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Fire Protection Designer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

xAI

Fire Protection Engineer

Memphis, TN

$80K - $108K/yr

Experience designing fire protection for hyperscale AI/HPC data centers or large natural gas-fired power generation facilities. * Hands-on experience with clean agent systems (Novec 1230, FM-200 ...

Merrick & Company

Fire Protection Engineer II

Oak Ridge, TN · Hybrid

$79K - $107K/yr

Deliver Fire Protection Engineering subject matter expertise to our unique DoD federal government ... Independently create and evaluate design analyses, conceptual designs, program requirements ...

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All JobsFire Protection Designer JobsFire Protection Designer Jobs in Tennessee

Fire Protection Designer information

See Tennessee salary details

$28.1K

$69K

$105.3K

How much do fire protection designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection designer in Tennessee is $69,010.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $84,000.00 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 Tennessee? For Fire Protection Designer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Protection Designer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Protection Designer jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Protection Designer jobs in TN? For Fire Protection Designer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Fire Protection Designer jobs near you

Fire Protection Engineer

xAI

Memphis, TN

$80K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 hours ago

Job description

ABOUT xAI

xAI's mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company's mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are seeking an exceptional Fire Protection Engineer to design, implement, and optimize advanced fire protection and life safety systems for xAI's high-density AI supercomputing facilities and on-site power generation infrastructure. This role focuses on protecting mission-critical environments with extreme power densities, liquid cooling systems, and large-scale natural gas generation while meeting the highest standards of reliability, code compliance, and operational uptime.

You will own fire protection strategy from conceptual design through construction, commissioning, and ongoing operations. This is a full-time, onsite role based in the Memphis region, working closely with mechanical, electrical, thermal, gas pipeline, and construction teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design and engineer comprehensive fire protection systems for data centers and power plants, including clean agent suppression, pre-action sprinkler systems, water mist, fire detection/alarm, smoke control, and gas detection.
  • Perform fire hazard analyses, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) fire modeling, and risk assessments for high-heat-flux GPU clusters, battery storage, and natural gas turbine installations.
  • Develop fire protection drawings, P&IDs, specifications, sequences of operations, and performance-based design approaches.
  • Integrate fire protection systems with HVAC, liquid cooling, electrical infrastructure, and gas pipeline safety systems to ensure coordinated performance.
  • Ensure full compliance with NFPA (70, 72, 75, 76, 855, 2001), IBC, IFC, FM Global, and local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.
  • Support permitting, authority approvals, and third-party reviews; participate in commissioning, integrated system testing, and handover to operations.
  • Conduct failure mode analysis, root cause investigations, and continuous improvement of fire protection standards for current and future facilities.
  • Provide technical guidance during construction and act as a subject matter expert during any fire protection-related incidents or drills.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 1+ years of experience in fire protection system design and engineering, with direct experience in data centers, mission-critical facilities, or power generation plants.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience designing fire protection for hyperscale AI/HPC data centers or large natural gas-fired power generation facilities.
  • Hands-on experience with clean agent systems (Novec 1230, FM-200), very early warning smoke detection (VESDA), and water mist systems.
  • Familiarity with performance-based design approaches and alternative means and methods approvals.
  • Experience working with AHJs in Tennessee and Texas.
  • Knowledge of integrating fire protection with liquid cooling and high-density electrical systems.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Willingness to work extended hours and be fully onsite as needed during critical design, construction, and commissioning phases.
  • Ability to work in active construction and industrial environments.
  • Strong communication and documentation skills for collaborating with internal teams, contractors, consultants, and regulators.

xAI is an equal opportunity employer. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice.