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

Wje

Fire Protection Engineer | 10+ years

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$101K - $169K/yr

... Fire Protection Engineer to join our dynamic and diverse team of engineers and designers. This ... codes, and design guidelines to facilitate analysis, problem-solving, and development of ...

EMCOR Group Inc

Shambaugh & Son, L.P.

Aurora, IL

Architectural, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management Degrees * 7+ years in Fire Protection Design or a related field * Strong analytical, critical thinking and ...

Forge Strategies

Fire Sprinkler Designer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Support project teams with technical design information throughout the project lifecycle Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, or a related field ...

Forge Strategies

Fire Sprinkler Designer

Naperville, IL

$43.27 - $62.50/hr

Support project teams with technical design information throughout the project lifecycle Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, or a related field ...

CannonDesign

Plumbing & Fire Protection II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $83K/yr

Perform designs of piping and equipment selection for plumbing and fire protection systems for building design; independently for smaller/less technical projects; requiring supervision of senior ...

CannonDesign

Plumbing & Fire Protection II

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$70K - $83K/yr

Perform designs of piping and equipment selection for plumbing and fire protection systems for building design; independently for smaller/less technical projects; requiring supervision of senior ...

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All JobsFire Protection Design JobsFire Protection Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 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
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.
Senior Fire Protection Engineer - Mission Critical

Senior Fire Protection Engineer - Mission Critical

Burns & McDonnell

Chicago, IL • On-site

$145K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Burns & McDonnell rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 78 rated construction

Job description

Description
The Senior Fire Protection Engineer will lead the design work on multi-discipline projects and lead the preparation of comprehensive fire protection packages including fire suppression, fire alarm, smoke management, and life safety. This position will work on various projects with a diverse portfolio of project types and clients.
  • Lead the design, specification, and multi-discipline coordination of the following fire protection systems: Wet-pipe, dry-pipe, pre-action, deluge, and foam/water fire suppression systems. Fire water supply infrastructure including fire water storage tanks, fire pumps, underground and aboveground distribution piping and associated appurtenances. Outdoor fire suppression systems including monitors, spray systems, and exposure protection systems. Addressable and non-addressable voice evacuation fire alarm systems including initiation devices, supervision devices, and audible and visual notification appliances. Releasing systems for pre-action, foam/water, and clean agent systems.
  • Quality review the fire protection calculations including the hydraulic analysis of fire water supply and demand, battery calculations, and voltage drop calculations.
  • Lead the evaluation of building and life safety requirements including building area and height limitations, building construction types, fire resistive assemblies and opening protections, occupancy classifications, hazards, building egress, and active and passive smoke management systems.
  • Quality review the construction administration including coordination with field personnel to resolve design related installation issues, review of contractor shop drawings and calculations, field inspections, and testing of fire protection systems.
  • Lead project teams to perform site evaluations and documentation of existing fire protection systems.
  • Prepare and present technical reports for clients and industry publications.
  • Build effective relationships with existing clients, customers and contractors and develop new business opportunities.
  • Manage sales and marketing efforts and identify key pursuits.
  • Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction goals and expectations are met.
  • Manage the development of cost proposals and qualification statements to achieve stated targets and standards for financial performance.
  • Prepare and present project budgets and cost estimates. Report project performance.
  • Provide leadership, guidance and instruction to the fire protection practice.
  • Responsible for QA/QC process adherence.
  • Responsible for compliance with company and site safety policies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor Degree in Fire Protection Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program and 7 years fire protection engineering experience.
  • Bachelor Degree in Fire Protection or related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. and 7 years fire protection engineering experience.
  • Master Degree in Fire Protection Engineering and 6 years fire protection engineering experience.
  • Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Expert knowledge of building codes, fire codes, NFPA standards, FM Global datasheets, military standards, and refinery/industrial API guidelines.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking skills, ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment.
  • Ability to lead project/discipline design teams.
  • Expert in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain access authorization to facilities and data of existing and potential clients, including, but not limited to DOE, aerospace, military, food and consumer product manufacturers, pharmaceutical, laboratories, and others necessary to perform work.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) License Preferred
  • NICET certification in Water-Based System Layout (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) is preferred.
  • NICET certification in Fire Alarm Systems (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) is preferred.
  • NICET certification in Special Hazard Systems (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) is preferred.

Compensation
$145,000.00-220,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Fire Protection Engineer
Primary Location US-IL-Chicago
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Req ID: 251330
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-EH #GFS

What Burns & McDonnell employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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