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Principal Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to join our team in our Chantilly, VA office. This position requires the interest & ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to join our team in our Chantilly, VA office. This position requires the interest & ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance with Polygraph

Fire Protection Engineer

Washington, DC

$94K - $126K/yr

The Fire Protection Engineer serves as a qualified fire protection engineering professional and an integral part of the design process as it relates to fire protection. Responsibilities include, but ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$94K - $126K/yr

The Fire Protection Engineer serves as a qualified fire protection engineering professional and an integral part of the design process as it relates to fire protection. Responsibilities include, but ...

As a professional services firm we are seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer to join our growing North America Fire Protection Engineering Team. We are better together. Your role as a senior ...

Showing results 21-40

Principal Fire Protection Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$83.8K

$166.7K

$240.7K

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

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal fire protection engineer in Washington, DC is $166,741.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $134,200.00 and $195,900.00 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 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 are popular job titles related to Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Associate Principal, Fire Protection Engineering

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Do you want to help engineer what's next?
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) is a national engineering firm committed to delivering holistic advice for our clients' most complex challenges. We leverage our collective and diverse experience, technical expertise, and industry knowledge of structures and building enclosures, advanced analysis, performance & code consulting, and applied science & research to deliver unrivaled, comprehensive solutions that drive superior performance. With 800 employees in offices nationwide, SGH's industry-leading teams constantly seek to advance the meaning of what's possible.
What makes careers at SGH so special?
The only way to advance is to question and explore. Every member of the SGH team is both a learner and an educator, committed to advancing ourselves, our teams, and our industry. Together we are creating a community that never settles for what is but always seeks what could be.
There are many reasons to love SGH:
  • Our Work: Our clients trust us to bring clarity and deliver outstanding solutions for their most complex projects.
  • Our People: We are bold thinkers and compassionate teammates, committed to lifelong learning and professional growth.
  • Our Commitment: We live with integrity and embrace an obligation to give back to our professions and communities.
  • Our Contribution: We offer a comprehensive and rich compensation and benefits package with company-paid and voluntary programs to help build healthy lifestyles, strong relationships, and future prosperity.

We want someone passionate about technical leadership and business development.
SGH is seeking a Principal-level leader to participate in the growth and development of its Fire Engineering Division within the Engineering Mechanics and Infrastructure (EMI) Group in the Washington DC office.
SGH's Fire Engineering Division is expanding the reach of its current technical strengths to grow in new practice areas. As part of this process, SGH seeks to employ a nationally recognized technical expert with a proven business track record who will assist in perpetuating the Fire Engineering Division's success by advancing our growth vision.
SGH's Fire Engineering Division provides leading-edge technology and performance-based engineering in a variety of code consulting and fire life safety services that are directly responsive to project-based client needs. The SGH Principal candidate will have technical expertise in the application of subject matter such as fire dynamics, structural fire engineering, computational fluid dynamics, risk and reliability, forensics, and materials science to the evaluation, design, and repair of complex buildings and structures.
The Principal will develop business and deliver projects through client relationships, strategic marketing, project management, and technical expertise. He/she will market, organize, coordinate, and execute project assignments of various sizes which leverage the engineering skillsets of SGH personnel. This individual will lead, support, mentor, and train staff, and will work in a team atmosphere that fosters technological achievement, business development, and collaboration with other SGH practice areas, while emphasizing a high-quality product. SGH Principals play key roles on professional committees and frequently contribute to journals and other technical publications.
Currently, the Fire Engineering Division has a presence in Boston, MA, New York, NY and southern California (Los Angeles /Orange County). The candidate would join SGH in Washington DC and be based out of the existing SGH office. Although the position is based in Washington DC, there are no geographical boundaries restricting the reach of the successful candidate. The Fire Engineering Division works collectively across all locations to deliver projects nationally. The Fire Engineering Division has the benefit of access to SGH's national team of experts including high-end analysts, structural engineers, material scientists, chemists, petrographers, wood technologists, and architects. The firm has an advanced in-house structural and materials laboratory and powerful computing capability.
What You'll Need:
  • Preferred Master of Science, Master of Engineering, or Doctorate in Fire Protection Engineering or related field required.
  • 15+ years of professional experience in fire protection engineering or related field.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
  • Experience with and a desire to conduct leading-edge work and leading projects requiring creativity in finding and communicating solutions outside the standard.
  • Excellent track record of recognized technical excellence and market leadership.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop strong client relationships and a substantial revenue base.
  • Strong leadership and mentoring skills with a commitment to developing high-level talent.
  • Participation in professional society activities and publishing papers.
  • Experience as an accomplished public speaker.
  • SGH prides itself on its standards of ethics and honesty; candidates must view these qualities as paramount.

Benefits Overview:
SGH provides the following benefits to eligible employees.
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation time, Sick leave, Holidays)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Profit Sharing and 401(k) plan with a discretionary company contribution
  • Health Insurance (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Short and Long-Term Disability (company paid)
  • Employee Basic Life and AD&D insurance (company paid)
  • Optional Life Insurance
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Fertility, Family Forming, and Hormonal Health benefit
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Empathy Bereavement Support
  • Pre-tax Commuter Benefit
  • AFLAC Accident & Cancer Insurance
  • Legal & Identity Theft plans
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Compensation:
The compensation range below is a good faith estimate pursuant to applicable equal pay and pay transparency laws. The actual salary offered will be based on several factors including the candidate's experience and qualifications.
Base salary is a part of SGH's industry leading Total Compensation package. Our Total Compensation package includes base salary, pay for extra direct hours worked, an annual discretionary bonus program, generous paid time off, and health and wellness benefits with a special emphasis on substantial SGH contributions to medical insurance premiums and SGH's Profit Sharing & 401(k) Plan.
Associate Principal or Principal
$214,240-$262,080 USD
SGH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all job applicants and employees. We consider all qualified applicants and encourage individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply. If the application system is not accessible to you, or you need a reasonable accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email jobs@sgh.com or call 781-907-9000 and ask for Human Resources.
TO ALL RECRUITMENT AGENCIES: SGH does not accept unsolicited agency resumes or candidate profiles. Please do not forward resumes or profiles for any of our job postings to our career site or to any Simpson Gumpertz & Heger employee. SGH is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.