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Fire Protection Design Engineer Jobs in California

Holmes

EIT - Fire Protection Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$87K - $97K/yr

... 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 ...

Holmes

EIT - Fire Protection Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$87K - $97K/yr

... 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 ...

Comrise

Fire Sprinkler Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$31 - $53/hr

... design team. In this role, you will play a key part in engineering fire protection systems that safeguard lives and property across industrial warehouses, commercial developments, residential ...

Holmes US

EIT - Fire Protection Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$87K - $97K/yr

... 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 ...

Holmes US

EIT - Fire Protection Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$87K - $97K/yr

... 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 ...

Telgian Corporation

Fire Protection Consultant

Irvine, CA · 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 ...

Fortis Fire & Safety

Fire Sprinkler Designer

Orange, CA · On-site

$40 - $48/hr

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, or related field preferred. * Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in commercial fire sprinkler system design.

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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 Jun 9, 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:
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,213 per year, or $47.2 per hour.
Senior Fire Protection Engineer/Designer

Senior Fire Protection Engineer/Designer

Interface Engineering, Inc.

Oakland, CA • Hybrid

$111K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Join a People-First, Employee-Owned Firm That’s Redefining Flexibility and Growth
Senior Fire Protection Engineer/Designer (MEP) – Oakland, CA (Hybrid)
Interface Engineering Inc.
At Interface Engineering, we believe your career should be as dynamic and rewarding as the projects you support. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we’re proud to offer our Collaboration from Home policy—giving you the flexibility of a hybrid schedule (2 days in-office per week minimum) while staying connected to a team that values innovation, inclusion, and impact.
Why Interface?
We’re not just engineers—we’re collaborators, mentors, and trailblazers in high-performance design. Our Pathway to Leadership program offers a transparent, personalized roadmap for career advancement, empowering you to grow in the direction that excites you most.
Our Culture
Interface has the company culture and work environment you have been seeking! You’ll find a workplace with a culture of fun, superior work/life balance benefits, expansive personal development opportunities, innovative technology, and great relationships. You’ll work alongside MEP industry leaders who will help you develop your own thriving career path. Our work takes us around the globe and on a steady growth curve. Our success and innovation are powered by people like you!
Our Core Values:
The following Core Values capture the essence of who we are. We live and breathe them, and they inform everything we do.
  • We are Conscientious.
  • We are Empowered.
  • We are Respectful.
  • We are Transformative.
  • We are Resilient.
What You Will be Doing:
As a Senior Fire Protection Engineer/Designer at Interface Engineering, your responsibilities will include, but may not be limited to:
  • Fire alarm design
  • Fire alarm calculations
  • Fire and smoke modeling
  • Smoke control rational analysis development
  • Fire sprinkler system design
  • Water-based or special hazard-based fire protection systems design
  • Hydraulic and water supply calculations
  • Evaluation of existing building fire protection and alarm systems
  • Commissioning in fire alarm and fire protection systems
  • Special inspections
  • Building code analysis
  • Due diligence report generation
  • Client interaction
  • Multi-discipline coordination
  • Product selection and evaluation
  • Project specifications development
  • Providing exemplary service to fellow team members and clients
To Qualify for Application:
The successful Fire Protection Engineer candidate should have:
  • 8+ years’ experience in fire protection system consulting and design.
  • Working knowledge of NFPA standards and I-Codes.
  • Specialization in code consulting, fire alarm/sprinkler systems, and other water-based systems design.
  • Excellent time management and communication abilities.
  • Previous project management and/or design lead experience.
  • Willingness to travel for site visits, meetings, and witness testing.
  • Working knowledge of computer aided design programs (Revit, Autosprink for Revit, AutoCAD).
To Be Competitive for this Role:
Preferred qualifications include:
  • EIT or PE in Fire Protection
  • NICET certification in Fire Alarm and/or Water-Based Fire Protection Systems Layout
  • Associates or bachelor’s degree in Fire/Mech/Elec Engineering
  • Working knowledge of computer aided design programs (REVIT and AutoCAD)
What You’ll Love
  • Competitive Pay: $111,147 to $158,607 annual salary and conditional bonus
  • Employee Ownership: Build equity through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Robust Benefits: 401(k), medical/dental/vision, life amp; disability insurance, transportation benefits...and more!
  • Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and company closure to clients from Christmas to New Year’s
  • Purpose-Driven Culture: Paid volunteer time and a commitment to social equity
  • Career Development: Work alongside industry leaders and access continuous learning opportunities
Ready to grow with us?
If you’re looking for a role where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your work makes a difference—apply today and become part of the Interface Engineering family.
Social Equity:
Interface is committed to social equity within our walls and in our communities. We are a diverse, inclusive, and responsible firm. Interface provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classifications. We support local business and seek to partner with small and minority-owned firms on our projects. Our staff is empowered to design community service programs (e.g., clean up beaches, serve meals at shelters, tutor school-aged children, etc.) – using paid volunteer time.
Please note: H1-B visa sponsorship or transfer is not approved for this position.

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