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Fire Protection Technology Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Fire Alarm Designer

Orange, CA · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Stay updated with latest technologies and changes in fire protection regulations. * Other duties as assigned. What We Are Looking For: * Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field ...

Showing results 41-60

Fire Protection Technology information

See California salary details

$26.2K

$61.8K

$98.7K

How much do fire protection technology jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection technology in California is $61,845.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $71,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is fire protection technology?

Fire Protection Technology is a specialized field focused on preventing, detecting, and responding to fires and other emergencies. Professionals in this area use science, engineering, and technology to design fire prevention systems, inspect buildings, and ensure compliance with fire codes and safety regulations. This discipline combines knowledge of fire behavior, safety standards, and emergency response to protect people, property, and the environment from fire hazards. Careers in fire protection technology can include roles in firefighting, fire inspection, system design, and safety consulting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in fire protection technology, and why are they important?

To thrive in Fire Protection Technology, you need a solid understanding of fire science, building codes, and safety standards, usually backed by a degree or certification in fire protection or related fields. Familiarity with fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, CAD software, and inspection tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These abilities are critical to ensuring compliance, maintaining safety, and preventing fire-related hazards in various environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in fire protection technology, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Fire Protection Technology often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly changing fire codes and standards, coordinating with multiple stakeholders during project planning, and ensuring that fire protection systems are both compliant and cost-effective. To address these, it's important to engage in continuous professional development, maintain strong communication with architects, engineers, and local authorities, and utilize up-to-date software tools for system design and documentation. Additionally, collaboration and regular training can help teams stay proactive about safety and technological advancements.

What is the difference between Fire Protection Technology vs Fire Alarm Technician?

AspectFire Protection TechnologyFire Alarm Technician
CertificationsNFPA certifications, state licensesNICET certification, manufacturer-specific training
Work EnvironmentDesign, installation, maintenance of fire protection systemsInstallation, testing, troubleshooting of fire alarm systems
Industry UsageFire safety systems, suppression systems, code complianceFire alarm system setup and servicing

Fire Protection Technology professionals focus on a broad range of fire safety systems, including suppression and detection, while Fire Alarm Technicians specialize in fire alarm systems. Both roles require similar certifications and often work in the same environments, but their specific duties differ. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within the fire safety industry.

Is fire protection technology a good career?

Fire protection technology is a viable career that involves designing, installing, and maintaining fire safety systems such as alarms and sprinklers. It often requires technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of safety codes, with job stability and growth potential in the safety and construction industries.

What does a fire protection technician do?

A fire protection technician installs, maintains, and inspects fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, and fire suppression equipment to ensure compliance with safety standards. They often work in commercial or industrial settings, requiring knowledge of fire codes and safety procedures, and may need certifications such as NICET or state licensing.

What cities in California are hiring for Fire Protection Technology jobs?

Cities in California with the most Fire Protection Technology job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Protection Technology job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,845 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

Assistant Fire Protection Engineer- Aviation & Federal (Brea)

Burns & McDonnell

Brea, CA • On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted yesterday


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Description
The Assistant Fire Protection Engineer will assist in the design of multi-discipline projects and the preparation of comprehensive fire protection packages including fire suppression, fire alarm, smoke management, and life-safety systems. This position will work on various projects with a diverse portfolio of project types and clients.
  • Assist in the design, specification, and multi-discipline coordination of the following fire protection systems: Wet-pipe, dry-pipe, pre-action, deluge, and foam/water fire suppression systems. Fire water supply infrastructure including fire water storage tanks, fire pumps, underground and aboveground distribution piping and associated appurtenances. Outdoor fire suppression systems including monitors, spray systems, and exposure protection systems. Addressable and non-addressable voice evacuation fire alarm systems including initiation devices, supervision devices, and audible and visual notification appliances. Releasing systems for pre-action, foam/water, and clean agent systems.
  • Assist in performing and evaluating fire protection calculations including the hydraulic analysis of fire water supply and demand, battery calculations, and voltage drop calculations.
  • Assist in evaluating building and life safety requirements including building area and height limitations, building construction types, fire resistive assemblies and opening protections, occupancy classifications, hazards, building egress, and active and passive smoke management systems.
  • Assist in the construction administration process including coordination with field personnel to resolve design related installation issues, the review of contractor shop drawings and calculations, field inspections, and testing of fire protection systems.
  • Assist in performing site evaluations and documenting existing fire protection systems.
  • Assist in the preparation and evaluation of project budgets and cost estimates.
  • Responsible for compliance with company and site safety policies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Fire Protection Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program required.
  • Or Bachelor's Degree in Fire Protection or related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam required.
  • Prior internship and/or related consulting experience preferred.
  • Basic knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Basic knowledge of building codes, fire codes, NFPA standards, FM Global datasheets, military standards, and refinery/industrial API guidelines a plus.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment, and demonstrated critical thinking skills.
  • Proficient computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
  • Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain access authorization to facilities and data of existing and potential clients, including, but not limited to DOE, aerospace, military, food and consumer product manufacturers, pharmaceutical, laboratories, and others necessary to perform work.
  • Engineers in Training-EIT Certification preferred.
  • NICET certification in Water-Based System Layout (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) preferred.
  • Or NICET certification in Fire Alarm Systems (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) preferred.
  • Or NICET certification in Special Hazard Systems (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) preferred.
  • Minimum of a 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.
  • Involvement on campus or in the community preferred.
  • Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently (i.e., without time limitations, without restrictions or without need for work sponsorship) in the country where this position is located.

Compensation
$85,000.00-125,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Fire Protection Engineer
Primary Location US-CA-Brea
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Req ID: 263119
Job Hire Type New Grad #LI-EAC #A&F

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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