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

Hill Fire Protection is committed to providing state of the art fire protection, design, and services. Primary Job Duties: Adheres to Hill Group policies and procedures Utilizes HydraTech, an AutoCAD ...

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 ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

Fire Protection Designer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$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 ...

Fire Protection Engineer - FPE

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท 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 Jun 16, 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 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:
Infographic showing various Fire Protection Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 88% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,327 per year, or $37.7 per hour.
Designer - Fire Protection

Designer - Fire Protection

The Hill Group

Chesterton, IN โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Salary:

The Designer to Hill Fire Protection ("HFP") division of Hill Group liaises closely with the Project Management, Estimation, and Sales teams to assist in the accomplishment of HFP department goals. This position focuses on fire protection sprinkler projects throughout the Chicagoland and Indiana areas. Hill Fire Protection is committed to providing state of the art fire protection, design, and services.

Primary Job Duties:
Adheres to Hill Group policies and procedures
Utilizes HydraTech, an AutoCAD and Revit based software program to provide layouts and drawings
Participates in project turnover and pre-planning meetings
Produces accurate design drawings for installation and submittal
Design and draft fire protection systems in accordance with all applicable codes within the scope of the contract
Conforms piping arrangements to meet standard product usage as well as the most
efficient installation, fabrication, and stock listing techniques
In conjunction with the Sales Team you will plan, organize, and execute projects through activities such as on-site field surveys, generating hydraulic calculations, submitting drawings to obtained required building permits, 3D BIM coordination, and preparing stock lists
Represents the company in matters of project coordination, scheduling, change requests, and technical assistance
Meets design hours estimated on projects, ensuring adherence to proposed project timelines
Obtains all necessary approvals and reviews of project design data
Maintains organized record of active projects
Reviews specifications to understand the scope of work
Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:
Minimum 3+ years of Fire Design experience
Prior experience designing various types of fire protection systems
NICET certification
Degree in engineering or similar field
Knowledge of industry specific software and codes
Other Qualifications:
Continuous Improvement mindset
Problem-solving mindset

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
Customer service mindset
Integrity
Ability to plan and organize
Interpersonal Communication
Teamwork and Collaboration