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Fire Protection Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Fire Protection Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

Leidos is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer (with expertise in Fire Life Safety) to join the ... Ability to produce FLS designs of a variety of critical FLS elements and be able to provide ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

The Fire Protection Engineer provides fire protection engineering and consultation services, support, and deliverables for Telgian clients as part of multi-discipline team. Provides fire protection ...

... finish as the designer of record. * Prepare hydraulic calculations using computer generated ... Fire Protection Engineering License - FPE (in any state) * Excellent written and verbal ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

You'll perform fire protection design and calculations, spend time in the field, and maintain quality assurance documentation. You'll work with great people, continue to learn and grow, and have a ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

You'll perform fire protection design and calculations, spend time in the field, and maintain quality assurance documentation. You'll work with great people, continue to learn and grow, and have a ...

Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience , which may include designing and evaluating various fire protection systems; conducting building code analysis and code consulting; developing ...

Fire Sprinkler Designer

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Out of our beautiful Woodridge, IL facility, you'll report to the AVP of Fire Protection and ... As a Fire Sprinkler Designer at AMS, you're the precision behind every system. Out of our beautiful ...

P. is looking for a Senior Fire Protection Sprinkler Designer. In this position, you will be responsible for designing layouts using AutoCAD/HydraCAD and creating hydraulic calculations. #shambaugh ...

Showing results 21-40

Fire Protection Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$32K

$78.4K

$119.6K

How much do fire protection designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection designer in Chicago, IL is $78,369.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,800.00 and $95,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How do you become a fire protection designer?

To become a fire protection designer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, developing knowledge of fire codes and sprinkler systems, and obtaining relevant certifications such as NICET can enhance career prospects in this specialized field.

What job categories do people searching Fire Protection Designer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Protection Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Fire Protection Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,369 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Fire Protection Engineer

Leidos

Chicago, IL • On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 500 rated business services


Job description

Leidos is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer (with expertise in Fire Life Safety) to join the National Airspace System Integration Support Contract (NISC) team.

This role is for someone with experience in Fire Life Safety/Fire Protection With their PE or wanting to become a PE.

Are you an EIT working to become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE)?

We can help you obtain that goal.

The position will support numerous facets of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Fire Life Safety Program, FLS Guidance, policy development, and planning. You will assist the Environmental Occupational Safety and Health (EOSH) Services Group to support and improve Fire Life Safety program elements intended to protect employees and others in the workplace and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and FAA laws and regulations.

Remote position

Up to 50% travel within central US

Candidate is preferred to be located anywhere within the central area of the US

Specific subject areas where services are needed include program management, training, Condition Risk Assessments (CRA) and Stairwell Pressurization Engine Generator (EG) replacement.

Fire Protection Engineer Primary Responsibilities:

  • Assist with the development of FLS code and standards analyses.
  • Provide guidance on the applicability of codes and standards to FAA facilities, its mission, and specific technical items encountered.
  • Provide FLS guidance to the FAA on program and Agency initiatives where the FLS program is a stakeholder.
  • Develop technical guidance on issues related to design and construction.
  • Assist with the development of standard specifications for installations at FAA facilities.
  • Assist with FLS programmatic planning initiatives, prioritization, and consultation regarding program direction and goals.
  • Authoring white papers, proposals, and analysis papers on any of the items above for distribution to FLS stakeholders.

FLS Condition Risk Assessments (CRA):

  • Conduct comprehensive fire protection and life safety surveys of critical air traffic control facilities including airport traffic control towers (ATCT), terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities, in air route traffic control centers (ARTCC), and various other types of facilities supporting the FAA's air traffic control mission. The surveys require broad knowledge and experience in analyzing and evaluating these facilities against the applicable requirements of the International Building Code, NFPA 101, NFPA 13, NFPA 20, NFPA 72, NFPA 75, and other applicable codes, standards, and FAA orders.
  • Evaluate facility human element programs to address OSHA required Emergency Action Plans, Fire Prevention Plans, fire drills, and inspection, testing and maintenance of fire protection and life safety systems.
  • Coordination of sites with customer on specific dates, locations, impacts to the facility, etc.
  • Develop and maintain a current schedule of CRA's at all times, with dates of visit, location, current status of CRA, team assigned, and other relevant information.
  • Provide additional CRA support as requested by AJW-23 Program Manager.

Fire Protection Engineer Basic Qualifications:

  • Relevant Bachelors' Degree and 4+ years relevant exempt experience or a relevant Masters' Degree and 2+ years relevant exempt experience.
  • Professional Engineer License or EIT certificate.
  • Strong working knowledge of applicable ICC and NFPA codes.
  • Past experience developing and/or providing holistic consultation on FLS programs.
  • Ability to produce FLS designs of a variety of critical FLS elements and be able to provide critical comments on FLS designs and installations.
  • Former experience in training FLS concepts and code application.
  • Ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with FAA National Airspace System facilities, FAA staffed or unstaffed facilities, or similar government installations.
  • Experience with 29 CFR 1960.20.
  • Specific experience with programs at Federal agencies is preferred, with FAA experience weighted heavily.
  • Former training on the use/maintenance of Fire Protection systems.

Targeted salary will be $110,000.00 - $124,550.00, based on experience.

NISC IV

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:July 28, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $73,450.00 - $132,775.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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