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Passive Fire Protection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Estimator

Gardena, CA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Prepare detailed cost estimates and quantity takeoffs for industrial insulation and passive fire protection (SFRM and intumescent) * Review drawings, specs, and scopes to build accurate, competitive ...

Passive Fire Protection information

See California salary details

$26.2K

$61.8K

$98.7K

How much do passive fire protection jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for passive fire protection 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 are the typical daily responsibilities for someone working in Passive Fire Protection?

Team members in Passive Fire Protection commonly spend their days installing, inspecting, and maintaining fire-resistant barriers, such as walls, floors, and sealants, in various types of buildings. They review detailed construction drawings and ensure that all passive fire protection installations comply with relevant codes and third-party quality standards. Daily work can include collaborating with site managers, construction teams, and safety inspectors to remedy any compliance issues or defects. Attention to precision is required, as proper installation is critical for life safety and long-term building integrity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Passive Fire Protection position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Passive Fire Protection, a solid understanding of fire safety regulations, construction methods, and building codes is essential, often supported by relevant vocational qualifications or certifications (such as FIRAS or IFC third-party accreditation). Familiarity with fire-resistant materials, installation tools, and compliance documentation systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this position. These skills ensure that fire protection measures are installed accurately, meet legal standards, and contribute to overall building safety.

What is a Passive Fire Protection job?

A Passive Fire Protection (PFP) job involves installing and maintaining fire-resistant materials and systems that help contain fire and smoke within a building. This includes fire doors, fire-resistant walls, fire-stopping seals, and intumescent coatings. PFP specialists ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and work to improve a building’s structural integrity during a fire. Their role is crucial in slowing fire spread, giving occupants more time to evacuate safely.

What job categories do people searching Passive Fire Protection jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Passive Fire Protection jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Passive Fire Protection jobs? Cities in California with the most Passive Fire Protection job openings:
Infographic showing various Passive Fire Protection job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,845 per year, or $29.7 per hour.
Assistant Fire Protection Engineer- Aviation & Federal (Brea)

Assistant Fire Protection Engineer- Aviation & Federal (Brea)

Burns & McDonnell

Brea, CA

$86K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 80 rated construction


Job 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.
  • 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.

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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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