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Fire Protection Design Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Experience in Fire Protection design principles for the field of building construction. * Directly manages the fire protection scope on projects and coordinates with other design staff on technical ...

The fire protection engineer provides engineering design support and subject matter expertise in the following areas: fire protection, life safety, building and fire codes, fire hazard and risk ...

Fire Protection Engineer - Memphis

Memphis, TN · On-site

$80K - $108K/yr

The fire protection engineer provides engineering design support and subject matter expertise in the following areas: fire protection, life safety, building and fire codes, fire hazard and risk ...

Fire Protection Engineer - Memphis

Memphis, TN · On-site

$80K - $108K/yr

The fire protection engineer provides engineering design support and subject matter expertise in the following areas: fire protection, life safety, building and fire codes, fire hazard and risk ...

Opportunity to work alongside some of the best talent in the fire protection industry Under the guidance of the Design Manager, the Fire Sprinkler Designer will assist in the preparation of NFPA ...

Fire Protection Specialist Department: Environmental Health & Safety Team Shift: Core Business ... Ensure adequate design, installation, and maintenance of life safety systems. To partner closely ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Protection Design information

See Tennessee salary details

$28.1K

$69K

$105.3K

How much do fire protection design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection design in Tennessee is $69,010.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 job categories do people searching Fire Protection Design jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Protection Design jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Fire Protection Design jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Fire Protection Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Protection Design job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,010 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Fire Protection Engineer

The Epsten Group

Nashville, TN • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Fire Protection Engineer
Nashville, TN

At Salas O’Brien, we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a different applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build unique, meaningful, and high-impact career- and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

Job Summary: We are looking for a personable Fire Protection Engineer to join our multi-disciplined design team within our Nashville, TN office and take on the challenge of technical management of the fire protection scopes on high profile hyperscale Data Center programs, other mission critical or federal projects, and industrial projects located around the country. This individual will have an opportunity to implement state-of-the art designs for many different types of projects, heavily in the mission critical, federal and industrial sectors. There will be opportunities for continued growth into technical leadership roles and mentorship of incoming graduate level engineering staff as their experience continues to increase.

Responsibilities:

  • Experience in Fire Protection design principles for the field of building construction.
  • Directly manages the fire protection scope on projects and coordinates with other design staff on technical deliverables
  • Engineer of record on assigned projects
  • Operates with a high level of care and work ethic
  • Effective communicator with internal and external team members
  • Ability to work well independently as part of a strong team
  • Excellent organization and time management skills
  • Ability to navigate and prioritize tasks based on complex delivery schedules
  • Assists engineering calculations and analysis using available software
  • Aides in production of 3D fire protection designs using Autodesk Revit

Skills:

  • Experience in application of all applicable NFPA, Unified Facilities Criteria (UFCs) and Building (IBC, SBC, etc.) codes/standards
  • Proficient with fire protection design and driven for continuous learning
  • Proficient with Revit and understanding of various BIM workflows with respect to Fire Protection engineering and design
  • Capable of providing technical guidance to junior engineers and fire protection design staff
  • Proficient written and oral communication skills essential for team-based projects
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills required for overlapping project schedules

Qualifications:

  • 5+ Years Experience in Design/Consulting/Construction
  • Bachelor’s degree in fire protection engineering, engineering technology, or similar ABET Accredited program
  • Registered Professional Engineering (FPE) license IS required
  • Willing to travel (<20%)

This role is eligible for performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here – Salas O’Brien benefits

About Us:
Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life everyday.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O’Brien provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Qualifications Education Required

Bachelors or better in Engineering.

Experience Preferred 5 years:

5+ Years Experience in Design/Consulting/Construction

Licenses & Certifications Required

Professional Engineer

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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