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Fire Protection Design Engineer Jobs in California

Wje

Fire Protection Engineer | 10+ years

San Diego, CA

$101K - $169K/yr

... Fire Protection Engineer to join our dynamic and diverse team of engineers and designers. This ... codes, and design guidelines to facilitate analysis, problem-solving, and development of ...

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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 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:
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
Fire Protection Engineer - Los Angeles

Fire Protection Engineer - Los Angeles

CLEAR GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, LLC

Los Angeles, CA

$135K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Fire Protection EngineerFederal & Mission-Critical Infrastructure Projects

LA, CA | Full-Time Contract | $150,000 + Benefits

Join a High-Impact Federal Engineering Team

We are seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer to support complex federal and mission-critical infrastructure projects. In this role, you’ll serve as a technical leader responsible for fire and life safety systems, code compliance, risk analysis, and infrastructure resilience across high-visibility facilities.This is a long-term contract opportunity offering meaningful project work, leadership exposure, and the chance to contribute to critical infrastructure programs that directly impact operational continuity and life safety.

What We Offer

Compensation & Benefits

• $150,000 annual compensation

• Annual performance incentives

• Sign-on assistance for qualified candidates

• Health, dental, and vision coverage

• Retirement plan with employer contribution

• PTO and paid holidays

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)Career Growth

• Exposure to federal and mission-critical projects

• Leadership opportunities across multidisciplinary teams

• Continuing education and PE support

• Collaborative engineering-focused environment

• Long-term project stability

Key Responsibilities

• Lead fire protection engineering reviews and evaluations for complex facilities

• Support fire alarm, suppression, and life safety system design and compliance

• Conduct fire hazard analyses, risk assessments, and performance-based evaluations

• Review construction documents, shop drawings, and specifications

• Support inspections, testing, commissioning, and field surveys

• Interpret and apply NFPA, UFC, IBC/IFC, and related fire protection codes

• Collaborate with project teams, contractors, and government stakeholders

• Support life safety planning and hazardous materials assessments

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution

• Professional Engineer (PE) license required

• 5+ years of fire protection engineering experience

• 3+ years supporting fire alarm and suppression systems

• Strong knowledge of NFPA standards and federal fire protection criteria

• U.S. Citizenship required

• Ability to obtain Public Trust or Security ClearancePreferred

• Federal facility experience (DoD, VA, GSA, UFC)

• Experience with healthcare or mission-critical facilities

• AutoCAD and fire modeling software experience (FDS, Pathfinder)

• Performance-based fire protection analysis experience

Why This Opportunity

This role offers the opportunity to work on meaningful federal infrastructure projects while contributing to facility resilience, operational continuity, and life safety initiatives alongside experienced engineering professionals.

Apply Today

If you’re looking for a high-impact engineering opportunity with long-term project stability and meaningful technical work, we’d like to hear from you.