1

Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Electrical Principal Engineer

Ventura, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Engineering and Designing Reliable, Responsive, Solutions. SINCE 1976, CANNON has provided creative ... Experience with NEC (National Electrical Code) and NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency). * Strong ...

Electrical Principal Engineer

Ventura, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $180K/yr

Engineering and Designing Reliable, Responsive, Solutions. SINCE 1976, CANNON has provided creative ... Experience with NEC (National Electrical Code) and NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency). * Strong ...

Turret fire control systems design, integration, and test experience preferred. Moog's Santa ... protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$111K - $177K/yr

Turret fire control systems design, integration, and test experience preferred. Moog's Santa ... protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Integrated Weapon Systems (full turret from mechanical design to fire control electronics and ... protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special ...

Integrated WeaponSystems (full turret from mechanical design to fire control electronics and ... protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special ...

Working knowledge of small/medium caliber direct fire weapons * Experience with target acquisition ... protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special ...

Project Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Working knowledge of small/medium caliber direct fire weapons * Experience with target acquisition ... protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special ...

Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

... protection, pre-paid legal support, flexible spending accounts, matched 401K, life, critical ... Fire Alarm Response Team. • Participate in OSHA/Safety programs within the hotel through ...

Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

... protection, pre-paid legal support, flexible spending accounts, matched 401K, life, critical ... Fire Alarm Response Team. • Participate in OSHA/Safety programs within the hotel through ...

Integrated Weapon Systems (from mechanical design to fire control electronics and software ... protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special ...

Integrated Weapon Systems (from mechanical design to fire control electronics and software ... protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special ...

Be Seen First

... panels, relays, fire control monitors and systems, conduit, and switches and ensuring proper ... protect and maintain state property; meets with design engineers on new building and remodeling ...

Fire Protection Engineer information

See Santa Barbara, CA salary details

$50.6K

$110.7K

$191.9K

How much do fire protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection engineer in Santa Barbara, CA is $110,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,400.00 and $124,600.00 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 Santa Barbara, CA are hiring for Fire Protection Engineer jobs?

Cities near Santa Barbara, CA with the most Fire Protection Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Protection Engineer job openings in Santa Barbara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,730 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Electrical Principal Engineer

Cannon Corp.

Ventura, CA • On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

You'll Come for a Job...But You'll Stay for an Exciting Career! Engineering and Designing Reliable, Responsive, Solutions.
SINCE 1976, CANNON has provided creative solutions to clients in the energy industry, water resources, public infrastructure, and commercial and residential development. We work hard. We play hard. We have fun.
JOIN CANNON as an Electrical Principal Engineer in Ventura. Ventura lies 30 miles south of Santa Barbara, located between the foothills of the Los Padres National Forest and the scenic Pacific Ocean. Boasting miles of beaches and scenic parks, its Mediterranean climate provides abundant year-round recreational and cultural opportunities.
ELECTRICAL PRINCIPAL ENGINEER JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking an Electrical Principal Engineer to help lead the growth and delivery of electrical engineering solutions across diverse markets-such as water treatment, wastewater, renewable energy, public infrastructure, utilities, industrial, and process facilities. This senior role combines technical leadership, strategic client engagement, and hands-on project delivery. The successful candidate will contribute to business development, lead major design efforts, and mentor the engineering team.
ELECTRICAL PRINCIPAL ENGINEER JOB DUTIES
Design & Engineering
  • Leads and oversees the development of electrical designs, including plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
  • Perform, oversee, and review electrical calculations, studies, and reports for low and medium voltage power projects, i.e. voltage drop, fault current, arc flash, load studies, etc.
  • Collaborate with CAD technicians and design engineers to produce high-quality construction documents.
  • Coordinate with civil, structural, mechanical, automation, and process teams to ensure integrated project delivery.

Project Leadership & Execution
  • Leads the delivery of electrical engineering and design projects.
  • Manages project scope, schedule, and budget, proactively addressing risks and changes.
  • Coordinates with vendors, subcontractors, and internal disciplines to ensure seamless execution.
  • Ensures compliance with applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.

Team Collaboration & Resource Planning
  • Help build and maintain a robust pipeline of billable work by aligning project acquisition efforts with the capacity and skill mix of the electrical team.
  • Provides mentorship to junior staff, ensuring quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) on deliverables.
  • Supports workload planning and contribute to team development through coaching and knowledge sharing.

Client Engagement & Business Development
  • Drives strategic growth by identifying new opportunities and engaging both existing and prospective clients to understand and meet their electrical needs.
  • Utilize their professional reach and generate business through industry relationships, referrals, and networking.
  • Develops and manages proposals, scopes of work, fee estimates, and schedules tailored to client objectives.
  • Fosters long-term client relationships to promote trust, repeat business, and cross-sector collaboration.
  • Collaborates with internal teams to position electrical services effectively across target markets.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent), preferably with power systems emphasis (e.g. utility, industrial).
  • California Professional Engineer (PE) License required.
  • 10+ years progressive experience and growth in power systems engineering.
  • Must have low and medium voltage design experience.
  • Experience with SKM and/or ETAP electrical modeling and design software required.
  • Experience with NEC (National Electrical Code) and NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency).
  • Strong communication, negotiation, and client-facing skills.
  • Ability to travel to client sites, utilities, field locations, and to support team projects across Central and Southern California.
  • Electrical infrastructure design per governing utility design standards (PG&E QAD and/or SCE Certified Designer) a plus.
  • Project management experience a plus.

WE OFFER competitive salaries, relocation assistance, excellent benefits package, remote work flexibility, and an active and positive team building, work environment.
Cannon is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age.
Salary Description
$120,000 - $180,000