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Principal Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Baltimore, MD

Fire Protection Engineer (M.S./Ph.D.)

Bowie, MD ยท On-site

$80K - $109K/yr

Ph.D. in Fire Protection Engineering or M.S. plus 3-5 years of work experience related to Fire Protection Engineering * Strong technical background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics ...

Fire Alarm Designer

Odenton, MD ยท On-site

$35 - $45/hr

You'll work closely with Project Managers, estimators, engineers, and field teams to turn project requirements into systems that protect people and property. What You'll Do * Design fire alarm ...

Showing results 41-60

Principal Fire Protection Engineer information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$73.5K

$146.3K

$211.1K

How much do principal fire protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal fire protection engineer in Baltimore, MD is $146,283.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,700.00 and $171,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD?

For Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD are:

What cities near Baltimore, MD are hiring for Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs?

Cities near Baltimore, MD with the most Principal Fire Protection Engineer job openings:

Fire Protection Engineer (M.S./Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.

Bowie, MD โ€ข On-site

$80K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clientsโ€™ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.  

We are committed to engaging multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower our clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.  

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, youโ€™ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team! 

Key statistics: 

  • 950+ Consultants 
  • 640+ Ph.D.s 
  • 90+ Disciplines 
  • 30+ Offices globally 

We are currently seeking a Fire Protection Engineer for our Thermal Sciences Practice in Bowie, MD; Chicago, IL; Warrenville, IL; Menlo Park, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Natick, MA; or Atlanta, GA. In this role, you will be responsible for participating in and leading the investigation and analysis of failures including structures, vehicle and wildland fires, explosions, industrial processes, combustion systems, consumer products, appliances, and automobiles.


  • Evaluating the performance of fire protection, fire detection, and life safety systems
  • Reviewing fire protection codes and standards
  • Conducting laboratory assessments of material flammability
  • Planning and executing experimental test programs
  • Performing engineering calculations and analysis
  • Conducting fieldwork
  • Preparing proposals and technical reports, and presenting findings to clients

  • Ph.D. in Fire Protection Engineering or M.S. plus 3-5 years of work experience related to Fire Protection Engineering
  • Strong technical background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and combustion
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
  • Hands-on experience in executing experimental programs
  • Hands-on experience in fire protection system design, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance is a plus
  • Prior experience with prescriptive and/or performance-based analysis and application of NFPA and ICC codes and standards preferred
  • Strong desire and ability to tackle a wide variety of problems within and outside direct area of expertise

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page]. 


To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:

https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent

https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact

Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference.


At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.

We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients.   #LI-Onsite  


Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.


USD $115,000.00 - USD $135,000.00 /Yr.

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:  https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent 

 
Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. 

 
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR-Accommodations@exponent.com. 


US-MD-Bowie
US-GA-Atlanta
US-IL-Chicago
US-CA-Los Angeles
US-MA-Natick
US-CA-Menlo Park
US-IL-Warrenville