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Fire Protection Design Engineer Jobs in California

Join us and design your place with Stantec. Stantec's Buildings team is on a mission to become the ... As a professional services firm we are seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer to join our ...

Fire Protection Consultant

San Diego, CA · 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 ...

Join us and design your place with Stantec. Stantec's Buildings team is on a mission to become the ... As a professional services firm we are seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer to join our ...

Join us and design your place with Stantec. Stantec's Buildings team is on a mission to become the ... As a professional services firm we are seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer to join our ...

Join us and design your place with Stantec. Stantec's Buildings team is on a mission to become the ... As a professional services firm we are seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer to join our ...

Showing results 41-60

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 10, 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:

Infographic showing various Fire Protection Design Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,213 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Entry-level Engineer, Fire Protection

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Civil Engineering Construction • 501 - 1,000 employees

$83K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Do you want to help engineer what's next?
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) is a national engineering firm committed to delivering holistic advice for our clients' most complex challenges. We leverage our collective and diverse experience, technical expertise, and industry knowledge of structures and building enclosures, advanced analysis, performance & code consulting, and applied science & research to deliver unrivaled, comprehensive solutions that drive superior performance. With 800 employees in offices nationwide, SGH's industry-leading teams constantly seek to advance the meaning of what's possible.
What makes careers at SGH so special?
The only way to advance is to question and explore. Every member of the SGH team is both a learner and an educator, committed to advancing ourselves, our teams, and our industry. Together we are creating a community that never settles for what is but always seeks what could be.
There are many reasons to love SGH:
  • Our Work: Our clients trust us to bring clarity and deliver outstanding solutions for their most complex projects.
  • Our People: We are bold thinkers and compassionate teammates, committed to lifelong learning and professional growth.
  • Our Commitment: We live with integrity and embrace an obligation to give back to our professions and communities.
  • Our Contribution: We offer a comprehensive and rich compensation and benefits package with company-paid and voluntary programs to help build healthy lifestyles, strong relationships, and future prosperity.

We want someone passionate about fire protection and problem solving.
SGH is committed to expanding its practice in Fire Protection Engineering by hiring a motivated Fire Protection Engineer in our Los Angeles, CA office. The professional will work under the direction of multiple licensed fire protection engineering principals throughout the country to provide technical guidance and participate in design, rehabilitation, and investigation on fire engineering projects.
What You'll Do:
  • Provide fire protection engineering consulting services.
  • Guide the growth and development of the fire protection engineering group at SGH.
  • Manage the fire protection engineering staff.
  • Recommend strategies to keep SGH at the leading edge of relevant technologies.
  • Manage project work, including budgets, staff, and client relations.
  • Provide support for and participate in forensic and litigation activities.
  • Interface with building and fire officials.
  • Market fire engineering services and develop business for fire protection engineering.
  • Coordinate with other practice areas within SGH for the overall benefit of the company.
  • Attend and assume leadership roles in identified local and national professional organizations.
  • Prepare professional papers for publication.

What You'll Need:
  • BS or MS in Fire Protection Engineering required.
  • 0-2 years of experience in fire protection engineering.
  • Ability to obtain Professional Registration in fire protection engineering.
  • Smoke control testing experience is desired.
  • Extensive experience as project manager for different types of projects including building and fire code consulting; fire investigation, performance-based design and fire, smoke and egress modeling.
  • Working familiarity with fire and smoke modeling software.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.
  • Commitment to excellence and professionalism.
  • Commitment to embrace SGH's standards for work product delivery.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.

Benefits Overview:
SGH provides the following benefits to eligible employees:
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation time, Sick leave, Holidays)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Profit Sharing and 401(k) plan with a discretionary company contribution
  • Health Insurance (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Short and Long-Term Disability (company paid)
  • Employee Basic Life and AD&D insurance (company paid)
  • Optional Life Insurance
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Fertility, Family Forming, and Hormonal Health benefit
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Empathy Bereavement Support
  • Pre-tax Commuter Benefit
  • AFLAC Accident & Cancer Insurance
  • Legal & Identity Theft plans
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Compensation:
This compensation range is a good faith estimate pursuant to applicable equal pay and pay transparency laws. The pay range below is effective for 2026 and based on highest degree achieved. The actual salary offered will be based on several factors including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and work location.
  • Bachelor's Degree: $79,560 - $81,640
  • Master's Degree: $83,200 - $85,280

Base salary is a part of SGH's industry leading Total Compensation package. Our Total Compensation package includes base salary, pay for extra hours worked, an annual discretionary bonus program, generous paid time off, and health and wellness benefits with a special emphasis on substantial SGH contributions to medical insurance premiums and SGH's Profit Sharing & 401(k) Plan.
This position is eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus.
Associate Project Consultant:
$79,560-$85,280 USD
SGH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all job applicants and employees. We consider all qualified applicants and encourage individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply. If the application system is not accessible to you, or you need a reasonable accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email jobs@sgh.com or call 781-907-9000 and ask for Human Resources.
TO ALL RECRUITMENT AGENCIES: SGH does not accept unsolicited agency resumes or candidate profiles. Please do not forward resumes or profiles for any of our job postings to our career site or to any Simpson Gumpertz & Heger employee. SGH is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.