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Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Fire Protection Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$91K - $132K/yr

This position is long-term direct employment postion as a Fire Protection Engineer supporting the design, construction, and commissioning of Bechtel projects. The position will serve in the ...

As a professional services firm we are seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer to join our growing North America Fire Protection Engineering Team. We are better together. Your role as a senior ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site +1

$108K - $140K/yr

Summary This vacancy is for a GS-0804-13, Fire Protection Engineer located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, SILC ENGINEERING SERVICES DIVISION in NORFOLK, Virginia. Learn ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site +1

$108K - $140K/yr

Summary This vacancy is for a GS - 0804 - 13, Fire Protection Engineer located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, SILC ENGINEERING SERVICES DIVISION in NORFOLK, Virginia. Learn ...

As a Fire Protection Project Engineer, you will provide technical leadership in the design and analysis of active and passive fire protection systems and strategies. You will be involved in projects ...

Showing results 41-60

Fire Protection Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$45.1K

$98.7K

$171K

How much do fire protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection engineer in Virginia is $98,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,300.00 and $111,000.00 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Fire Protection Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,663 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Fire Protection Engineer

Bechtel

Reston, VA • On-site

$91K - $132K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Bechtel rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

287th of 450 rated engineering


Job description

Requisition ID: 295585
  • Relocation Authorized: None
  • Telework Type: Part-Time Telework
  • Work Location: Reston, VA
  • Salary Range: $91,700 - $132,600 annually (salary range is based on market data; final salary offered is determined by education, experience, and qualifications of the applicant.)

Extraordinary teams building inspiring projects:
Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place.
Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. We serve the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Energy; Mining & Metals, and the Manufacturing and Technology markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations.
Core to Bechtel is our Vision, Values and Commitments. They are what we believe, what customers can expect, and how we deliver. Learn more about our extraordinary teams building inspiring projects in our Impact Report.
Project Overview:
This position is long-term direct employment postion as a Fire Protection Engineer supporting the design, construction, and commissioning of Bechtel projects. The position will serve in the Mechanical Engineering functional group. You will be preparing fire hazards analyses, change packages, technical reports and supporting studies, sizing fire protection equipment and piping, performing hydraulic calculations, and performing calculations using engineering software. The ideal candidate will have solid experience in process and fire protection system design and will be capable of developing fire hazards analysis design documents that incorporate the applicable design requirements, including nuclear safety requirements. You will be interfacing and coordinating with other engineering disciplines and the client in the development of the design. The ideal candidate will be familiar with International Building and Fire Codes and NFPA codes and standards, and be capable of providing consultation services to various Bechtel projects on these codes and standards.
Job Summary:
In this role, you will support the design and development of fire protection systems and equipment by evaluating, selecting, and applying applicable fire safety, techniques, procedures and criteria to originate reports, analyses, drawings, calculations, and more with applicable procedures, codes, standards, and contract requirements. The engineer will work with mechanical engineers, other disciplines/functions, and/or the client.
Major Responsibilities:
  • Supports the design and development of fire protection systems and equipment including sprinkler, fire pump, fire alarm and mass notification systems in accordance with applicable procedures, codes, standards, and contract requirements
  • Analyzes life safety requirements for buildings, including building code compliance, occupancy determination, occupant load calculations and egress analysis
  • Performs building and fire code analyses and interpretations
  • Prepares technical reports, studies, and design documentation, calculations using engineering software, and specifications for complex fire protection equipment supporting systems
  • Applies the principles of fire safety in the design and development of structures, systems, and components
  • Leads the development and maintenance of fire hazards analyses utilizing recognized fire protection industry approaches, methodologies, calculations, and analysis including advanced fire modeling
  • Supports the alignment of the Fire Protection Systems design and installation with the requirements identified in the upper tier requirements in the Authorization Basis Documents, the facility Fire Hazards Analysis documents, and the Engineering Basis of Design documents
  • Supports fire protection subcontracts for the installation of fire sprinklers, fire detection and alarm systems
  • Provides technical guidance in review of engineering analyses and engineering judgments for alternative fire barrier systems, opening protectives, and penetration firestops
  • Participates in pre-award meetings, as appropriate, and attends post-award contract meetings, such as post-award kickoff meetings (PAK), preconstruction conferences, informal or formal partnering meetings, schedule acceptance meeting, design review meetings, weekly progress meetings, and Facility Turnover Planning Meetings
  • Reviews contractor's submittals for conformance with the requirements of the contract drawings and specifications
  • Visits construction sites to monitor progress and resolve construction issues in a timely manner
  • Participates in implementing programs and procedures to ensure employee and facility safety is in accordance with all OSHA, NFPA and Life Safety Code requirements
  • Maintains current knowledge of all building and fire protection codes and regulations to assure compliance

Education and Experience Requirements:
Requires a bachelor's degree in Fire Protection (or related) Engineering and a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional work experience.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Must be able to complete a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of the fire, life safety, and building codes and fire protection engineering design principles.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office programs and other computer programs.
  • Excellent oral and written communication, planning, and organizational skills.
  • Must be able to travel to project jobsites 1-2 weeks per year.
  • [Preferred] - Experience as a fire protection engineer at a major commercial, industrial, or nuclear facility with a strong background in fire suppression and fire alarm system design and fire hazards analysis preparation.
  • [Preferred] - Prior work experience on a large-scale project and demonstrated flexibility in work assignments.
  • [Preferred] - Engineer-in-Training Certification and working towards being a Registered Professional Engineer in the USA (in Fire Protection Engineering).

Total Rewards/Benefits:
For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive. Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards
Diverse teams build the extraordinary:
As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.
We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.
At Bechtel, our employees enjoy a competitive total rewards package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with optional disability and supplemental insurance options, generous paid time off (160 hours annually, accrued 6.16 hours per pay period), nine paid holidays, paid parental leave, discretionary bonuses, and a well-designed 401K plan with matching and profit-sharing components
Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e-mail their request to acesstmt@bechtel.com

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