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Fpe Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Challenge We are seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer (FPE) to join our full-service Architectural Design team. Principal Areas of Responsibility: The fire protection engineer is expected to ...

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This search is for a dynamic and experienced FPE and will play a crucial role within our Fire & Life Safety specialty group. This position will be responsible for providing technical expertise, and ...

As a Senior Fire Protection Engineer, you may choose to join the existing FPE Staff in one of these offices or to work in one of our over 200 offices across the United States. The West Coast has been ...

This search is for a dynamic and experienced FPE and will play a crucial role within our Fire & Life Safety specialty group. This position will be responsible for providing technical expertise, and ...

Fpe information

See Virginia salary details

$45.1K

$98.7K

$171K

How much do fpe jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for fpe in Virginia is $98,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,300.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an FPE?

An FPE (Fire Protection Engineer) is responsible for designing, evaluating, and implementing fire safety measures in buildings and structures. They analyze fire risks, develop fire suppression systems, ensure compliance with fire codes and regulations, and work with architects, engineers, and safety officials. FPEs may also conduct fire investigations and testing to improve safety standards. Their role is critical in preventing fire hazards and ensuring public safety in various industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the FPE position?

To succeed as a Fire Protection Engineer (FPE), you generally need a degree in fire protection engineering or a related engineering discipline, along with knowledge of building codes and fire safety standards. Experience with engineering design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and specialized fire modeling tools, as well as familiarity with NFPA codes and professional certification (e.g., PE in Fire Protection), is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication skills help FPEs collaborate with architects, clients, and code officials. These competencies ensure effective fire safety designs that meet regulatory requirements and protect people and property.

What are common challenges faced by Fire Protection Engineers in their daily work?

Fire Protection Engineers often encounter challenges such as staying current with evolving fire codes and technologies, balancing fire safety requirements with practical design constraints, and addressing unique risks in complex building projects. They regularly navigate coordination with multidisciplinary teams including architects, mechanical and electrical engineers, and local authorities, which requires strong communication and negotiation skills. Additionally, they must adapt designs to meet both client objectives and stringent safety regulations. These challenges make the role dynamic and rewarding, offering continuous opportunities for learning and professional growth.

How to become a FPE?

To become a Fire Protection Engineer (FPE), you typically need a bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Gaining relevant experience through internships or entry-level positions and obtaining professional licensure, such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license, are also important steps in the certification process.
Infographic showing various Fpe job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,663 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Senior Fire Protection Engineer

exp Federal

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate with architects and engineers to develop fire protection and life safety system design packages.

  • Design fire alarm, mass notification, fire suppression, smoke control, and stairwell pressurization systems.

  • Conduct building code and life safety code analysis, investigate existing water supply utilities, and assess building deficiencies.


Job description

 
 

Senior Fire Protection Engineer

Chantilly, VA (hybrid)

exp Federal is an established full service architectural and engineering firm that provides a full range of design solutions and construction support to the federal government. Our team of professionals operates in some of the most challenging environments to provide support services to a variety of governmental agencies globally.  

The Challenge  

We are seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer (FPE) to join our full-service Architectural Design team.  

Principal Areas of Responsibility: 

The fire protection engineer is expected to collaborate with architect and engineers in developing comprehensive fire protection and life safety system design packages.  

  • Fire alarm and mass notification system design.  
  • Fire suppression system design including but not limited to fire sprinkler systems (wet & dry), pre-action system, high & low expansion foam suppression system, clean agent system, standpipe system, and fire pump system. 
  • Smoke control system and stairwell pressurization system design.  
  • Building code and life safety code analysis. 
  • Investigate existing water supply utility and conduct hydrant flow test. 
  • Investigate existing buildings for deficiencies. 
  • Travel required (CONUS & OCONUS). 

Required Qualifications:  

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection or other related degree from an accredited university  
  • Fire Protection Engineering License - FPE  
  • 10+ years of Fire Protection Engineering experience in the A&E industry. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills  
  • Knowledge of Building and Life Safety Codes   
  • Ability to obtain a security clearance 
  • US Citizenship  

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD 
  • Experience of FDS, CONTAM, and HASS 
  • US DOD Security Clearance 
  • Experience in Fire Dynamics, Egress Modeling, Special Hazard Suppression Systems and Fire Sprinkler Systems 

Salary Range: 

This position has an annual range of $120,000.00 To $160,000.00. The actual hourly is based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, certifications, and specific work location.  

More About Us:

Exp Federal delivers full-service Architectural & Engineering and Design-Build solutions. You will be part of an expanding team that works collaboratively across our wider exp Federal design studios. As part of a project team, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects that keep you engaged and showcase your individual talents. We believe in identifying potential in people and then providing opportunities to achieve success.

Our employees work on complex projects that require innovative, efficient solutions, and collaboration across various disciplines. Joining our team is a commitment to meaningful work supporting federal government clients across multiple sectors. Employees and clients alike will look to you for results that exceed their expectations.

Our Values:

Respect: We respect people, honor diversity, and treat each other fairly. These are the cornerstones of our culture and the key to our culture and the key to our ability to work successfully as a global team.

Unquestioned Integrity: We operate with the highest standards of honesty and responsibility – as individuals and as a corporation. We’re people who meet routine, everyday obligations with honesty.

Safety: We place the highest priority on the health and safety of our employees and protection of our assets and the environment. Our goal is zero work-related injuries.

Customer Service: We listen and respond to the changing needs of our customers, the industry, and the environment, and draw upon lessons learned from our experiences around the world.

Impeccable Quality: We recognize that quality is fundamental in all our operations — it is everyone’s responsibility. We have established procedures, assessments, and continuous improvement processes in place to ensure the quality of our work.

Sustainability: We understand the impact of our work on the environment and that sustainability is a part of everything we do. We work with customers to provide responsible, efficient, healthy, and effective project solutions to reduce our overall environmental impact.