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

Fire Protection Engineer

Washington, DC · 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 · 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

Towson, MD · On-site

$79K - $107K/yr

A well-established MEP Engineering firm located in Towson, MD is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to join their team. This person will be responsible for assisting in the design of fire suppression ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Towson, MD · On-site

$79K - $107K/yr

A well-established MEP Engineering firm located in Towson, MD is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to join their team. This person will be responsible for assisting in the design of fire suppression ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

Staff Engineer) to perform professional-level fire protection engineering services such as life safety code consulting, fire protection design. Req. B.S./B.A. in Fire Protection Eng. or rel. + 2 yrs ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Fire Protection Engineer information

See Columbia, MD salary details

$45.2K

$98.8K

$171.2K

How much do fire protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection engineer in Columbia, MD is $98,760.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $111,100.00 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 Columbia, MD?

The most popular types of Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD?

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

What job categories do people searching Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD are:

What cities near Columbia, MD are hiring for Fire Protection Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Fire Protection Engineer job openings in Columbia, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 78% In-person, 11% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,760 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Fire Protection Engineer PE

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT)

Hunt Valley, MD • On-site

$48 - $52/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson rating

9.8

Company rating: 9.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Job Description

Join Clark Nexsen, a JMT Company, and become part of a dynamic, collaborative team dedicated to delivering exceptional service to our clients-while making a meaningful impact on our communities and the world through the projects we help bring to life.

Position Summary: Clark Nexsen, a JMT Company is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer. The Fire Protection Engineer position is a technical role within the firm focused on project execution for a variety of multi- and single-discipline facility design projects. The Fire Protection Engineer will be responsible for performing multiple aspects of fire protection engineering services on multi-discipline building design projects of small to large scope for commercial and government facilities, as well as single discipline fire protection engineering projects of small to large scope. 

Compensation for this position is $48-52/hour, commensurate with experience, education and certifications. The provided range is a good faith estimate based on the requirements described within the job description. We notice that we receive a wide variety of applicants and recognize that the person selected may be less experienced or more experienced. If so, the actual salary range may vary from the estimate provided.

General responsibilities include but are not limited to the following

  • Performing all aspects of fire protection design services including conceptual studies, programming, schematic documents, design development documents, and construction documents under the direct supervision of a Senior Fire Protection Engineer or the Department Director
  • Working on a multi-discipline design team
  • Meeting with clients to prepare and validate scope of work
  • Preparation of marketing and presentation materials as directed
  • Obtain guidance from Senior Fire Protection Engineer and the Department Director as necessary to resolve technical and coordination issues and conflicting criteria
  • Direct and supervise the work of support staff assigned to the project, particularly where unusual or difficult problems are encountered
  • Performing fire protection services associated with the bidding process, including preparing addenda and amendments and opening and tabulating bids as directed
  • Performing fire protection services associated with the construction phase, including field visits, answering RFIs, reviewing shop drawings, and preparing record drawings
  • Complying with the company's quality control practices and procedures
  • Working with, responding to, and taking direction from the Department Director, Managing Principals, Project Managers, Design Managers, Operations Directors and senior management
  • Working with a multi-discipline team of architects, engineers, interior designers and landscape architects
  • Participating in team meetings and coordinating efforts with other team members
  • Directing, supervising and training junior fire protection staff as directed
  • Mentoring and monitoring the professional development of junior fire protection staff

Project responsibilities include but are not limited to the following

  • Perform Senior Fire Protection Engineer tasks as directed
  • Serve in the role of Design Manager on projects as assigned
  • Preparing scope and fee proposals for the fire protection portion of multi-discipline
  • projects or single-discipline, fire protection-only projects
  • Conduct project code analysis for review by a Senior Fire Protection Engineer or the
  • Department Director
  • Selection and layout of the fire protection systems, including consideration of alternative
  • systems
  • Preparing accurate, complete, and code-compliant drawings and specifications for
  • schematic, design development, and construction document submittals.
  • Developing details of building system components
  • Reviewing calculations and all work products produced by fire protection EIT's,
  • graduates, or designers assigned to the project
  • Reviewing all drawings produced by CADD technicians assigned to the project
  • Developing discipline specifications for review by a Senior Fire Protection Engineer or the
  • Department Director
  • Coordinate drawings with technical specifications
  • Coordinate work product with other disciplines
  • Incorporate responses to QC and Gray Team comments into the project documents
  • Assist in responding to RFI's, Dr. Check comments, etc.
  • Review and respond to CA submittals
  • Perform discipline QA/QC review on assigned projects
  • Adhere to discipline budget and schedule

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