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Fire Protection Design Engineer Jobs in California

Fire Protection Consultant

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$86K - $129K/yr

Manage and implement a wide variety of engineering design and consulting projects. * Satisfy client needs and expectations by completing assigned tasks on schedule and within budget * Coordinate and ...

... protection engineering? We're seeking passionate EIT Fire Protection Engineers, what we call Fire ... Perform preliminary design and complex analysis for Performance Based Fire Engineering * Model fire ...

... protection engineering? We're seeking passionate EIT Fire Protection Engineers, what we call Fire ... Perform preliminary design and complex analysis for Performance Based Fire Engineering * Model fire ...

... protection engineering? We're seeking passionate EIT Fire Protection Engineers, what we call Fire ... Perform preliminary design and complex analysis for Performance Based Fire Engineering * Model fire ...

... protection engineering? We're seeking passionate EIT Fire Protection Engineers, what we call Fire ... Perform preliminary design and complex analysis for Performance Based Fire Engineering * Model fire ...

The Sr Fire Protection Engineer will play a lead role in design, testing, and inspection of fire protection and life safety systems and act as the Design Lead for LA28 . LA28 & AECOM: Transforming ...

The Sr Fire Protection Engineer will play a lead role in design, testing, and inspection of fire protection and life safety systems and act as the Design Lead for LA28 . LA28 & AECOM: Transforming ...

Fire Protection Consultant

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$55K - $100K/yr

Provides fire protection advice to construction and other architect/engineering personnel, advises on compliance with fire-related standards and codes, and prepare and comment on reports, design ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Protection Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$98.2K

$170.2K

How much do fire protection design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection design engineer in California is $98,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the main challenges Fire Protection Design Engineers face when coordinating with other disciplines on a project?

Fire Protection Design Engineers often work closely with architects, mechanical, electrical, and structural engineers to ensure that fire safety systems are seamlessly integrated into building designs. A common challenge is managing conflicting requirements or space constraints, especially in complex or retrofitted structures. Effective communication and early involvement in the design process are key to resolving these issues. Collaborating proactively helps ensure compliance with codes and standards while meeting project timelines and client expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fire Protection Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Protection Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, fire codes, and building regulations, typically supported by a degree in fire protection, mechanical, or civil engineering and relevant licensure. Proficiency in CAD software, hydraulic calculations, and familiarity with NFPA standards are essential technical qualifications, and certifications like NICET can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with clients, architects, and construction teams. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, compliant, and efficient design of fire protection systems in buildings.

What does a Fire Protection Design Engineer do?

A Fire Protection Design Engineer specializes in designing systems and strategies to prevent, control, and mitigate the effects of fire in buildings and other structures. Their responsibilities include creating detailed plans for fire alarm, suppression, and sprinkler systems, ensuring compliance with building codes and safety regulations, and coordinating with architects and construction teams. They also conduct fire risk assessments, select appropriate materials and technologies, and may be involved in inspecting and testing fire protection systems after installation.

What is the difference between Fire Protection Design Engineer vs Fire Sprinkler Designer?

AspectFire Protection Design EngineerFire Sprinkler Designer
CredentialsEngineering degree, PE license often preferredCertification in fire sprinkler design, such as NICET
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, consulting companies, construction projectsFire sprinkler companies, design firms, contractors
ResponsibilitiesDesigning comprehensive fire protection systems including alarms, suppression, detectionDesigning and drafting fire sprinkler systems specifically

The Fire Protection Design Engineer typically has a broader scope, including various fire safety systems, while the Fire Sprinkler Designer specializes in sprinkler system design. Both roles require technical knowledge and certifications, but the engineer often oversees entire fire protection plans, whereas the sprinkler designer focuses on specific system components.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Protection Design Engineer jobs in California? For Fire Protection Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Fire Protection Engineer (2+years)

Fire Protection Engineer (2+years)

Coffman Engineers, Inc.

Auburn, CA โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Company Description

At Coffman Engineers, we serve as both prime consultant and sub consultant on projects large and small, including commercial, retail, institutional, government, industrial, and project/construction management. Incorporated in 1979, we have employees in more than 23ย locations serving clients across the United States and overseas.
To meet client objectives and to integrate our many disciplines, we can create teams comprised of civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and corrosion control, as well as project/construction managers and professionals in a variety of specialty services. This ability has made us a leader in the engineering and construction communities, and has strengthened our reputation as being progressive, innovative, and a great place to work.

Job Description

Our mission is simple: To empower our team to deliver innovative engineering solutions focused on our clientsโ€™ success. As a Fire Protection Engineer at Coffman Engineers, youโ€™ll be part of a collaborative, creative, and high-performing team that believes in making a difference for our clients and our communities. Youโ€™ll experience a culture where your growth and contributions truly matter.

Coffman Engineers is seeking a highly skilled, self-motivated, Fire Protection Engineer with two or more years of experience.ย  This individual will have an interest in working with professionals on challenging projects providing our clients with automatic suppression system design; fire detection, alarm and mass notification system design; code analysis; egress analysis; fire resistant construction analysis; smoke control analysis; as well as general fire protection and life safety concepts and research.

Qualifications
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree (B.S.) in engineering from accredited college or university or Fire Protection specific degree (preferred)
  • Registered as a Professional Engineer (PE) is preferred, an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or ability to take the FE exam within the next six months is also considered.ย 
  • 2+ years of working experience
  • Experience with the current version of AutoCAD and Revit (preferred)
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Required Duties and Skills:

  • Computer skills necessary for daily activities, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, simple graphics, and a working knowledge of computer aided drafting
  • Managing day-to-day contacts with internal and external clients while utilizing experience and technology to meet expectations
  • Performing research and documenting for internal and external distribution
  • Analysis of existing fire protection systems; design new fire protection systems including suppression systems, fire detection, fire alarm and mass notification systems
  • Building and fire code analysis and interpretation
  • Utilization of FDS, Pyrosim, CONTAM programs to execute performance-based design efforts
  • Project management skills for managing internal projects as well as external client needs

Compensation:

  • Approximate Base Salary โ€“ย $75k-115k based on experience
  • Paid overtime at 1.0 times hourly rate
  • Competitive end of year discretionary bonus based on company/team/personal performance
  • Hybrid Work Scheduleย (subject to change)
  • 401k with maximum of 5% Contribution Matching for 9% Employee Contribution


This position is not eligible for sponsorship.


Additional Information

Why You Want to Work Here

You could choose to work anywhere, so why work at Coffman Engineers? Because we are different โ€“ our culture sets us apart. Simply stated, we are a group of creative, high-performing people who like working together and believe that what we do makes a difference. Employees say that it feels like working with a group of friends in a small office while enjoying the benefits and perks of working for a large firm. Our culture isnโ€™t the only thing that makes us different, but it drives everything we do.

Coffman offers comprehensive benefits, including a flexible PTO program and a fun environment with family-friendly policies. We support and encourage individually tailored professional and technical advancement as well as personal growth.

Don't take our word for it. Check out what others are saying:

http://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Coffman-Engineers-Reviews-E409809.htm

Coffman at a Glance:

  • 47 years in businessย 
  • 850+ employees serving clients throughout the U.S. and overseas from more than 23 locations
  • Multi-discipline engineering services plus corrosion control, commissioning and project/construction management
  • 70+ employees in 9 offices, providing Fire Protection services since 2014
  • #34 Top 80 Engineering Firms, Building Design + Construction, 2022
  • #29 Zweig Group Hot Firm List, Zweig Group, 2021
  • #161 Top 500 Design Firms, Engineering News-Record, 2023

Applying

You must apply online for this position. If you are unable to complete our online application process, or if you need assistance to do so, let us know andย we willย provideย reasonable accommodation.

Ifย you are experiencing problems applying through our system, please tryย using a different browser or an updated version of your current browser. If that doesn't work, please contact us directly.

Thisย position is direct with Coffman Engineers; we are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state, or local law. ย 

Follow us!

www.coffman.com

Twitter:ย @CoffmanEngineer

Instagram:ย @CoffmanEngineers

LinkedIn:ย https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffman-engineers

Facebook:ย @CoffmanEngineers