineer
CredentialsFire safety certifications, engineering degreeFire protection certifications, engineering degree
Work EnvironmentDesigning safety systems for buildings, compliance reviewsDesigning fire suppression systems, risk assessment
Industry UsageArchitectural firms, building designFire safety consulting, industrial facilities

While both roles focus on fire safety, the Fire Life Safety Design Engineer primarily concentrates on designing building safety features and ensuring code compliance, whereas the Fire Protection Engineer often specializes in fire suppression systems and risk mitigation. Understanding these distinctions helps in selecting the right career path or job opportunity.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Life Safety Design Engineer jobs?

For Fire Life Safety Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Fire Life Safety Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,084 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Senior Fire & Life Safety Specialist

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Education • 1 - 5K employees

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Senior Fire & Life Safety Specialist

Primary Location: United States - Texas - San Antonio

Other Locations: United States - Texas - Austin

Responsibilities
  • Develop non-routine and complex Fire Protection designs for facilities such as fire suppression systems, fire alarm and detection systems, and alternate extinguishing systems in compliance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards
  • Develop non-routine and complex Life Safety designs for facilities such as occupancy calculations, travel distances, code compliance drawings, passive fire protection systems, in compliance with the International Building & Fire codes and other Standards
  • Develop non-routine and complex drawings using computer-aided design software
  • Lead projects dedicated to Fire & Life Safety expertise
  • Perform other duties as needed
Preferred Qualifications
  • A minimum of 15 years Fire & Life Safety design experience in systems design or regulatory enforcement
  • Previous experience with an architectural/engineering consulting firm or former role specific to Fire & Life Safety
Required Qualifications
  • Associate degree in a closely related field or a high school diploma with a combination of education and relevant experience
  • Advanced NFPA, ICC Certifications or other specialized credentials related to the field of Fire & Life Safety
  • Strong computer skills using AutoCAD, Revit 3D modeling and Microsoft Office
  • Ability to lead designs specific to area of expertise
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must
Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting

May 21, 2026

Equal Employment Opportunity

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

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