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Fire Protection Design Engineer Jobs in California

Fire Protection Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$89K - $120K/yr

As our Fire Protection Engineer, you'll be more than just a technical expert; you'll be the ... Apply technical skills to design and assess the following: automatic suppression systems; fire ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Hawthorne, CA ยท 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 ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

$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 ...

Fire Protection Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท 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 ...

Fire Protection Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 20, 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:

Infographic showing various Fire Protection Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,213 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Fire Protection Engineer

General Matter

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$89K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

About the Company
General Matter enriches uranium.
We are designing, building, and operating the world's lowest-cost enrichment services, here in the US.
In the process, we are restoring America's ability to produce nuclear fuel to power AI, advanced manufacturing and critical industries our country relies on to remain competitive.
Fuel drives the cost of advanced reactor electricity production, and enrichment drives the cost of the fuel that advanced reactors consume. Reliable, low-cost enrichment is the catalyst for the nuclear Renaissance now under way.
Our mission is to make nuclear not only the cleanest and safest source of baseload power, but also the most affordable. We believe abundant nuclear energy will lead to a post-scarcity society.
We were incubated inside Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by over a dozen of the world's top venture capital firms.
Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to solving the problem of nuclear fuel production.
We are a mission-driven company with a culture of urgency, accountability, and transparency.
Help us build a high-energy society by making the cleanest, safest form of baseload energy the most affordable.
About This Role
We are seeking a skilled Fire Protection Engineer responsible for analyzing and implementing fire protection systems to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. This role is critical to maintaining the safety and reliability of our facilities.
Ready to take your Fire Protection Engineering career to the next level? At General Matter, we're not just looking for an engineer-we're seeking a passionate, driven leader to own our comprehensive life safety and fire protection program. As our Fire Protection Engineer, you'll be more than just a technical expert; you'll be the strategic mind behind ensuring the safety and efficiency of all our facilities.
This isn't your typical engineering role. You'll have direct impact and influence, working with senior management, regulatory bodies, and contractors. You'll be the go-to resource, responsible for navigating local, state, federal, and even nuclear regulations. If you're ready to move beyond standard engineering duties and become a true champion for life safety, we encourage you to explore this exciting opportunity at General Matter.
Responsibilities
  • Manage the Life Safety and Fire Protection program for the company.
  • Maintain all required documentation required by regulatory agencies and provide the appropriate documentation when requested.
  • Ensure the life safety and fire protection program approach is maintained and is providing a safe and compliant working environment.
  • Manage life safety and fire protection system inspection, testing, and maintenance programs.
  • Apply technical skills to design and assess the following: automatic suppression systems; fire detection, alarm and mass notification systems; fire and life safety code analysis; egress analysis; fire resistant rated construction analysis; smoke control design and special inspections; site surveys and inspections; as well as general fire protection and life safety concepts.
  • Develop and implement fire protection strategies, designs, and systems to safeguard personnel and infrastructure.
  • Conduct fire risk assessments and hazard analyses to ensure compliance with NRC, NFPA, and other applicable codes and standards.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate fire protection systems with other engineering and operational systems.
  • Prepare technical documentation, including fire safety evaluations, reports, and design specifications.
  • Provide technical guidance and support during installation, testing, and commissioning of fire protection systems.
  • Conduct audits, inspections, and reviews to ensure ongoing compliance with fire protection requirements.
  • Stay informed of evolving fire protection technologies, standards, and regulations in the nuclear industry.

Basic Qualifications
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals.
  • Ability to perform trade studies and make clear recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals even with partial information.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Strong knowledge of NRC regulations, NFPA codes, and other relevant standards (e.g., IEEE, ANSI).
  • Proficiency in fire modeling software and other engineering tools.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with internal teams, regulators, and contractors.
  • Experience in managing projects.

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Strong preference for candidates with experience with nuclear, radiological, and/or other higher-hazard industrial facilities.
  • Evidence of exceptional ability (prior projects, portfolio of work, completed products, etc).
  • Experience in a fast-paced engineering environment or a highly technical role requiring a resourceful, entrepreneurial approach to complete tasks within tight timeframes or budget constraints.
  • Experience with major commercial, industrial, or nuclear facility fire protection systems (i.e. Fire Alarm, Fire Suppression, Specialty fire suppression systems, passive fire systems (fire barriers), inerting systems, and/or public address systems.
  • Demonstrated experience with engineering design process and/or maintenance of fire protection systems.
  • Experience in industrial construction projects.
  • Demonstrated experience with codes and standards, to include but not limited to the IBC, IEBC, NFPA, IFC, and/or UFC.
  • Advanced degrees.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or the ability to obtain one.

Additional Requirements
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer
General Matter is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with General Matter 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.
Compensation and Benefits
The base salary range for this role is $80,000-$180,000 annually.
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.