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Fire Protection Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) , an employee-owned firm, is seeking a curious, committed, and enthusiastic Fire Protection Engineer to join our dynamic and diverse team of engineers and ...

Sales Manager - Fire Protection

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Apply today or send resume to rob@zarrellco.com FIRE PROTECTION SALES MANAGER Chicago, Illinois / Northern Indiana Region POSITION OVERVIEW We are seeking an experienced Fire Protection Sales Manager ...

Showing results 21-40

Fire Protection information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27.3K

$64.6K

$103.1K

How much do fire protection jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection in Chicago, IL is $64,605.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $74,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is fire protection?

Fire protection jobs involve roles dedicated to preventing, controlling, and extinguishing fires to protect people, property, and the environment. These positions can include firefighters, fire inspectors, fire prevention specialists, and engineers who design fire safety systems. Responsibilities may range from emergency response to public education, safety inspections, and the maintenance of fire protection equipment. Professionals in this field work for fire departments, government agencies, private companies, or consulting firms. Fire protection jobs require specialized training and, in many cases, certifications or licenses.

What are some common challenges faced by fire protection professionals in maintaining compliance with evolving safety codes?

Fire protection professionals often encounter challenges in staying current with frequently updated fire safety codes and regulations. This requires continuous learning and close collaboration with local authorities, engineers, and building managers to ensure systems remain compliant. Managing retrofits in older buildings and coordinating inspections can also present logistical difficulties. However, these challenges offer opportunities to develop expertise and become a valuable resource within the organization.

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

To excel in Fire Protection, you need a solid understanding of fire safety codes, risk assessment, and system design, often supported by a relevant degree or certification such as NICET. Familiarity with fire alarm systems, suppression technologies, CAD software, and inspection tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the accurate design, installation, and maintenance of fire protection systems, which are critical for safeguarding lives and property.

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

AspectFire ProtectionFire Alarm Technician
CertificationsNFPA certifications, state licensesNICET certification, state licenses
Work EnvironmentDesign, install, inspect fire suppression systemsInstall, maintain, troubleshoot fire alarm systems
Industry UsageFire safety systems, suppression systemsAlarm systems, detection devices
Common Search/ComparisonFire ProtectionFire Alarm Technician

Fire Protection professionals focus on designing, installing, and maintaining fire suppression systems like sprinklers and extinguishers. Fire Alarm Technicians specialize in installing and servicing fire alarm and detection systems. While both roles ensure fire safety, Fire Protection covers a broader range of systems, whereas Fire Alarm Technicians concentrate on alarm systems specifically.

Is a fire protection job a stressful job?

A fire protection job can be stressful due to the high-risk environment, emergency response responsibilities, and the need for quick decision-making. It often requires physical fitness, technical skills, and adherence to safety protocols, which can contribute to job-related stress levels.

Is fire protection a good career?

Fire protection is a viable career that involves preventing and responding to fires, often requiring certifications such as NICET or state licenses. It offers opportunities in safety management, inspection, and emergency response, with a focus on protecting lives and property. The job typically involves working in various environments, including industrial, commercial, and residential settings.

What skills are needed for fire protection jobs?

Fire protection jobs require strong knowledge of fire safety protocols, building codes, and fire suppression systems. Skills in inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fire alarm and sprinkler systems are essential, along with attention to detail and safety awareness. Certifications such as NICET or state-specific licenses are often required or preferred.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Protection jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Fire Protection jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Fire Protection jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Fire Protection job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Protection job openings in Chicago, IL 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 $64,605 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Fire Protection Engineer | 10+ years

Wiss, Janney, Elstner

Northbrook, IL โ€ข On-site

$101.55 - $169.25/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

## Fire Protection Engineer | 10+ yearsApplylocations: Northbrook, ILtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 2 Days Agojob requisition id: WJE0245**Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE)****, an employee-owned firm,** is seeking a curious, committed, and enthusiastic **Fire Protection Engineer** to join our dynamic and diverse team of engineers and designers. This position can be located in either our **Downtown Chicago office** or at WJE company headquarters in **Northbrook, Illinois**.Building on the industry experience you bring to WJE, our team will commit to your development into a well-rounded consultant; facilitating your continued deepening of technical expertise and project management skills, encouraging your participation in industry professional development opportunities, and supporting your desire to make a meaningful impact in your field.If you are enthusiastic about solving problems, curious about how things work, and not afraid to get your hands dirty, we want you on our team!**Responsibilities:*** Assume responsibility for the day-to-day success of multiple projects, including acting as the primary point of contact for clients, contractors, and project teams; training and mentoring teammates; and managing small-to-medium projects, as appropriate* Perform on-site investigations, condition assessments, and inspections, which may include surveying, documenting deficiencies, field testing, collecting data and samples, and preparing site visit reports* Develop fire growth, smoke movement, and egress zone models* Analyze field data, interpret model results, and perform research and review of construction documents, governing codes, and design guidelines to facilitate analysis, problem-solving, and development of alternative designs for a variety of fire protection systems, building code issues, and life safety objectives* Prepare conceptual, preliminary, and final client deliverables, including written reports, calculation packets, construction documents, and project specifications* Contribute to company-wide objectives through involvement in office and company development initiatives, in-house Technical Resource Groups (TRGs) and research projects, and relevant industry committees and professional organizations (e.g., SFPE)**Qualifications/Competencies:*** **Minimum 10** **years of relevant professional experience**, which may include designing and evaluating various fire protection systems; conducting building code analysis and code consulting; developing equivalencies for alternative methods and materials; writing fire protection building code programs; and/or building and analyzing complex fire, smoke, and egress models* **Bachelor's degree** in fire protection engineering or related field; **master's degree preferred*** **Licensed Professional Engineer (FPE)**; EIT in pursuit of PE will be considered on a case-by-case basis* Effective technical, graphical, written, and verbal communication skills* Familiarity with drafting, analysis, and modeling software (e.g., AutoCAD, REVIT, Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), PyroSim, Smokeview, Pathfinder, and CFAST)* Proactive, team player mindset with willingness to take on various responsibilities, tackle new challenges, and learn new skills* Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing demands, while maintaining productive interpersonal relationships and a high standard of excellence, integrity, and attention to detail**Culture, Compensation, and Benefits:**Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 175,000 projects combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve.Working at WJE is a team endeavor characterized by a culture of trust and personal responsibility. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, ongoing mentoring, and free-flowing collaboration. We seek highly talented and hard-working individuals who want to be challenged, who want hands-on work, who want to set a higher standard, and who want to be mentored by the industryโ€™s most accomplished experts. People with outstanding **C**haracter, unwavering **C**ommitment to our core and culture, strong **E**xpertise, and genuine **E**nthusiasm for their work.Learn more about the Extraordinary People we hire at WJE at www.wje.com/careersWJE offers a robust, total compensation structure composed of base salary, incentive pay, and industry-leading benefits:* Base salary is determined through consideration of a candidateโ€™s qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role while remaining mindful of our commitment to internal equity.* Employees receive variable compensation based on personal and company performance, typically resulting in above-market total compensation.A good faith estimate of the annual starting base salary (gross) is in the following range:$101,550.00 - $169,250.00WJEโ€™s industry-leading, total rewards package enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits, including:* Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high-deductible PPO options* Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay, vesting immediately* Time off to care for yourself and others* Investments in employeesโ€™ educational assistance and professional developmentLearn more about WJEโ€™s total rewards package here.**WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.****WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.** #J-18808-Ljbffr