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Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Sunnyvale, CA (NOW HIRING)

Summit Companies

Fire Alarm Designer

San Jose, CA

Design fire detection/alarm, clean agent fire suppression, pre-engineered fire suppression, non-water-based fire protection, low voltage/security, etc. using working knowledge of fire alarm codes.

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Fire Protection Engineer information

See Sunnyvale, CA salary details

$53.4K

$116.8K

$202.5K

How much do fire protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection engineer in Sunnyvale, CA is $116,797.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,400.00 and $131,400.00 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.
More about Fire Protection Engineer jobs

What job categories do people searching Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA are:

What cities near Sunnyvale, CA are hiring for Fire Protection Engineer jobs?

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

Fire Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Protection Engineer job openings in Sunnyvale, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,797 per year, or $56.2 per hour.

System Protection Engineer

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

San Ramon, CA • Hybrid

$120K - $193K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Pacific Gas and Electric Company rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 53 rated energy and utility

Job description

Requisition ID # 174121 

Job Category: Engineering / Science 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Energy Delivery

Work Type: Hybrid

Job Location: San Ramon

Department Overview

The hardworking coworkers of Electric Engineering ensure all manners of electric engineering-including electric standards and process safety, electric design engineering, instrumentation testing and controls, undergrounding, electric regulatory compliance and electric investment planning-are in place to safely enable a strategic and stable workplan for our Electric Operations partners. Our organization is accountable for program planning, financial budgeting, and project execution and delivery of all electric engineering projects. Electric Engineering is comprised of approximately 2,000 coworkers.

Position Summary

This job is represented by Engineers and Scientists of California (ESC) subject to collective bargaining.

This is a journey-level protection engineer job that requires executing routine protection duties with minimal assistance This position requires a moderate level of training, direction and review of work from more senior engineers and peers. This job is responsible for providing technical protection engineering for routine projects and maintenance/operation support including, but not limited to, issuing protection requirements, relay and automatics settings, processing clearances, and investigating relay operations.

This position is hybrid, working from your remote office and your assigned work location based on business need. The assigned work location will be within the PG&E Service Territory

PG&E is providing the salary range that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This compensation range is specific to the locality of the job.  The actual salary paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreements, and internal equity.

The annual salary range is:

CA Minimum, $120,888

CA Maximum, $193,020

Job Responsibilities

May perform all the functions of Associate System Protection Engineer and in addition:

  • Provide guidance to peers and lower-level engineers
  • Perform protection job duties for transmission voltages 230 kV and below
  • Handle special and complex projects, such as localized special protection scheme and MPAC
  • Perform protection job duties for distribution voltages
  • Handle special and complex projects, such as localized special protection scheme, fast distribution bus pickup scheme, tie cable, Switchgear IPAC, etc.
  • Participate in development of design standards, new tools and new relay schemes

Qualifications

 

Minimum:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited curriculum in the US or the equivalent from outside the US
  • 3 years of cumulative experience in the field of system protection

Desired

  • Current and active California PE license desired
  • Ability to calculate relay settings for all station automatics schemes, transmission line relaying, transformer bank protection, bus protection, generator protection, and breaker failure schemes
  • Thorough computer application and fault analysis program knowledge
  • Knowledge of symmetrical component theory and ability to perform fault calculations.
  • Basic understanding of logic gate theory and control circuitry
  • Knowledge of electric system protection equipment, instrumentation and test procedures
  • Ability to analyze relay operations and determine fault locations
  • Interprets applicable codes, industry standards and regulations and educates others

What Pacific Gas and Electric Company employees say

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