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Fire Protection Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Valar Atomics

Fire Protection Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$86K - $117K/yr

  • Medical

Experience with reactor facilities, particularly gas-cooled or research reactor designs * Experience defending non-standard fire protection strategies (hybrid construction, suppression exclusion ...

Blueprint Hires

Fire Protection Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

$97K - $131K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Taking responsibility for complete fire protection system designs, including sprinkler, fire pump, fire alarm, and mass notification systems. * Analyzing life safety requirements for buildings ...

HCI Systems

Designer-Fire Alarm/Low Voltage

Ontario, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview We are seeking skilled Fire Alarm/Low-Voltage, Designers and Senior Designers to join our ... Protected Classifications"). HCI will reasonably accommodate employees and applicants with ...

Valar Atomics

Fire Protection Engineer

Torrance, CA · Hybrid

$86K - $117K/yr

  • Medical

Experience with reactor facilities, particularly gas-cooled or research reactor designs * Experience defending non-standard fire protection strategies (hybrid construction, suppression exclusion ...

HCI Systems

Designer-Fire Alarm/Low Voltage

Ontario, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview We are seeking skilled Fire Alarm/Low-Voltage, Designers and Senior Designers to join our ... disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic ...

HCI Systems

Designer-Fire Alarm/Low Voltage

Ontario, CA

$30 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking skilled Fire Alarm/Low-Voltage, Designers and Senior Designers to join our team. In ... disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic ...

Technical Globe Company

Fire Alarm Designer

Tarzana, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

We are seeking a fire alarm designer with knowledge on NFPA 72, IBC/CBC, IMC/CMC, IEC/CEC, IFC/CFC. Candidates need to have ability to work with AutoCAD software, Microsoft office and Adobe ...

SpaceX

Fire Protection Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$115K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER As a member of the HQ construction team, you will design, build, and ... Develop building and fire code compliance documents and fire life safety designs for SpaceX launch ...

Technical Globe Company

Fire Alarm Designer

Tarzana, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

We are seeking a fire alarm designer with knowledge on NFPA 72, IBC/CBC, IMC/CMC, IEC/CEC, IFC/CFC. Candidates need to have ability to work with AutoCAD software, Microsoft office and Adobe ...

HCI Systems

Designer- Fire Alarm-Low Voltage/Security

Irvine, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview We are seeking skilled Fire Alarm/ Low Voltage / Security Designers to join our team. In ... Protected Classifications"). HCI will reasonably accommodate employees and applicants with ...

HCI Systems

Designer- Fire Alarm-Low Voltage/Security

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking skilled Fire Alarm/ Low Voltage / Security Designers to join our team. In this role ... Protected Classifications"). HCI will reasonably accommodate employees and applicants with ...

HCI Systems

Designer- Fire Alarm-Low Voltage/Security

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview We are seeking skilled Fire Alarm/ Low Voltage / Security Designers to join our team. In ... Protected Classifications"). HCI will reasonably accommodate employees and applicants with ...

SpaceX

Fire Protection Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER As a member of the HQ construction team, you will design, build, and ... Develop building and fire code compliance documents and fire life safety designs for SpaceX launch ...

HCI Systems

Designer- Fire Alarm-Low Voltage/Security

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview We are seeking skilled Fire Alarm/ Low Voltage / Security Designers to join our team. In ... Protected Classifications"). HCI will reasonably accommodate employees and applicants with ...

HCI Systems

Designer- Fire Alarm-Low Voltage/Security

Irvine, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview We are seeking skilled Fire Alarm/ Low Voltage / Security Designers to join our team. In ... Protected Classifications"). HCI will reasonably accommodate employees and applicants with ...

Jensen Hughes

Fire Protection Consultant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$86K - $129K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Job Overview Jensen Hughes has a new job opportunity for a Fire Protection Consultant in San Diego, CA office location. We are looking for a highly motivated, experienced individual to work in all ...

EwingCole

Fire Protection Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$90K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Fire Protection Engineer provides design assistance to Fire Protection Engineer and other Project Engineers and Architects for life safety, fire protection systems design and code analysis.

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsFire Protection Designer JobsFire Protection Designer Jobs in California

Fire Protection Designer information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$75K

$114.5K

How much do fire protection designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection designer 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 is a fire protection designer?

Fire Protection Designers are professionals who plan, design, and layout fire protection systems such as sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and suppression systems for buildings and structures. They work closely with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that fire safety systems comply with local codes and standards. Their work helps protect lives and property by ensuring that buildings are equipped to prevent, detect, and control fires effectively.

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 strong background in engineering principles, fire codes, and building regulations, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, hydraulic calculation software, and relevant certifications such as NICET are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with architects, engineers, and clients. These competencies ensure the creation of safe, code-compliant fire protection systems that protect lives and property.

What are some common challenges fire protection designers face when coordinating with other disciplines on a construction project?

Fire Protection Designers often need to collaborate closely with architects, mechanical, electrical, and structural engineers to ensure their designs integrate seamlessly with the overall building plans. One common challenge is navigating conflicting space requirements, as fire protection systems must be routed without interfering with other building systems. Additionally, changes in project scope or building layouts can require rapid adjustments to fire protection plans to maintain code compliance. Clear communication and proactive coordination are essential to avoid project delays and ensure all safety standards are met.

What is the difference between Fire Protection Designer vs Fire Sprinkler Designer?

AspectFire Protection DesignerFire Sprinkler Designer
CertificationsNICET, NFPA certificationsNICET, NFPA certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning fire protection systems for buildings, offices, industrial facilitiesSpecializing in fire sprinkler system design for similar environments
Industry UsageUsed across commercial, industrial, institutional sectorsPrimarily in fire sprinkler system projects within the same sectors

The main difference between a Fire Protection Designer and a Fire Sprinkler Designer lies in scope. Fire Protection Designers create comprehensive fire safety systems, including alarms and suppression systems, while Fire Sprinkler Designers focus specifically on designing fire sprinkler systems. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, often overlapping in industry usage. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and professionals identify the right expertise for fire safety projects.

How do you become a fire protection designer?

To become a fire protection designer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, developing knowledge of fire codes and sprinkler systems, and obtaining relevant certifications such as NICET can enhance career prospects in this specialized field.

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For Fire Protection Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fire Protection Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Protection Designer jobs in California are:

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Cities in California with the most Fire Protection Designer job openings:

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For Fire Protection Designer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Fire Protection Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Protection Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,039 per year, or $36.1 per hour.

Fire Protection Engineer

Valar Atomics

Torrance, CA • On-site

$86K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

About Valar Atomics
At Valar Atomics, we're redefining what's possible in energy. Our mission is to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable-unlocking abundant energy for industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing. We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe nuclear energy should be fast to deploy, factory-made, and built for the real world. Our first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can power the future. Joining Valar Atomics means becoming part of a company where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level.
The Role
The Fire Protection Engineer owns the technical adequacy of the Ward250 Fire Protection Program and its integration into the facility safety basis. This is the FPE of record for the project as defined by DOE-STD-1066-2023, responsible for the Fire Hazards Analysis, fire protection design review, code compliance, program implementation, and interface with DOE as the Safety Basis Approval Authority on fire protection matters. The position reports to the Ward250 Safety Basis Manager.
Ward250 is a DOE Hazard Category 2 high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (250 kWth, TRISO fuel, helium coolant) on a 12-month operational mission plus 6-month decommissioning. The facility uses passive safety systems for shutdown and decay heat removal, a hybrid construction approach (Type I fire-resistant interiors within a Type IIB Sprung membrane envelope), clean agent suppression in equipment areas, and no water-based suppression in the Reactor Hall. Emergency fire response relies on a tiered model with Emery County Fire Department as the structural firefighting resource under MOU.
Key Responsibilities
  • Fire Hazards Analysis. Maintain, and defend the facility FHA per NE O 420.1 and DOE-STD-1066-2023. Define fire areas, evaluate fire scenarios and Maximum Possible Fire Loss, and establish fire protection requirements for each area.
  • Code Compliance. Maintain compliance with the project code of record: NFPA 10, 70, 72, 101, 110, 111, 801, and 2001; ANSI/ANS 15.17; DOE-STD-1066-2023; and Utah Building Code 2021 / IBC 2021. Develop technical justifications for any equivalencies or exemptions, manage AHJ interactions, and maintain records for periodic reevaluation.
  • Fire Protection Program. Maintain the documented Fire Protection Program IAW NE O 420.1, Attachment 2, Chapter II. Scope includes combustible material controls, hot-work permits, fire protection system impairment tracking, inspection/testing/maintenance schedules, Baseline Needs Assessment, and integration with the Physical Security Plan.
  • Emergency Response Coordination. Support the tiered emergency response strategy including pre-incident planning with Emery County Fire and EMS. Develop firefighting procedures addressing facility-specific constraints - helium atmosphere, radioactive materials, and restrictions on neutron-moderating materials reviewed by the criticality safety SME.
  • Safe Shutdown Analysis Support. Verify and maintain the fire-effects-on-safe-shutdown analysis demonstrating that the reactor achieves and maintains safe shutdown under all credible fire conditions, crediting inherent fuel characteristics, passive decay heat removal, and gravity-driven reactor trip.
  • Decommissioning. Advise on fire protection requirements during D&D, particularly continued fire detection coverage during hot work operations through Phase 3 site clearance.

Basic Qualifications
Candidates must meet the DOE-STD-1066-2023 definition of Fire Protection Engineer. Specifically:
  • Degree in fire protection engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or PE license in fire protection engineering
  • Demonstrated experience preparing or technically reviewing Fire Hazards Analyses for DOE Hazard Category 2 or 3 nuclear facilities
  • Working knowledge of NE O 420.1 fire protection requirements and DOE-STD-1066-2023 implementation methodology
  • Experience with NFPA 801 (facilities handling radioactive materials) and NFPA 2001 (clean agent systems)
  • Familiarity with DOE safety basis processes - DSA development, TSR derivation, and SBAA review
  • Experience developing or implementing documented fire protection programs at DOE nuclear facilities
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DOE site access

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with reactor facilities, particularly gas-cooled or research reactor designs
  • Experience defending non-standard fire protection strategies (hybrid construction, suppression exclusion zones) to DOE reviewers
  • Familiarity with DOE-STD-3009-2014 and DOE-STD-1237-2021 DSA methodologies
  • Baseline Needs Assessment development per NE O 420.1
  • Coordination with local AHJs and offsite emergency responders in rural or remote settings
  • Knowledge of ANSI/ANS 15.17 (Fire Protection Program Criteria for Research Reactors)

What We Offer
  • Competitive base salary
  • Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company
  • Comprehensive medical benefits
  • Free daily lunch and dinner provided onsite
  • High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy
  • Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement
  • Direct collaboration with experienced operators, engineers, and industry leaders
  • The opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Valar Atomics is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and will provide reasonable accommodation as required by law.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

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