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Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Wilmington, NC (NOW HIRING)

Brunswick County, NC

Fire Inspector/Investigator

Bolivia, NC · On-site

$25.07 - $42.62/hr

Education and Experience Associate degree in fire science, fire technology, fire protection, fire engineering, arson investigation, building design, construction, fire/business, public administration ...

Brunswick County

Fire Inspector/Investigator

Bolivia, NC · On-site

$25.07 - $42.62/hr

Education and Experience Associate degree in fire science, fire technology, fire protection, fire engineering, arson investigation, building design, construction, fire/business, public administration ...

Victaulic

Maintenance Technician

Leland, NC · On-site

... fire protection products and system solutions for challenges faced by engineers, contractors, property managers and fire marshals. Victaulic is a leading fire protection manufacturer of innovative ...

Victaulic

Maintenance Technician

Leland, NC · On-site

... fire protection products and system solutions for challenges faced by engineers, contractors, property managers and fire marshals. Victaulic is a leading fire protection manufacturer of innovative ...

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All JobsFire Protection Engineer JobsFire Protection Engineer Jobs in Wilmington, NC

Fire Protection Engineer information

See Wilmington, NC salary details

$42.4K

$92.7K

$160.7K

How much do fire protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection engineer in Wilmington, NC is $92,736.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $104,400.00 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 Wilmington, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Wilmington, NC are:

What cities near Wilmington, NC are hiring for Fire Protection Engineer jobs?

Cities near Wilmington, NC with the most Fire Protection Engineer job openings:

Fire Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Protection Engineer job openings in Wilmington, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,736 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Fire Protection Professional

Kundlas Consulting Group LLC

Wilmington, NC • Remote

$85K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 hours ago

Job description

About Company:

Kundlas Consulting Group LLC is a professional consulting firm specializing in construction inspection and compliance services for public infrastructure projects. Our core services include on-site inspection of roadway, bridge, and utility construction to ensure adherence to engineering specifications, safety standards, and contract requirements. We support clients with daily reporting, materials testing coordination, schedule tracking, and quality assurance oversight. Additional services include project management, grants management for federally funded infrastructure and disaster recovery programs. 

About the Role:

The Fire Protection Professional will support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) READI contract by ensuring compliance with fire protection, fire prevention, and life-safety codes during emergency response, disaster recovery, temporary facility operations, and infrastructure restoration projects. This role provides technical expertise in fire protection engineering, fire and life-safety inspections, hazard evaluation, system review, and code compliance for facilities impacted by disasters or used to support emergency operations.

The Fire Protection Professional will evaluate fire protection systems, identify life-safety risks, review facility designs, and support corrective action planning to ensure that temporary and permanent facilities meet applicable codes, standards, and federal requirements. This position requires coordination with architects, engineers, contractors, emergency management personnel, regulatory agencies, and government stakeholders to support safe and compliant recovery operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Safety Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
  • Licensed Fire Protection Engineer (FPE) or licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with a fire protection specialty.
  • Professional experience supporting fire protection engineering, fire safety inspections, life-safety code compliance, or emergency facility evaluations.
  • Strong knowledge of NFPA codes and standards, International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), OSHA requirements, and applicable federal fire and life-safety criteria.
  • Experience reviewing fire protection systems, fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, suppression systems, and emergency egress requirements.
  • Ability to interpret technical drawings, construction documents, blueprints, and fire protection system designs.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and federal stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience supporting USACE, FEMA, DoD, GSA, VA, or other federal facility and disaster recovery programs.
  • Experience evaluating fire and life-safety requirements for emergency facilities, temporary structures, shelters, critical infrastructure, or damaged buildings.
  • Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS), NICET certification, or related fire protection credential.
  • Familiarity with fire modeling software, hydraulic calculations, and fire alarm design tools.
  • Experience supporting Design-Build projects, facility rehabilitation, or post-disaster recovery operations.
  • Project management experience supporting multidisciplinary design, inspection, or compliance teams.

Responsibilities:

  • Ensure compliance with fire protection and life-safety codes during emergency response, recovery, and infrastructure restoration operations.
  • Conduct fire risk assessments, life-safety inspections, and hazard evaluations for temporary and permanent facilities.
  • Review fire protection system designs, sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, suppression equipment, emergency egress paths, and life-safety features for code compliance.
  • Support the development of corrective action plans, mitigation measures, and fire protection recommendations for damaged or emergency-use facilities.
  • Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, fire officials, emergency management personnel, and government representatives to resolve fire and life-safety issues.
  • Review construction documents, Design-Build technical packages, shop drawings, and contractor submittals related to fire protection and life-safety systems.
  • Support testing, inspection, maintenance documentation, and operational readiness reviews of fire protection systems.
  • Prepare technical reports, inspection findings, compliance documentation, and recommendations in accordance with USACE standards and project requirements.
  • Participate in field inspections, emergency response support activities, and post-disaster facility evaluations as required.
  • Maintain current knowledge of evolving fire protection codes, life-safety standards, emergency facility requirements, and federal compliance criteria.

Skills:

The ideal candidate must possess strong fire protection engineering and life-safety code expertise to evaluate facilities and support compliant emergency response and recovery operations. A thorough understanding of NFPA standards, IBC, IFC, OSHA requirements, egress criteria, fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, suppression systems, and fire prevention practices is essential for identifying hazards and developing corrective actions. The candidate should demonstrate experience conducting fire risk assessments, life-safety inspections, system reviews, and compliance evaluations for temporary and permanent facilities. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required to assess fire hazards, interpret complex code requirements, and recommend practical mitigation measures in dynamic recovery environments. The ability to read and interpret architectural, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection drawings is critical for reviewing designs, shop drawings, and construction documentation. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary for preparing technical reports, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and engaging with fire officials, contractors, regulatory agencies, and federal stakeholders. Experience supporting emergency facilities, damaged structures, temporary operations, or federal recovery programs is highly desirable for successful performance under the USACE READI contract.