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Fire Protection Engineering Technician Jobs in California

Blueprint Hires

Fire Protection Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$97K - $131K/yr

A multi-disciplinary architectural, engineering and construction firm is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to help them ensure the safety and compliance of their facilities by providing expert ...

Jensen Hughes

Fire Protection Consultant

San Diego, CA · On-site

... in fire protection engineering - a legacy of responsibility we have proudly upheld since 1939 ... Our engineers and consultants collaborate to solve complex safety and security challenges, ensuring ...

Jensen Hughes

Fire Protection Consultant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$86K - $129K/yr

... in fire protection engineering - a legacy of responsibility we have proudly upheld since 1939 ... Our engineers and consultants collaborate to solve complex safety and security challenges, ensuring ...

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All JobsFire Protection Engineering Technician JobsFire Protection Engineering Technician Jobs in California

Fire Protection Engineering Technician information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$98.2K

$170.2K

How much do fire protection engineering technician jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection engineering technician in California is $98,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire protection engineering technician?

Fire Protection Engineering Technicians are professionals who assist engineers in designing, installing, maintaining, and inspecting fire protection systems such as sprinklers, alarms, and suppression equipment. They play a key role in ensuring that buildings and facilities comply with fire safety codes and regulations. Their work includes conducting site inspections, testing fire systems, preparing technical reports, and providing recommendations to improve fire safety. These technicians often work closely with engineers, architects, and local fire authorities to help prevent fire hazards and ensure public safety.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a fire protection engineering technician?

To thrive as a Fire Protection Engineering Technician, you need a solid background in engineering principles, fire safety codes, and computer-aided design (CAD), often supported by an associate degree or technical certification. Familiarity with fire modeling software, alarm and sprinkler systems, and NFPA standards is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help ensure accurate designs and effective collaboration with engineers and inspectors. These skills are essential for ensuring safety, compliance, and the successful implementation of fire protection systems.

What are common challenges faced by fire protection engineering technicians in their daily work?

Fire Protection Engineering Technicians often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex building codes, coordinating with multiple stakeholders (like architects and contractors), and keeping up with rapidly evolving fire safety technologies. They may also need to troubleshoot unexpected issues during system installation or inspections, requiring quick problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as projects frequently require working on-site and occasionally outside regular hours to meet tight deadlines.

What is the difference between Fire Protection Engineering Technician vs Fire Safety Inspector?

AspectFire Protection Engineering TechnicianFire Safety Inspector
CredentialsTechnical certifications, associate degrees in fire protection or engineering technologyCertifications in fire safety, building codes, and inspection
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, construction sites, fire protection system testing facilitiesBuilding inspections, code enforcement, safety assessments
Employer & IndustryEngineering firms, construction companies, government agenciesMunicipalities, private inspection companies, regulatory agencies

Fire Protection Engineering Technicians focus on supporting fire safety system design, testing, and technical documentation, often working alongside engineers. Fire Safety Inspectors primarily evaluate buildings for code compliance and safety standards. While both roles involve fire safety, technicians are more involved in technical support and system testing, whereas inspectors focus on enforcement and inspections.

Fire Protection Engineering Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Protection Engineering Technician job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,213 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Consulting Engineer, Fire Protection Engineering

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$89K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

We want someone passionate about mechanical engineering and problem solving.

SGH is committed to building its emerging practice in Fire Protection Engineering and Fire Science by hiring an experienced and motivated expert in fire protection and fire science technology, with skills to manage and grow its present practice. SGH is seeking engineering professionals to lead our Fire Protection Engineering Group. The professional will work under the direction of the Division Head of Structural Mechanics to provide senior leadership and direction for the group's future, as well as provide technical guidance on and participate in design, rehabilitation, and investigation fire engineering projects.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Provide fire protection engineering consulting services.

  • Guide the growth and development of the fire protection engineering group at SGH.

  • Manage the fire protection engineering staff.

  • Recommend strategies to keep SGH at the leading edge of relevant technologies.

  • Manage project work, including budgets, staff, and client relations.

  • Provide support for and participate in forensic and litigation activities.

  • Interface with building and fire officials.

  • Market fire engineering services and develop business for fire protection engineering.

  • Coordinate with other practice areas within SGH for the overall benefit of the company.

  • Attend and assume leadership roles in identified local and national professional organizations.

  • Prepare professional papers for publication.

What You'll Need:

  • MS or PhD in Fire Protection Engineering

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in fire protection engineering. 

  • Professional Registration in fire protection engineering.

  • Extensive experience as project manager for different types of projects including building and fire code consulting; fire investigation; performance-based design; and fire, smoke, and egress modeling.

  • Working familiarity with fire and smoke modeling software.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

  • Proven ability to market and sell fire engineering services.

  • Staff management experience.

  • Ability to work in a team environment.

  • Commitment to excellence and professionalism.

  • Commitment to embrace SGH's standards for work product delivery.

  • Must have a valid driver's license and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report. 

Apply