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Principal Fire Protection Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Building People

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 ...

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Clark Nexsen

Fire Protection Engineer PE

Macon, GA · On-site

$79K - $107K/yr

The Fire Protection Engineer position is a technical role within the firm focused on project ... Working with, responding to, and taking direction from the Department Director, Managing Principals ...

Clark Nexsen

Fire Protection Engineer PE

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$80K - $108K/yr

The Fire Protection Engineer position is a technical role within the firm focused on project ... Working with, responding to, and taking direction from the Department Director, Managing Principals ...

Garver

Fire Protection Engineer

North Little Rock, AR · On-site

$79K - $106K/yr

Must have a knowledge base of fire protection engineering principals related to building fire protection designs * Proven experience overseeing fire protection designs, including detailed plans and ...

Garver

Fire Protection Engineer

North Little Rock, AR · On-site

$79K - $106K/yr

Must have a knowledge base of fire protection engineering principals related to building fire protection designs * Proven experience overseeing fire protection designs, including detailed plans and ...

Garver

Fire Protection Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$82K - $110K/yr

Must have a knowledge base of fire protection engineering principals related to building fire protection designs * Proven experience overseeing fire protection designs, including detailed plans and ...

Garver

Fire Protection Engineer

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$81K - $109K/yr

Must have a knowledge base of fire protection engineering principals related to building fire protection designs * Proven experience overseeing fire protection designs, including detailed plans and ...

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All JobsPrincipal Fire Protection Engineer Jobs

Principal Fire Protection Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

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

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal fire protection engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Principal Fire Protection Engineers?

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.

More about Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Fire Protection Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs are:
Principal Fire Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Fire Protection Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Fire Protection Engineer PE

Fire Protection Engineer PE

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT)

Charlotte, NC

$81K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Join Clark Nexsen, a JMT Company, and become part of a dynamic, collaborative team dedicated to delivering exceptional service to our clients-while making a meaningful impact on our communities and the world through the projects we help bring to life.

Position Summary: Clark Nexsen is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer. The Fire Protection Engineer position is a technical role within the firm focused on project execution for a variety of multi- and single-discipline facility design projects. The Fire Protection Engineer will be responsible for performing multiple aspects of fire protection engineering services on multi-discipline building design projects of small to large scope for commercial and government facilities, as well as single discipline fire protection engineering projects of small to large scope. 

General responsibilities include but are not limited to the following

  • Performing all aspects of fire protection design services including conceptual studies, programming, schematic documents, design development documents, and construction documents under the direct supervision of a Senior Fire Protection Engineer or the Department Director
  • Working on a multi-discipline design team
  • Meeting with clients to prepare and validate scope of work
  • Preparation of marketing and presentation materials as directed
  • Obtain guidance from Senior Fire Protection Engineer and the Department Director as necessary to resolve technical and coordination issues and conflicting criteria
  • Direct and supervise the work of support staff assigned to the project, particularly where unusual or difficult problems are encountered
  • Performing fire protection services associated with the bidding process, including preparing addenda and amendments and opening and tabulating bids as directed
  • Performing fire protection services associated with the construction phase, including field visits, answering RFIs, reviewing shop drawings, and preparing record drawings
  • Complying with the company's quality control practices and procedures
  • Working with, responding to, and taking direction from the Department Director, Managing Principals, Project Managers, Design Managers, Operations Directors and senior management
  • Working with a multi-discipline team of architects, engineers, interior designers and landscape architects
  • Participating in team meetings and coordinating efforts with other team members
  • Directing, supervising and training junior fire protection staff as directed
  • Mentoring and monitoring the professional development of junior fire protection staff

Project responsibilities include but are not limited to the following

  • Perform Senior Fire Protection Engineer tasks as directed
  • Serve in the role of Design Manager on projects as assigned
  • Preparing scope and fee proposals for the fire protection portion of multi-discipline
  • projects or single-discipline, fire protection-only projects
  • Conduct project code analysis for review by a Senior Fire Protection Engineer or the
  • Department Director
  • Selection and layout of the fire protection systems, including consideration of alternative
  • systems
  • Preparing accurate, complete, and code-compliant drawings and specifications for
  • schematic, design development, and construction document submittals.
  • Developing details of building system components
  • Reviewing calculations and all work products produced by fire protection EIT's,
  • graduates, or designers assigned to the project
  • Reviewing all drawings produced by CADD technicians assigned to the project
  • Developing discipline specifications for review by a Senior Fire Protection Engineer or the
  • Department Director
  • Coordinate drawings with technical specifications
  • Coordinate work product with other disciplines
  • Incorporate responses to QC and Gray Team comments into the project documents
  • Assist in responding to RFI's, Dr. Check comments, etc.
  • Review and respond to CA submittals
  • Perform discipline QA/QC review on assigned projects
  • Adhere to discipline budget and schedule

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