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Fire Protection Designer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Fire Protection Engineer

Washington, DC ยท 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 ยท 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

$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

Columbia, MD ยท On-site

$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

Washington, DC ยท 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

Washington, DC ยท 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 ...

The environment is structured, team-oriented, and focused on delivering high-quality, code-compliant fire protection designs. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of ...

Our architects, engineers, interior designers, consultants, sustainability specialists, and ... As a professional services firm we are seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer to join our ...

Showing results 41-60

Fire Protection Designer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$35.1K

$86.1K

$131.4K

How much do fire protection designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection designer in Washington, DC is $86,104.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,900.00 and $104,700.00 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 Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Protection Designer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Fire Protection Designer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,104 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Fire Protection Engineer

The Building People

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$94K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Please note that this position is for an upcoming position. We are, however, accepting applications for this anticipated need. If you are interested in joining The Building People, we encourage you to APPLY TODAY!
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 are not limited to, building code analysis, life safety code analysis, design of automatic detection and suppression systems, water supply analysis, and multi-discipline review of the entire project. This position supports facilities operations at multiple government sites and requires the ability to operate independently within a complex, multi-occupancy federal facility environment.
Notice $ Skills & Requirements
Required Experience & Skills
  • Five (5) years of work experience in fire protection engineering.
  • Registered professional engineer (P.E.) who has passed the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveys (NCEES) fire protection engineering written examination; or a registered professional engineer (P.E.) in a related engineering discipline with a minimum of five (5) years of experience, dedicated to fire protection engineering, that can be verified with documentation.
  • All personnel must obtain and maintain a Public Trust (Level 3) security clearance.

Preferred Experience & Skills
  • Experience providing fire protection engineering services for federal government facilities, including code compliance reviews and suppression system design.
  • Familiarity with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, International Building Codes (IBC), and life safety codes applicable to government-occupied facilities.
  • Experience collaborating with GSA, facilities managers, and construction project teams on multi-discipline projects.

Required Education
  • Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in Fire Protection Engineering from an accredited university engineering program, with a minimum of five (5) years of work experience in fire protection engineering.
  • Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required.

Preferred Education
  • Master of Science degree in Fire Protection Engineering.
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in Fire Protection Engineering.
  • Active Professional Engineer registration in the District of Columbia, Virginia, or West Virginia, or the ability to obtain reciprocity upon hire.
Qualifications
*Salary offered will be commensurate with the candidate's experience, qualifications, and certifications.
*Our positions may require a background screening and clearance directly from the Government.
*Please note that telework arrangements are subject to change based on customer requirements.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Competitive benefits for eligible employees include:
  • Medical & Rx
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Life Insurance/AD&D
  • Long Term Disability and Short-Term Disability
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Pay

All positions require a background check after acceptance of our offer. The selected candidate will be eligible to begin employment before the background check has been finalized. However, continued employment will be contingent upon the results of your reference/background check from The Building People, LLC. Your position may require special credentialing, clearance, and access as a condition of employment. In the event the government or client does not sponsor or approve your clearance, it may result in termination of your employment.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at reasonableaccomodation@thebuildingpeople.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
For more information, view the EEO is the Law Poster and Pay Transparency Statement.