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Fire Protection Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Staffing

Fire Protection Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$97K - $130K/yr

Summary The Fire Protection Design Engineer is responsible for supporting the design and analysis of fire protection and life safety systems across a diverse range of projects. This mid-level role is ...

Fute IT Inc

Fire Protection Designer

Corona, CA · On-site

The Fire Protection Designer will be responsible for creating detailed fire protection system ... Day-to-day responsibilities include preparing CAD drawings and calculations, coordinating with ...

Oklo

Fire Protection Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$80K - $155K/yr

Lead the design of fire protection equipment * Perform commissioning and testing of fire protection systems * Manage projects with third party fire protection consultants * Document work using modern ...

Oklo

Fire Protection Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$80K - $155K/yr

Lead the design of fire protection equipment * Perform commissioning and testing of fire protection systems * Manage projects with third party fire protection consultants * Document work using modern ...

Jensen Hughes

Fire Protection Consultant

San Diego, CA · On-site

Responsibilities: * Manage and implement a wide variety of engineering design and consulting ... Develop fire protection strategies, performance-based design approaches, and alternative solutions ...

Jensen Hughes

Fire Protection Consultant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$86K - $129K/yr

Develop fire protection strategies, performance-based design approaches, and alternative solutions to resolve client design issues * Effectively communicate with project team members, clients, and ...

General Matter

Fire Protection Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$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 ...

General Matter

Fire Protection Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · 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 ...

Telgian Corporation

Fire Protection Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

The Fire Protection Engineer provides fire protection engineering and consultation services ... Establish criteria for the design of fire alarms, suppression and/or life safety systems based on ...

Telgian Corporation

Fire Protection Consultant

Irvine, CA · On-site

$55K - $100K/yr

Role and Responsibilities • Establish criteria for the design of fire alarms, suppression and/or ... fire protection, risk, building codes and constructions technologies; identify trends and ...

Blueprint Hires

Fire Protection Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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All JobsFire Protection Design JobsFire Protection Design Jobs in California

Fire Protection Design information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$75K

$114.5K

How much do fire protection design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection design in California is $75,039.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,200.00 and $91,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the common challenges faced by Fire Protection Design professionals when working on multi-disciplinary construction projects?

Fire Protection Design professionals often encounter challenges in coordinating with architects, structural engineers, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) teams to ensure their systems integrate seamlessly with other building systems. Navigating varying code requirements across jurisdictions and keeping up with evolving fire safety standards can also add complexity to the role. Effective communication, meticulous documentation, and proactive problem-solving are essential for overcoming these challenges and delivering compliant, functional designs.

What is the difference between Fire Protection Design vs Fire Protection Engineering?

AspectFire Protection DesignFire Protection Engineering
CredentialsTypically requires certifications like NICET Level 2/3, relevant degrees in fire protection or engineeringRequires engineering degree and professional engineering (PE) license
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, construction sites, client meetingsDesign offices, research labs, project sites, regulatory agencies
Industry UsageFocuses on creating fire safety systems and plansInvolves analysis, calculations, and system optimization for fire safety

Fire Protection Design professionals primarily develop fire safety plans and system layouts, often working with codes and client needs. Fire Protection Engineering involves a deeper analysis, calculations, and system optimization, often requiring a PE license. Both roles are essential in the fire safety industry but differ in scope and technical depth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fire Protection Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Protection Designer, you need a solid background in engineering or architecture, knowledge of fire codes, and experience with fire protection systems, often supported by relevant certifications like NICET. Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and specialized fire modeling software is typically required to develop precise system layouts and documentation. Strong attention to detail, effective problem-solving, and clear communication help you collaborate with project teams and ensure regulatory compliance. These skills are crucial for designing safe, efficient fire protection systems that safeguard people and property.

What is fire protection design?

Fire protection design is the process of planning and implementing systems and measures to prevent, control, and mitigate the effects of fire in buildings and structures. This includes designing fire detection and alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, smoke control, and safe evacuation routes. Fire protection designers work to ensure that buildings comply with fire codes and safety regulations, helping to protect lives and property in the event of a fire.
What are popular job titles related to Fire Protection Design jobs in California? For Fire Protection Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Protection Design jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Protection Design jobs in California are:
Fire Protection Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Protection Design job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,039 per year, or $36.1 per hour.
Fire Protection Design Engineer

Fire Protection Design Engineer

K2 Staffing, LLC

San Diego, CA • Hybrid

$97K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Summary

The Fire Protection Design Engineer is responsible for supporting the design and analysis of fire protection and life safety systems across a diverse range of projects. This mid-level role is ideal for an engineer with 3–6 years of experience seeking continued professional growth in fire suppression and fire alarm system design. The position is based in San Diego, CA and offers a hybrid work schedule (3 days in-office / 2 days remote).

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Fire Protection System Design

    • Support the design of fire sprinkler, fire alarm, and special suppression systems

    • Develop fire protection system layouts and construction documents

    • Perform sprinkler hydraulic calculations

    • Perform fire alarm calculations

  • Code Analysis & Compliance

    • Conduct Fire and Building Code analysis

    • Apply California Building and Fire Codes

    • Implement NFPA standards in system design

  • Engineering Analysis & Technical Support

    • Assist in developing engineering analyses, including smoke control, combustible dust, hazardous materials, and energy storage systems

    • Conduct site assessments and prepare related reports

  • Construction Administration

    • Respond to RFIs during construction

    • Review contractor submittals

    • Participate in punch walks and construction support activities

  • Collaboration & Growth

    • Support senior engineers in project delivery

    • Contribute to continuous improvement and technical development initiatives

Qualifications & Requirements

  • Education & Experience

    • Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

    • 3–6 years of experience in fire suppression and/or fire alarm system design

  • Technical Skills

    • Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit

    • Experience with AutoSPRINK or HydraCALC sprinkler calculation software

    • Strong understanding of California Building and Fire Codes

    • Working knowledge of NFPA standards and implementation

  • Certifications

    • EIT certification preferred

    • NICET Fire Sprinkler or Fire Alarm certification preferred

    • U.S. Citizenship preferred

  • Preferred Experience

    • Experience working on healthcare and/or federal projects

    • Exposure to project management or business development activities is a plus

Benefits

  • Compensation

    • Salary range: $97,700 – $130,000 annually (dependent on experience)

  • Retirement

    • 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar company match up to 4% of eligible pay

    • Immediate vesting

  • Health & Insurance

    • Medical, dental, and vision coverage

    • Prescription drug coverage

    • Employee Assistance Program

    • Accident and illness coverage

    • Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D (base coverage with voluntary buy-up options)

    • Employer-paid disability insurance

  • Time Off

    • Flexible non-accrual vacation policy

    • Company-recognized holidays

    • Separate California-compliant paid sick leave (where applicable)

  • Work Schedule

    • Hybrid schedule: 3 days in-office / 2 days remote

    • Full-time employment