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Fire Protection Designer Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Plumbing & Fire Protection Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$83K - $109K/yr

Position Summary The Plumbing & Fire Protection Designer is a trusted member of the project team, working under the direct supervision of the Lead Designer (or Engineer) to provide valuable design ...

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Seeking a Plumbing/Fire Protection Systems Designer that would be responsible for the design and coordination of plumbing and fire protection systems for buildings and facilities. Knowledge and ...

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Fire Protection Designer information

See New York salary details

$33.9K

$83.2K

$126.9K

How much do fire protection designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection designer in New York is $83,185.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $101,200.00 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.

Are fire protection engineers in demand?

Fire protection engineers are in demand due to increasing safety regulations and the need for specialized fire suppression and prevention systems. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as new construction projects and infrastructure updates require their expertise, often requiring knowledge of codes, standards, and design software. Certifications such as NICET or PE can enhance job prospects in this field.

How to become a fire alarm designer?

To become a fire alarm designer, typically one needs a background in electrical or fire protection engineering, along with knowledge of fire codes and standards such as NFPA 72. Gaining experience through technical training, certifications like NICET in fire alarm systems, and proficiency with design software are also important steps in the career path.

Is a 100k as a fire protection designer good?

A $100,000 salary for a fire protection designer is generally considered competitive and aligns with industry standards for mid- to senior-level positions, depending on experience, location, and certifications such as NICET. Salaries can vary based on geographic region, company size, and project complexity, but this figure typically reflects a solid compensation level in the field.

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.

How much does a fire alarm designer make?

A fire alarm designer typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. They often work with fire protection systems, using design software and adhering to safety codes and standards.

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 job categories do people searching Fire Protection Designer jobs in New York look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Protection Designer jobs in New York are:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Protection Designer jobs in NY? For Fire Protection Designer jobs in NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Fire Protection Designer job openings in New York as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,185 per year, or $40 per hour.

Plumbing & Fire Protection Designer

MGE DPC

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$83K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description:

Position Summary

The Plumbing & Fire Protection Designer is a trusted member of the project team, working under the direct supervision of the Lead Designer (or Engineer) to provide valuable design and project management support to the team. This includes creating trade-specific schematics & layouts based on solid design principles, and performing project functions, including (but not limited to) surveys, calculations, selections & layouts. Through repeated successful implementations & lifecycles, the Designer has advanced understanding of the company project lifecycle, company design and filing standards, and usage of company tools and applications to execute project deliverables. The Designer uses polished communication and interpersonal skills, with consistency, to become an instrumental support system for others, and devotes time & effort to building relationships. The Designer looks for ways to leverage expertise and contacts to solve problems, gain knowledge and develop new business. The Designer assists with all project phases, and effectively communicates with peers, supervisors, vendors, consultants, clients & stakeholders. This includes assisting in the construction administration process with the ability to process and review shop drawings, perform field observations, and prepare respective reports. The Designer is fully capable of assuming the Job Captain function.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 2yrs experience working in a Junior Designer Role, as part of a professional engineering project team, under the direct or indirect supervision of a licensed professional engineer.
  • 4-year Engineering degree.
  • Professional Engineering License preferred.
  • Great interpersonal skills.
  • Polished communication skills (both verbal & writing).
  • Highly organized and composed under pressure.
  • Proven time management ability: able to manage strict timelines with multiple projects to meet deadlines under high-pressure environment.
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office.
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD & REVIT.
  • Possesses a keen eye for detail.
Requirements:

Expectations

Trade-Specific Competency – For Plumbing & Fire Protection Engineers

Level 2 (Intermediate Proficiency)

  • With minimal guidance, can perform a simple layout of a plumbing and fire protection system.
  • Can perform basic plumbing and fire protection calculations.
  • Has a knowledge of relevant engineering equations related to fluid flow, fluid dynamics and heat transfer as well as unit conversions.
  • With minimal guidance, can size and select basic equipment (i.e., hot water heaters and pumps).
  • Understands characteristics of equipment to coordinate special conditions with other trades.
  • Under close supervision, develop intricate system designs.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of codes and reference standards. Can perform advanced research when required.
  • Has basic knowledge of written specifications and standards.
  • Under supervision, can review shop drawings based on project specifications.
  • Educates L1 engineers.

Core Competencies

Project Management

Level 2 (Intermediate Proficiency)

Project Management

  • Demonstrates an advanced understanding of the application of the fundamentals of Project Management. Understands advanced Project Management techniques. Instrumental in the execution of project tasks. Thoroughly understands the company project lifecycle, company design and filing standards, and has a track record of demonstrated excellence in the ability to use the company’s tools and applications to execute project deliverables. Demonstrated excellence in ability to understand and

consistently execute drawing set-ups, project design standards, project filing standards, issue sheets, project phasing and project archiving standards.

Relationship Management

  • Devotes time and effort to building relationships and looks for ways to leverage expertise and contacts to solve problems, gain knowledge and develop new business.

Problem Solving

  • Breaks down problems into their fundamental parts, identifies root causes, analyzes costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success of potential solutions.
  • Applies creativity and “outside-the-box” thinking to attack problems within ways that lead to innovative solutions. Sees resolutions to problems through.

Customer Satisfaction

  • Demonstrates client-service focus and attitude by taking a "client is always right" attitude and focusing on taking advantage of opportunities to satisfy internal & external customers.

Job Captain

  • Demonstrated ability to perform consistently satisfactory Job Captain responsibilities.

The Job Captain is counted on to:

Take Ownership

The Job Captain is responsible for taking ownership of the coordination of project deliverables and issuances with the project team. This means coordinating between the project team and other MGE groups on the timely and accurate set-up/issuance of project documentation.

This means to:

  • Quarterback the project start-to-finish. Seeing the project through and making sure it goes out correctly.
  • Include the right stakeholders in your communication.
  • Coordinate with all departments and take ownership of the process throughout the entire project lifecycle.

Apply Quality, & Ensure it

The Job Captain serves as an important quality control point, by checking project documentation for completeness and accuracy prior to submitting for issuance. This means to:

  • Submit all completed checklists to the Project Manager.
  • Provide final clearance on project issuance.
  • Escalate concerns quickly and decisively.
  • Ensure checklists, issue sheets and other pertinent documentation is accurately completed before sending.
  • Make sure all pencils are down before submitting a set for issuance.
  • Own the quality control process. Make sure the right engineers have checked their design before submitting it to you for issuance.
  • Check the drawings for accuracy before they go out.
  • Ensure backgrounds and xrefs are up to date.
  • Coordinate the issuance of Project Manuals (Book Specifications) if applicable.
  • Coordinate and check the Issued Drawings List for every drawing issuance.
  • Double check to see if the backgrounds received from the architects are correct.
  • Ensure the proper drawings are compiled and issued.
  • Communicate the status of the issuance through completion.
  • Follow-up with the client to ensure the package was received.

Ensure Project Documentation is Correct

The Job Captain ensures that proper project documentation is thoroughly, correctly, and consistently followed. This includes (but is not limited to):

  • Correct drawing set-up and filing.
  • Correct folder structure set-up and ongoing maintenance.
  • Correct and timely issue sheets.
  • Correct post-project filing and archiving.
  • All changes are bubbled appropriately. If a drawing is being filed for the first time, there should be no bubbling.
  • Delta in the revisions must match the Delta in the title block.
  • All applicable DOB notes should be turned on for DOB filing. If a job is outside New York, any NY-related notes should be turned off.
  • The PAA sub-number is correct.
  • The initials of the team members are on the title blocks for all drawings. XX doesn’t work here.
  • Include the correct DOB Now number.
  • Be clear with the CAD/BIM group on project set-up expectations.
  • Adhere to the company standard project folder structure.
  • Check to see if drawings, folders, and issue sheets have been set up correctly.
  • Properly place project files into the correct folders within the drive.
  • Notify Operations and Office Management that a project is confirmed for archiving.

Communication

Level 2 (Intermediate Proficiency)

Understands the fundamentals of project communication and can demonstrate solid fundamental project communication on a consistent basis. Demonstrates polished communication & careful listening, and tailors’ communication to the audience. Expresses thoughts clearly, concisely, professionally, with appropriate style, tone, spelling, and grammar. Communication is timely, with the right amount of detail. Enlists the support of others, identifies key decision makers, and builds alliances to advance business needs.

Leadership

Level 2 (Intermediate Proficiency)

Performance Management

  • Leads by example and takes on challenges with enthusiasm. Seeks out opportunities for advancement by being willing to work smarter and harder than everyone else. Takes ownership & responsibility regardless of how mistakes are made, works with others to address issues & create solutions, and works to emulate the qualities of authority figures.

Conflict Management

  • Demonstrates a basic understanding of conflict resolution by defusing tension. Takes the time to listen, is open & receptive to the ideas & opinions of others and encourages dialogue.

Diversity

  • Demonstrates a common knowledge or understanding of cross-cultural sensitivity by understanding & respecting cultural differences. Is personable and genuine, with a demonstrated ability to show understanding and respect for cultural differences.

Accountability

Level 2 (Intermediate Proficiency)

Self-Direction & Sense of Urgency

  • Demonstrates consistency in ability to habitually take advantage of opportunities to identify and act on problems. Sets consistently challenging goals, demonstrates urgency & drives hard to achieve them.

Flexibility & Resilience

  • Demonstrates consistency in ability to be habitually flexible and resilient. Consistently takes advantage of opportunities to respond quickly to change or consider new approaches. Can deal with ambiguity by responding appropriately & effectively to uncertain situations.

Integrity

  • Consistently demonstrates integrity by taking advantage of opportunities to take responsibility for own actions and tell the truth.

Results-Driven

  • Demonstrates results-oriented mind-set & “no-excuse” attitude by taking advantage of opportunities to set and achieve challenging goals on a consistent basis.