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Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Fire Protection Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER As a member of the HQ construction team, you will design, build, and activate some of the world's most technically advanced manufacturing facilities. As a member of the ...

AECOM

Sr Fire Protection Engineer - LA28

Orange, CA · On-site

The Sr Fire Protection Engineer will play a lead role in design, testing, and inspection of fire protection and life safety systems and act as the Design Lead for LA28 . LA28 & AECOM: Transforming ...

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Fire Protection Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$98.2K

$170.2K

How much do fire protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection engineer in California is $98,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire protection engineer?

Fire Protection Engineers are professionals who specialize in designing systems and solutions to prevent, control, and mitigate the effects of fire. They apply principles of engineering and science to protect people, property, and the environment from fire hazards. Their responsibilities often include designing fire detection and suppression systems, ensuring buildings comply with fire codes, and conducting risk assessments. Fire Protection Engineers work in a variety of settings, including construction, manufacturing, consulting, and government agencies. Their expertise is critical in creating safer buildings and communities.

What does a fire protection engineer do?

A fire protection engineer creates methods and products to prevent fires and investigates buildings to identify fire hazards. In this career, you verify housing safety requirements and update older buildings to minimize dangers. You also teach others the best ways to handle fires and the skills they need to escape safely. You review fire-related accidents and implement a plan to avoid future damage. This job position is crucial in the private sector, but you can also find many opportunities with the government, such as positions in national and state parks or any areas with lots of plants and wildlife.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire protection engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Protection Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, fire dynamics, building codes, and typically a degree in fire protection or related engineering field. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, fire modeling software (e.g., FDS), and relevant certifications like PE (Professional Engineer) in fire protection are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, communication skills, and attention to detail help professionals excel in designing safety systems and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are critical for ensuring effective fire prevention, code compliance, and the protection of lives and property.

How does a fire protection engineer typically collaborate with architects and construction teams during a building project?

Fire Protection Engineers play a crucial role in the planning and construction process by working closely with architects and construction teams to ensure that fire safety measures are integrated seamlessly into building designs. They review architectural plans, provide recommendations on fire detection and suppression systems, and help interpret fire codes and regulations. Regular meetings and site visits are common, allowing the engineer to address potential challenges, coordinate installation timelines, and verify compliance throughout the construction phase. This collaborative approach helps ensure both safety and functionality in the finished structure.

What is the difference between Fire Protection Engineer vs Fire Safety Specialist?

AspectFire Protection EngineerFire Safety Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Fire Protection Engineering, PE license often preferredCertifications like CFPS, training in fire safety protocols
Work EnvironmentDesigning systems, analyzing fire risks, working with engineers and architectsConducting safety inspections, training, developing safety plans
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, construction, industrial facilitiesGovernment agencies, corporate safety departments, consulting firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding engineering roles in fire safety designFocus on safety procedures and compliance

Fire Protection Engineers primarily design and analyze fire safety systems, requiring engineering credentials and working in technical environments. Fire Safety Specialists focus on implementing safety protocols, conducting inspections, and training, often holding certifications like CFPS. Both roles are vital in fire safety but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Are fire protection engineers in demand?

Fire protection engineers are in steady demand due to ongoing safety regulations and the need for fire prevention and safety systems in buildings. They often work in construction, manufacturing, and consulting firms, with demand driven by new construction projects and updates to fire codes. Certifications such as NICET or PE can enhance job prospects in this field.

How much do fire protection engineers make in the US?

Fire protection engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $85,000 to $100,000, with experienced professionals and those holding certifications like NICET or PE earning higher wages. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and industry sector, and many work in design, inspection, or consulting roles within construction and safety environments.
More about Fire Protection Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Protection Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Fire Protection Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Protection Engineer jobs in California?

For Fire Protection Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fire Protection Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Protection Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Fire Protection Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Fire Protection Engineer job openings:

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For Fire Protection Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Fire Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Protection Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, 13% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,213 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Fire Protection Engineer

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER
As a member of the HQ construction team, you will design, build, and activate some of the world's most technically advanced manufacturing facilities. As a member of the critical construction and facilities infrastructure team, you will design, build and maintain fire protection and life safety systems. You will be the subject matter expert in the following areas: fire protection, life safety, building and fire codes, fire hazard and risk assessment of materials and processes, fire and smoke spread, industrial fire hazards, fire investigation support, and other fire and life safety issues. You will be able to operate with autonomy to solve diverse and complex problems, excel at managing multiple projects at a time and work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You will work with other construction engineers, architects and internal customers to support these goals and have the opportunity to drive real global impact, ultimately leading to making life multiplanetary. The position is based in Hawthorne, CA.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Support engineering design, analysis, calculations and specifications for facility infrastructure fire and life safety systems
  • Develop building and fire code compliance documents and fire life safety designs for SpaceX launch and production facilities
  • Perform hazardous material analysis for code compliances purposes, such as chemical classification, chemical quantity analysis, chemical inventory management, and related system design support
  • Support facility construction teams to develop field solutions
  • Support commissioning activities during pre-test and AHJ testing phases for launch site facility builds
  • Conduct fire/life safety code reviews and analyses
  • Prepare and present technical reports and presentations
  • Review and comment on shop drawing design packages developed by contractors
  • Develop AM&M (Alternate Means & Methods) to local AHJ to help with performance-based design criteria to meet intent of code

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in the design and construction of fire protection systems and/or fire protection consulting

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Degree in fire protection engineering
  • Professional Engineer License (P.E.)
  • Working knowledge of Building & Fire Codes and NFPA Codes & Standards
  • NICET certification in relevant fire protection programs
  • Ability to lead project design teams
  • Knowledgeable in OSHA compliance
  • FDS software modeling capabilities
  • Construction, facility management or consulting engineering experience
  • Proficient in Autodesk Revit

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • This is not a remote or hybrid position and will require relocation if not already local to the Hawthorne, CA area
  • Position occasionally requires the ability to work extended hours or weekends when needed
  • Ability to travel to other SpaceX offices as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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