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Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in California, MD (NOW HIRING)

Integrating hardware and software protection into major weapons, combat, and/or fire control ... Systems engineering experience focused on requirements development and management of software ...

Integrating hardware and software protection into major weapons, combat, and/or fire control ... Systems engineering experience focused on requirements development and management of software ...

Integrating hardware and software protection into major weapons, combat, and/or fire control ... Systems engineering experience focused on requirements development and management of software ...

Senior Naval System Security Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$116K - $160K/yr

Senior Naval System Security Engineer Essential Responsibilities: * Providing expertise with the ... Integrating hardware and software protection into major weapons, combat, and/or fire control ...

... or fire control systems to deter exploitation. * Developing Program Protection Plans (PPP) and ... Systems engineering experience focused on requirements development and management of software ...

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Fire Protection Engineer information

See California, MD salary details

$43.6K

$95.4K

$165.3K

How much do fire protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection engineer in California, MD is $95,365.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $107,300.00 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 cities near California, MD are hiring for Fire Protection Engineer jobs?

Cities near California, MD with the most Fire Protection Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Protection Engineer job openings in California, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,365 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Fire Protection Engineer

Chesapeake Beach, MD


U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$141K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

You will serve as a Fire Protection Engineer within the Naval Research Laboratory.
This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.Qualifications:In addition to the basic education requirement for the 0804 series, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11/13 grade level or NP-03 pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector performing most or all of the following duties: 1) Utilizing knowledge of Navy ship design and HM&E/ fire protection systems, germane naval platform damage control doctrine, and firefighting experience; 2) Knowledge of existing National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) approval process as they pertain to fire protection system development and testing; and 3) Designing and developing fire test protocols and developing new doctrine based on fire test findings.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/fire-protection-engineering-series-0804/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Applicants must meet the following basic education requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual:
For 0804 series: Successful completion of a professional engineering degree. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree (or higher) in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.
OR
Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration For more information about EI and EIT registration requirements, please visit the National Society of Professional Engineers website at: http://www.nspe.orgOREvidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico The FE examination is not administered by the U. S. Office of Personnel Management. For more information, please visit: http://www.nspe.org/Licensure/HowtoGetLicensed/index.html.
OR
Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and in engineering that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A (above). The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A (above)
OR
Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least one year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily, there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (https://www.ed.gov/). Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.Employment Type: OTHER


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