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Fire Protection Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

General Matter

Fire Protection Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$89K - $120K/yr

Develop and implement fire protection strategies, designs, and systems to safeguard personnel and infrastructure. * Conduct fire risk assessments and hazard analyses to ensure compliance with NRC ...

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 ...

Bergelectric

Fire Alarm Designer

Escondido, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Overview The NTS Designer participates in the coordination and design of installation drawings and ... Fire Alarm, Electronic Security, Telecommunications, and Nurse Call Systems • Strong ...

Bergelectric

Fire Alarm Designer

Escondido, CA

$75K - $90K/yr

Overview The NTS Designer participates in the coordination and design of installation drawings and ... Fire Alarm, Electronic Security, Telecommunications, and Nurse Call Systems • Strong ...

Bergelectric

Fire Alarm Designer

Escondido, CA

$75K - $90K/yr

Overview The NTS Designer participates in the coordination and design of installation drawings and ... Fire Alarm, Electronic Security, Telecommunications, and Nurse Call Systems • Strong ...

Bergelectric

Fire Alarm Designer

Escondido, CA

$75K - $90K/yr

Overview The NTS Designer participates in the coordination and design of installation drawings and ... Fire Alarm, Electronic Security, Telecommunications, and Nurse Call Systems Strong understanding of ...

RCM Fire Protection

Fire Sprinkler Designer

Tracy, CA · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

This role offers the opportunity to work on meaningful projects that protect lives and property while contributing to fire safety compliance across California. Job Overview As an AutoCAD Designer ...

Comrise

Fire Sprinkler Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$31 - $53/hr

In this role, you will play a key part in engineering fire protection systems that safeguard lives ... Ensure designs comply with applicable fire codes, NFPA standards, and project specifications.

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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 Jun 14, 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 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 are Fire Protection Designers?

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Protection Designer jobs in California? 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:
What cities in California are hiring for Fire Protection Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Fire Protection Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Protection Designer jobs in CA? 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,039 per year, or $36.1 per hour.
Senior Fire Protection Engineer/Designer

Senior Fire Protection Engineer/Designer

Interface Engineering, Inc.

Oakland, CA • Hybrid

$111K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Join a People-First, Employee-Owned Firm That’s Redefining Flexibility and Growth
Senior Fire Protection Engineer/Designer (MEP) – Oakland, CA (Hybrid)
Interface Engineering Inc.
At Interface Engineering, we believe your career should be as dynamic and rewarding as the projects you support. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we’re proud to offer our Collaboration from Home policy—giving you the flexibility of a hybrid schedule (2 days in-office per week minimum) while staying connected to a team that values innovation, inclusion, and impact.
Why Interface?
We’re not just engineers—we’re collaborators, mentors, and trailblazers in high-performance design. Our Pathway to Leadership program offers a transparent, personalized roadmap for career advancement, empowering you to grow in the direction that excites you most.
Our Culture
Interface has the company culture and work environment you have been seeking! You’ll find a workplace with a culture of fun, superior work/life balance benefits, expansive personal development opportunities, innovative technology, and great relationships. You’ll work alongside MEP industry leaders who will help you develop your own thriving career path. Our work takes us around the globe and on a steady growth curve. Our success and innovation are powered by people like you!
Our Core Values:
The following Core Values capture the essence of who we are. We live and breathe them, and they inform everything we do.
  • We are Conscientious.
  • We are Empowered.
  • We are Respectful.
  • We are Transformative.
  • We are Resilient.
What You Will be Doing:
As a Senior Fire Protection Engineer/Designer at Interface Engineering, your responsibilities will include, but may not be limited to:
  • Fire alarm design
  • Fire alarm calculations
  • Fire and smoke modeling
  • Smoke control rational analysis development
  • Fire sprinkler system design
  • Water-based or special hazard-based fire protection systems design
  • Hydraulic and water supply calculations
  • Evaluation of existing building fire protection and alarm systems
  • Commissioning in fire alarm and fire protection systems
  • Special inspections
  • Building code analysis
  • Due diligence report generation
  • Client interaction
  • Multi-discipline coordination
  • Product selection and evaluation
  • Project specifications development
  • Providing exemplary service to fellow team members and clients
To Qualify for Application:
The successful Fire Protection Engineer candidate should have:
  • 8+ years’ experience in fire protection system consulting and design.
  • Working knowledge of NFPA standards and I-Codes.
  • Specialization in code consulting, fire alarm/sprinkler systems, and other water-based systems design.
  • Excellent time management and communication abilities.
  • Previous project management and/or design lead experience.
  • Willingness to travel for site visits, meetings, and witness testing.
  • Working knowledge of computer aided design programs (Revit, Autosprink for Revit, AutoCAD).
To Be Competitive for this Role:
Preferred qualifications include:
  • EIT or PE in Fire Protection
  • NICET certification in Fire Alarm and/or Water-Based Fire Protection Systems Layout
  • Associates or bachelor’s degree in Fire/Mech/Elec Engineering
  • Working knowledge of computer aided design programs (REVIT and AutoCAD)
What You’ll Love
  • Competitive Pay: $111,147 to $158,607 annual salary and conditional bonus
  • Employee Ownership: Build equity through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Robust Benefits: 401(k), medical/dental/vision, life amp; disability insurance, transportation benefits...and more!
  • Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and company closure to clients from Christmas to New Year’s
  • Purpose-Driven Culture: Paid volunteer time and a commitment to social equity
  • Career Development: Work alongside industry leaders and access continuous learning opportunities
Ready to grow with us?
If you’re looking for a role where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your work makes a difference—apply today and become part of the Interface Engineering family.
Social Equity:
Interface is committed to social equity within our walls and in our communities. We are a diverse, inclusive, and responsible firm. Interface provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classifications. We support local business and seek to partner with small and minority-owned firms on our projects. Our staff is empowered to design community service programs (e.g., clean up beaches, serve meals at shelters, tutor school-aged children, etc.) – using paid volunteer time.
Please note: H1-B visa sponsorship or transfer is not approved for this position.

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