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Fire Protection Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Participates in design reviews and provides comments on contractor submitted life safety and fire protection engineering designs and plans to include passive fire protection, fire sprinkler, fire ...

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Fire Protection Design Engineer information

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$45.5K

$99.5K

$172.5K

How much do fire protection design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection design engineer in the United States is $99,516.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $112,000.00 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.

More about Fire Protection Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Fire Protection Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Fire Protection Design Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Fire Protection Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Fire Protection Design Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fire Protection Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 49% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,516 per year, or $47.8 per hour.
Senior Fire Protection Engineer

Senior Fire Protection Engineer

LaBella Associates

Poughkeepsie, NY

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


LaBella Associates rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

172nd of 352 rated engineering


Job description

We are currently hiring a Senior Fire Protection Engineer in our Building Engineering division at our Rochester, Albany, Ithaca, Poughkeepsie, Syracuse, or White Plains office.

The Building Engineering Division at LaBella provides complete building engineering services including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and structural engineering. Services range from feasibility studies and analysis through project design and construction. Our engineers are well versed in new construction, renovations, additions, analysis, special structures, and design/build projects for a variety of clients.

The Senior Fire Protection Engineer will work with clients to provide holistic fire protection design for buildings. Responsibilities include fire sprinkler and fire alarm design, egress, and code analysis, studies and technical support as required to fulfill project requirements. Typical projects will involve field work, design, coordination, and construction administration services. This position will be responsible for development of a fire protection service team that will provide a wide range of fire systems design and code services. A successful candidate will be able to work well in a team, provide leadership to Jr Engineers and Architects, and be capable of developing new business. This position offers the opportunity to transition from a Senior Engineer role into a leadership role for the office.

Job Duties

  • Supervise fire protection engineering staff to develop fire protection concepts, strategies, construction documents and engineering reports for new building, and renovation projects.
  • Develop a fire protection group that specializes in fire protection system design, fire alarm, fire code review, and fire and smoke modeling design.
  • Responsible for design and management of design for of fire protection systems including fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems.
  • Responsible for code and egress analysis for new building, building addition, and renovation projects.
  • Responsible for design of smoke control systems using Contam or similar design software.
  • Ability to provide mechanical leadership for both large multi-discipline design projects including fire protection design.
  • Responsible for fire protection design related to corrections, higher education, laboratory, health care, and other typical market sectors.
  • Ability to complete fire protection hydraulic calculations using industry software programs.
  • Ability to complete fire alarm design.
  • Interact directly with clients technically by completing analysis of design options, cost benefit comparisons, and communicating results to assist owner in decision making process.
  • Responsible for developing and directing fire protection project team to meet project goals and maintain quality work product.
  • Manage the fire protection project financial performance and schedule.
  • Manage fire protection staff and resources to ensure efficient work flow.
  • Client and Business Development.
  • Proposal writing to initiate new business.
  • Maintain client relationships.

Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000 per year

The specific salary offered may be influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, education, and work location.

Requirements

  • Minimum of 10 years of experience with a professional A/E services firm is preferred.
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Fire Science is preferred.
  • Strong writing, organizational and communications skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure, and multi-task efficiently.
  • New York Professional Engineer's License is preferred.

Benefits

Body, mind, and wallet-LaBella's benefits support a holistic approach to your health and wellness, creating the foundation for physical, mental, and financial well-being. Our benefit offerings cover the must-haves (healthcare and retirement), the just-in-cases (insurances and employee assistance programs), and the cherry-on-tops (fitness reimbursements, year-end incentive pay, and tuition assistance). Visit our website for more details on benefits listed below.

  • Flexible Work Schedule
  • Health/Dental Insurance
  • 401k Plan with Employer Match
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Short & Long Term Disability
  • Profit Sharing
  • Paid Time Off
  • Leadership Development Program
  • Fitness Reimbursement
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Referral Bonus Program
  • Wellness Program
  • Team Building Events
  • Community Service Events

LaBella is committed to facilitating a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion are respected, valued, and celebrated by implementing thoughtful, practical, and innovative strategies that support our employees and serve the communities in which we reside. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws.

LaBella Associates does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting professionals or agencies, nor do we accept resumes from any source that does not reference a specific, open position. LaBella Associates will not be responsible for any fees arising from the use of resume submitted by recruiting professionals or agencies that do not have a current placement fee agreement with LaBella Associates. All initial communication with recruiting professionals or agencies must go through human resources.