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Fire Protection Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Primera Engineers

Fire Protection Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

You'll perform fire protection design and calculations, spend time in the field, and maintain quality assurance documentation. You'll work with great people, continue to learn and grow, and have a ...

Primera

Fire Protection Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

You'll perform fire protection design and calculations, spend time in the field, and maintain quality assurance documentation. You'll work with great people, continue to learn and grow, and have a ...

Telgian Corporation

Fire Protection Engineer

Deerfield, IL · 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 ...

ZARRELLCO

Fire Protection Designer

Chicago, IL

$85K - $125K/yr

Design fire protection and automatic sprinkler systems for commercial and industrial facilities * Prepare detailed shop drawings and layouts using AutoCAD * Perform hydraulic calculations and system ...

exp Federal

Fire Protection Engineer - FPE

Chicago, IL · On-site

$119K - $142K/yr

Fire suppression system design including but not limited to fire sprinkler systems (wet & dry), pre ... Fire Protection Engineering License - FPE (in any state) * Excellent written and verbal ...

Leidos

Fire Protection Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

Leidos is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer (with expertise in Fire Life Safety) to join the ... Develop technical guidance on issues related to design and construction. * Assist with the ...

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Fire Protection Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.9K

$78.3K

$119.5K

How much do fire protection design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection design in Chicago, IL is $78,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,800.00 and $95,300.00 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 Chicago, IL? For Fire Protection Design jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Protection Design jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Protection Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Fire Protection Design jobs near you
Fire Protection Engineer

Fire Protection Engineer

Harley Ellis Devereaux

Chicago, IL • On-site

$112K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Fire Protection Engineer

HED is looking to add an experienced team member to our talented team. The Fire Protection Engineer builds on foundational experience to take independent ownership of portions of project design, documentation, and coordination.

About HED

We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening to (and learning from) each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share.

Position Summary
This role is trusted to perform fire protection engineering tasks with minimal supervision and supports project delivery from concept through construction. The Fire Protection Engineer serves as a technical contributor and emerging mentor, contributing to calculations, code research, QAQC, and coordination across disciplines. Individuals in this role are expected to deepen their technical knowledge, begin supporting client interaction, and develop the critical thinking required for future engineering leadership roles.

Essential Functions:

  • Lead design development and calculations for fire protection systems across schematic, design development, and construction document phases.
  • Independently perform fire protection design tasks – such as calculations, equipment sizing, and code compliance checks - with minimal input.
  • Prepare technical documentation for fire protection systems, including system descriptions and narratives, Division 21 specifications, equipment schedules, and redline markups.
  • Develop and review fire protection system layouts in Revit in coordination with architectural and structural backgrounds.
  • Coordinate fire protection design with internal disciplines and external consultants to resolve design conflicts and progress design.
  • Review and respond to fire protection RFIs and submittals with support from lead engineers
  • Perform field verification for fire protection conditions, assist with punch walks, and participate in fire protection construction observation visits.
  • Participate in early-phase design strategy discussions and support discipline leads with technical insight.
  • Engage in internal QAQC processes and perform peer reviews of fire protection drawings and documentation for code compliance and drafting consistency.
  • Begin mentoring designers and interns in software use, modeling best practices, documentation standards, and calculation basics.
  • Participate in internal and external project meetings, and support the preparation of agendas, meeting minutes, and follow-up documentation with a focus on fire protection scope.
  • Track and manage hours on assigned work and assist in project planning discussions regarding scope and resource allocation.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent, required.
  • P.E. licensure required.
  • 5+ years in the AEC Industry preferred.
  • An understanding of the financial status of projects as they progress, development of cost budgets for projects, value of client relationships and be able to deliver projects with a focus on the quality is preferred.
  • Written and verbal communication skills commensurate with the position required.
  • Strong organizational skills required.
  • Revit experience required.
  • Experience with computers, specifically for word processing, spreadsheet use/creation and email required.
  • Detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, flexible and curious personalities required.
  • Ability to work well with others under deadline situations required.

Physical Requirements

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to effectively communicate in writing and verbally via phone, video conferencing, and in-person.
  • Visual acuity to perform responsibilities.

Work Environment

  • We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in-office days to connect with teammates and build culture.
  • The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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