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Fire Protection Design Engineer Jobs in California

SpaceX

Fire Protection Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER As a member of the HQ construction team, you will design, build, and activate some of the world's most technically advanced manufacturing facilities. As a member of the ...

Blueprint Hires

Fire Protection Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$97K - $131K/yr

Overseeing fire protection engineering design projects from proposal preparation to system testing and commissioning. * Taking responsibility for complete fire protection system designs, including ...

Holmes US

Fire Protection Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$92K - $119K/yr

Elevate your Fire Protection Engineering career at Holmes US! Are you a Fire Protection Engineer ... We are Holmes US - an international design firm where engineering meets innovation. With offices ...

Valar Atomics

Fire Protection Engineer

Torrance, CA

$86K - $117K/yr

Supporting engineering design, analysis, calculations, and specifications for facility ... NICET certification in relevant fire protection programs * Knowledgeable in OSHA compliance * FDS ...

Holmes US

Fire Protection Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$92K - $119K/yr

Who We Are: We're Holmes US - an international design firm where engineering meets innovation! With ... S. in Fire Protection Engineering or related discipline (M.S. preferred) * 4+ years of experience ...

Valar Atomics

Fire Protection Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$112K - $137K/yr

Supporting engineering design, analysis, calculations, and specifications for facility ... NICET certification in relevant fire protection programs * Knowledgeable in OSHA compliance * FDS ...

Holmes

Fire Protection Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$92K - $119K/yr

Who We Are: We're Holmes US - an international design firm where engineering meets innovation! With ... S. in Fire Protection Engineering or related discipline (M.S. preferred) * 4+ years of experience ...

Jensen Hughes

Fire Protection Consultant

San Diego, CA · On-site

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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFire Protection Design Engineer JobsFire Protection Design Engineer Jobs in California

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 Sep 11, 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 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 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 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 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:

What job categories do people searching Fire Protection Design Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Protection Design Engineer jobs in California are:

Fire Protection Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Protection Design Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, and 96% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,213 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Fire Protection Engineer

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SpaceXexternal

$115K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER
As a member of the HQ construction team, you will design, build, and activate some of the world's most technically advanced manufacturing facilities. As a member of the critical construction and facilities infrastructure team, you will design, build and maintain fire protection and life safety systems. You will be the subject matter expert in the following areas: fire protection, life safety, building and fire codes, fire hazard and risk assessment of materials and processes, fire and smoke spread, industrial fire hazards, fire investigation support, and other fire and life safety issues. You will be able to operate with autonomy to solve diverse and complex problems, excel at managing multiple projects at a time and work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You will work with other construction engineers, architects and internal customers to support these goals and have the opportunity to drive real global impact, ultimately leading to making life multiplanetary. The position is based in Hawthorne, CA.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Support engineering design, analysis, calculations and specifications for facility infrastructure fire and life safety systems
  • Develop building and fire code compliance documents and fire life safety designs for SpaceX launch and production facilities
  • Perform hazardous material analysis for code compliances purposes, such as chemical classification, chemical quantity analysis, chemical inventory management, and related system design support
  • Support facility construction teams to develop field solutions
  • Support commissioning activities during pre-test and AHJ testing phases for launch site facility builds
  • Conduct fire/life safety code reviews and analyses
  • Prepare and present technical reports and presentations
  • Review and comment on shop drawing design packages developed by contractors
  • Develop AM&M (Alternate Means & Methods) to local AHJ to help with performance-based design criteria to meet intent of code

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in the design and construction of fire protection systems and/or fire protection consulting

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Degree in fire protection engineering
  • Professional Engineer License (P.E.)
  • Working knowledge of Building & Fire Codes and NFPA Codes & Standards
  • NICET certification in relevant fire protection programs
  • Ability to lead project design teams
  • Knowledgeable in OSHA compliance
  • FDS software modeling capabilities
  • Construction, facility management or consulting engineering experience
  • Proficient in Autodesk Revit

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • This is not a remote or hybrid position and will require relocation if not already local to the Hawthorne, CA area
  • Position occasionally requires the ability to work extended hours or weekends when needed
  • Ability to travel to other SpaceX offices as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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