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Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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Fire Protection Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$39.5K

$86.4K

$149.8K

How much do fire protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection engineer in Kentucky is $86,433.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,100.00 and $97,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Fire Protection Engineers?

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 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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Kentucky? For Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Fire Protection Engineer jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Fire Protection Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Protection Engineer jobs in KY? For Fire Protection Engineer jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Senior Fire Protection Engineer

KFI Engineers PC

Lexington, KY โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

Position: Senior Fire Protection Engineer (Level IV)

Department: Commercial, Institutional & Architects (CIA)

Reporting Relationship: Director, Commercial Midwest



COMPANY BACKGROUND

KFI Engineers is a recognized industry leader in facility infrastructure design and performance. Since 1996, our culture of collaboration and unique capabilities have allowed us to make a difference in the way infrastructure and processing projects are delivered.

Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, with numerous regional offices throughout the United States, and a team of hundreds of professionals, we offer opportunities to continue your career with mentorship programs, career growth support, and continued education. With KFI, we find a way to provide creative solutions to unique projects while providing the same care we would expect if we were the client. For more information about KFI Engineers and our culture, please visit www.kfi-eng.com.


POSITION OVERVIEW & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Fire Protection Engineer IV plays a key role in the successful execution of projects. This individual will provide technical and engineering excellence, as well as successful delivery of work to our customers. The Fire Protection Engineer IV is responsible for a high level of customer satisfaction by ensuring expectations are clearly communicated and managed โ€“ both externally and internally. The successful candidate will contribute to a dynamic team environment by being proactive, communicating clearly and frequently, and modeling a highly collaborative working environment. The Fire Protection Engineer IV will have a comprehensive understanding of fire protection systems and have the ability to understand and apply appropriate codes and standards.

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

  • Manage projects and teams, ensuring that work efforts and costs are accurately scoped and estimated.
  • Prepares engineering documents and specifications to meet contracted scope of work.
  • Develops estimates for assigned scope of work and is accountable for ensuring the project stays within scope and budget.
  • May serve as project manager for complete projects, overseeing a project team.
  • Supports the business development process through input to proposals, meeting and presenting to prospective customers.
  • Provides work direction to other team members, including subcontractors, as assigned.
  • Provides technical and engineering support to other departments/disciplines.
  • Construction administration- leading and attending meetings, reviewing change orders, and responding to RFIโ€™s.
  • Prepares fire protection systems layout and detailed drawings to produce a complete set of construction drawings in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
  • Performs accurate design calculations including hydraulic calculations.
  • Coordinates work with both internal and external stakeholders, providing technical support and work direction as needed.
  • Interacts with clients to cross-market other professionals and services provided within the company.
  • Reviews fire protection contractor shop drawings.
  • Provides recommendations as to the feasibility of certain systems or equipment and evaluates products for their applications.
  • Coordinates system design with other disciplines, consultants, and utilities.
  • Performs site surveys and hydrant flow tests.
  • Completes fire risk assessments.
  • Other duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS

Required

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Fire Protection Engineering or equivalent.
  • 10+ years of fire protection design and project management experience
  • Professional Engineering registration or willingness to pursue this designation.
  • Ability to determine occupancy loads and evacuation provisions.
  • Fire alarm/mass notification system design.
  • Smoke ventilation and smoke control systems design.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to enable effective interaction with Designers, Engineers and Project Managers.
  • Strong communication and influencing skills.
  • Demonstrated maturity and self-confidence to work with colleagues and customers.
  • Effective meeting management skills.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Adaptable and agile, responsive to quick changes in direction.
  • Ability to establish rapport and credibility with customers and other stakeholders.
  • Highly motivated, professional demeanor with a โ€œcan doโ€ attitude.
  • Team-oriented and strong work ethic.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Ability to research and write reports/studies.
  • Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the US on a permanent basis without the need for work sponsorship now or in the future.
  • Willingness to travel up to 25% (domestic travel).

Preferred:

  • FPE License preferred.
  • HydraCAD/HydraCALC and AutoSPRINK.
  • Revit or HydraCAD for Revit experience.
  • NICET Level III or IV in Water-Based Systems Layout.
  • Special Hazards Fire Suppression Systems experience.
  • Basic understanding of Architectural, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, and Structural Engineering construction practices.

Working Conditions

  • Some work locations will feature the tough terrain typical of construction sites or require lifting or moving field testing equipment.


CORE BEHAVIORS

Accountable

  • Demonstrates persistence in the achievement of goals.
  • Acts with a sense of urgency.
  • Takes responsibility for own actions.

Business Focus

  • Demonstrates agility, adapts well to changes.
  • Works well under pressure.
  • Meets commitments to internal/external customers.

Project Execution

  • Plans projects well, managing last-minute rushes and disruptions.
  • Balances Speed and Quality.
  • Looks for improvement in our delivery, tools and processes.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Demonstrates Respect for Others

  • Keeps others adequately informed.
  • Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.
  • Adapts communication style and method based on audience and situation.

Team Player

  • Balances team and individual responsibilities.
  • Shares expertise with others.
  • Inspires respect and trust.


Benefits:

At KFI, our comprehensive benefit program provides our employees with the resources to support their health, wellness and financial well-being. Full-Time employees have access to:

  • Health, dental and vision insurance coverage
  • Virtual health services
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) & Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for HDHP enrollees with KFI contributions
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • 401(k) plan
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance, life and AD&D insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Time Off to include Earned Sick and Safe Time in accordance with state laws
  • Paid Volunteer Time Off
  • Company Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Voluntary benefits offered include life, accident, critical illness coverage

Salary Range: $133,000 -167,000 annually. The final agreed upon compensation is based on individual qualifications, experience, work location, and education. This position is eligible for an annual bonus.



Please note this job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity Employer โ€“ Veterans and Disabilities