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Fire Protection Designer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Fire Protection Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$85K - $114K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to join our team in our Chantilly, VA office. This position requires the interest & ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$62K - $141K/yr

Fire Protection Engineer The Opportunity: As a Fire Protection Engineer, you'll serve as a subject matter expert on fire protection and life safety issues affecting government facilities. You'll ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Columbia, MD

$82K - $111K/yr

Company Overview Throughout our worldwide network of experts, clients and communities, we are renowned for our leadership in fire protection engineering - a legacy of responsibility we have proudly ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Columbia, MD ยท On-site

$82K - $111K/yr

Jensen Hughes is a leading fire protection consulting firm providing a range of professional services including building/fire code consulting, sprinkler design, fire alarm design, and performance ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Protection Designer information

See Washington salary details

$35.1K

$86.1K

$131.4K

How much do fire protection designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection designer in Washington is $86,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $104,800.00 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 job categories do people searching Fire Protection Designer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Protection Designer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Protection Designer jobs in WA? For Fire Protection Designer jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Senior Fire Protection Engineer

Senior Fire Protection Engineer

Jensen Hughes

Fairfax, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Company Overview
Throughout our worldwide network of experts, clients and communities, we are renowned for our leadership in fire protection engineering - a legacy of responsibility we have proudly upheld since 1939. Today, our expertise extends broadly across closely related security and risk-based fields - from accessibility consulting and risk analysis to process safety, forensic investigations, security risk consulting, emergency management, digital innovation and more.
Our engineers and consultants collaborate to solve complex safety and security challenges, ensuring our clients can protect what matters most. For over 80 years, we have helped mitigate risks that threaten lives, property and reputations. Through technology, expertise and industry-leading research, we remain dedicated to our purpose of making our world safe, secure and resilient.
At Jensen Hughes, we believe that creating and sustaining a culture of trust, integrity and professional growth starts with putting our people first. Our employees are our greatest strength, and we value the unique perspectives and talents they bring to our organization.
Our wide range of Global Employee Networks connect people from across the organization, supporting career development and providing forums for individuals to share experiences on topics they're passionate about. Together, we are cultivating a connected culture where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed together.
Job Overview
JENSEN HUGHES has a hybrid job opportunity for a Senior Fire Protection Engineer with experience in life safety code consulting, sprinkler systems, fire detection and alarm systems, and passive fire protection. The ideal candidate must have a strong background in the application of National Fire Protection Associates (NFPA) codes and standards, as well as Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC). Experience with performance-based fire engineering design is also a benefit. The applicant must be able to collaborate with a team of Fire Protection Engineers with diverse backgrounds and experience levels. The successful candidate will provide full-time engineering and technical support at a high-profile government location in the metropolitan Washington, DC area, while possibly being able to work a hybrid schedule. This is an exciting opportunity to gain fire protection experience and knowledge in a wide range of fire suppression, fire alarm, and life safety systems and approaches, in a unique and challenging setting.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct design review and commissioning services for fire protection, fire alarm, and life safety systems. Duties include review of designs and submittals; verification of as-built and redline drawings; construction surveys and inspections; development and partial witnessing of pre-functional checklists; and development and executing functional performance tests.
  • Review of designs will include evaluating whether the designer has met the owner's intent based on contract serviceability, maintainability, and operability requirements, that the designer has adhered to all applicable building, fire and life safety codes, and assess whether fire protections systems and components are adequately sized for owner/tenant identified requirements.
  • Provide technical assistance in the development of statements of work for projects related to all aspects of the built environment on behalf of building owner and associated stakeholders.
  • Apply fundamental fire and life safety engineering principles to create performance-based solutions to design challenges that are not addressed by the straightforward application of existing fire protection codes and standards.
  • Evaluate existing facilities for compliance with building code of record and provide recommendations for improvements. Evaluations will include site surveys and analysis of life safety systems, fire detection and alarm systems, smoke control systems, and active as well as passive fire protection systems.
  • Perform calculations related to means of egress sizing, maximum allowable building height and area, sprinkler system water supply capacity (i.e., hydraulic calculations) and smoke control equipment.
  • Provide engineering support to the building management office for fire alarm and fire protection system inspection, testing, and maintenance.
  • Propose additions, changes, and updates to existing fire protection and life safety codes, standards, and regulations.
  • Perform impact analysis on the consequences of new code adoption and code cycle changes to construction project requirements and building operations.
  • Meet client and customer needs and expectations by completing assigned tasks in the time allotted, and effectively communicating with project team members, clients, customers, and others.
  • Compose technical letters and reports to address specific technical concepts as may be needed by assigned tasks.

Requirements and Qualifications
  • Minimum 7+ years' experience in life safety, active and passive fire protection, and fire alarm systems code consulting, design review, inspections, and commissioning.
  • Professional Engineering (PE) license preferred.
  • Excellent report writing and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to present clear and technically sound fire protection engineering strategies and have good communication and negotiating skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, enjoy professional challenges and desire to be an integral part of the long-term growth of Jensen Hughes.

#LI-AW1
Jensen Hughes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
At Jensen Hughes, we embrace innovation and understand that people are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT and other generative platforms to learn, prepare and communicate. We have provided some guidelines regarding the responsible use of AI in the recruitment process. Please click here to review.
The security of your personal data is important to us. Jensen Hughes has implemented reasonable physical, technical, and administrative security standards to protect personal data from loss, misuse, alteration, or destruction. We protect your personal data against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure, using security technologies and procedures, such as encryption and limited access. Only authorized individuals may access your personal data for the purpose for which it was collected, and these individuals receive training about the importance of protecting personal data. Jensen Hughes is committed to compliance with all relevant data privacy laws in all areas where we do business, including, but not limited to, the GDPR and the CCPA. Additionally, our service providers are contractually bound to maintain the confidentiality of personal data and may not use the information for any unauthorized purpose.
*Policy on use of 3rd party recruiting agency for direct placements
Jensen Hughes will occasionally augment a recruiting search through agencies for certain positions when business conditions warrant. Jensen Hughes will not accept resumes, inquiries or proposals from recruiting agencies as an acceptable method to consider a candidate. 3rd party recruiting agencies must sign a standard Jensen Hughes agreement after being evaluated and accepted by a Human Resources or Talent Acquisition manager, or member of the talent acquisition team. Hiring managers and employees of Jensen Hughes are not authorized to accept resumes, engage in fee-based searches through recruiting firms or sign a search agreement. Please note this policy does not apply to "staffing firms" or firms that are involved with hiring temporary staff. Any recruiting agency interested in being considered may contact our recruiting team at jensenhughesrecruiting.com.