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Principal Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in California

The Sr Fire Protection Engineer will play a lead role in design, testing, and inspection of fire protection and life safety systems and act as the Design Lead for LA28 . LA28 & AECOM: Transforming ...

The Sr Fire Protection Engineer will play a lead role in design, testing, and inspection of fire protection and life safety systems and act as the Design Lead for LA28 . LA28 & AECOM: Transforming ...

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Principal Fire Protection Engineer information

What is a principal fire protection engineer?

Principal Fire Protection Engineers are senior professionals who lead the design, implementation, and management of fire protection systems in buildings and industrial facilities. They ensure that structures comply with fire safety codes and standards, conduct risk assessments, and develop solutions to prevent and mitigate fire hazards. In addition to technical expertise, they often supervise teams, consult with clients, and guide projects from concept through completion. Their role is critical in safeguarding lives and property through proactive fire safety engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal fire protection engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Fire Protection Engineer, you need an in-depth understanding of fire protection engineering principles, building codes, and extensive experience, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Mastery of technical tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, hydraulic calculation software, and familiarity with NFPA standards is essential. Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you manage teams and liaise with clients and regulatory bodies. These skills ensure the design and implementation of fire protection systems that safeguard lives, property, and comply with legal requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by a principal fire protection engineer when managing large-scale projects?

Principal Fire Protection Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple disciplines, ensuring compliance with evolving fire codes, and managing tight project timelines. They must balance technical requirements with client expectations and frequently lead teams through complex problem-solving scenarios. Effective communication and proactive risk management are essential for overcoming these obstacles and delivering safe, code-compliant designs on schedule.

What is the difference between Principal Fire Protection Engineer vs Fire Protection Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Fire Protection EngineerFire Protection Engineer
CredentialsPE license, fire safety certificationsPE license, fire safety certifications
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles, project oversightDesign, analysis, and implementation
Industry UsageSenior projects, complex systemsDesign and support roles

The Principal Fire Protection Engineer typically holds senior responsibilities, overseeing complex projects and leading teams, while the Fire Protection Engineer focuses on designing and implementing fire safety systems. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and level of responsibility.

What job categories do people searching Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Principal Fire Protection Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal Fire Protection Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution.

Senior Fire Protection Engineer

Fire & Risk Alliance, LLC

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Company Description

Fire & Risk Alliance (FRA) is a trusted global partner specializing in fire protection engineering, process safety, risk management, and emergency response. FRA was founded on principles of trust, excellence, quality, and loyalty to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions tailored to client needs. With experienced engineers and consultants from diverse backgrounds, FRA combines complementary strengths to address complex fire and risk challenges. Committed to exceptional service and building strong relationships, FRA works to improve safety across various industries.


Role Description

The primary responsibilities include developing technical reports for battery energy storage systems (hazard mitigation analyses, emergency response plans) and conducting fire protection code consulting analyses (high-piled storage, hazardous materials, lithium-ion battery storage, alternate material and method requests, fire protection plan reviews). The role involves project management, client relations, QA/QC, code analysis, report generation, and providing practical and code compliant resolutions to address the client's needs. 


Qualifications

  • 7+ years experience in fire protection engineering
  • P.E. certification required
  • BESS experience preferred
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or related field
  • Ability to collaborate with a diverse team and clients
  • Project management skills 


Location

This is an in-office role based in San Diego, CA. This role requires occasional travel to client meetings and field work.


Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000 per year


Benefits

  • Healthcare coverage
  • Eligibility for ESOP and 401k retirement plan
  • PTO and Sick Leave