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Fire Protection Designer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 Design Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site +1

$84K - $114K/yr

This role is responsible for designing and developing fire protection systems for nuclear power plants. It includes identifying fire protection requirements, conceptualizing system architecture and ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Chantilly, VA · 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

Mclean, VA · 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

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

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 with Polygraph

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 · On-site

$90K - $160K/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 ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$88K - $119K/yr

As the Fire Protection Engineer , you will be responsible for providing fire protection engineering expertise in support of facilities, infrastructure, and mission-critical operations within the ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$83K - $113K/yr

As the Fire Protection Engineer , you will be responsible for providing fire protection engineering expertise in support of facilities, infrastructure, and mission-critical operations within the ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$94K - $126K/yr

The Fire Protection Engineer serves as a qualified fire protection engineering professional and an integral part of the design process as it relates to fire protection. Responsibilities include, but ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$88K - $119K/yr

As the Fire Protection Engineer , you will be responsible for providing fire protection engineering expertise in support of facilities, infrastructure, and mission-critical operations within the ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$83K - $113K/yr

As the Fire Protection Engineer , you will be responsible for providing fire protection engineering expertise in support of facilities, infrastructure, and mission-critical operations within the ...

Review architectural / engineering designs and fire protection system shop drawings for over 50 buildings. * Conduct construction inspections and issue final occupancy permits. * Witness acceptance ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Washington, DC

$94K - $126K/yr

The Fire Protection Engineer serves as a qualified fire protection engineering professional and an integral part of the design process as it relates to fire protection. Responsibilities include, but ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 11, 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Fire Protection Designer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,117 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Fire Protection Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 223 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: T2601798

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-03-05

Category: Environmental, Health & Safety

Subcategory: Environ H&S Eng

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI with Poly

Potential for Remote Work: 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 with Polygraph.

In this role you will be responsible for providing compliance with life safety requirements for the protection of personnel, mission and property through the role of enterprise Authority Having Jurisdiction. Additionally, you will evaluate compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and Department of Defense regulations to limit client exposure to civil and criminal liability.

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities:

  • Serve as a Fire Protection Engineering subject matter expert (SME) for all client locations.
  • Review planning, programming, architectural and engineering design documents, specifications, and other technical documents for proposed construction activities to validate compliance with applicable codes and standards and to identify optimal fire protection solutions.
  • Provide support to assigned project managers by identifying issues, evaluating alternative solutions, and providing recommendations.
  • Witness acceptance testing and commissioning of fire protection systems and equipment to validate functional compliance.
  • Prepare enterprise fire protection governance and policy, standard operating procedures, and facility design standards.
  • Conduct comprehensive fire safety audits and inspections of new construction to validate compliance of fire protection and life safety.
  • Provide a variety of status reports and respond to internal and external audits.
  • Participate on a variety of committees as assigned; attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; ensure processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; ensure accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, government policies and procedures, rules and regulations.
  • Prepare client fire protection governance and policy, standard operating procedures, and facility design standards.
  • Prepare briefing documentation on subject areas directed by the client.
  • Support data collection and metrics development and contribute to records and knowledge management activities.

SAIC is about Reaching Our Tomorrow. We are guided by passion, innovation, inclusion, integrity and empowerment. We look for people who are willing to challenge themselves to find new solutions and lead the way creating state–of-the-art answers for today’s complex problems. Our culture gives you the freedom to expand your intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work and have fun along the way.

Qualifications

  • Ability to obtain/retain TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph, US Citizenship required by federal law.
  • Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Fire Protection Engineering.
  • Five (5) years’ experience with facilities fire protection projects.
  • One of the following certifications:
  • International Code Council F3 Fire Plans Examiner.
  • International Code Council B3 General Pans Examiner.
  • International Code Council CN Commercial Fire Alarms Plan Examiner I.
  • National Fire Protection Administration Certified Fire Plans Examiner.
  • Equivalent State Fire Protection Plans Review Certification.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Fire Protection or a related field.
  • Ten (10) years’ experience with facilities fire protection projects.
  • Knowledge of architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering disciplines in order to evaluate and critique coordinated integration of fire protection concepts into large facilities projects.
  • Demonstrated experience with DoD Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), International Building and Fire Codes and NFPA Codes and Standards.
  • Demonstrated experience with fire alarm and suppression systems, to include installation, testing, and operations and maintenance.
  • Experience providing fire protection education and safety information.

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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