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Senior Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in California

Fire Protection Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER As a member of the HQ construction team, you will design, build, and activate some of the world's most technically advanced manufacturing facilities. As a member of the ...

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Senior Fire Protection Engineer information

See California salary details

$63.2K

$117.3K

$172.7K

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

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior fire protection engineer in California is $117,309.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,300.00 and $153,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior fire protection engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Fire Protection Engineer, you need deep expertise in fire protection engineering principles, building codes, and risk assessment, typically supported by a degree in engineering and licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE). Familiarity with fire modeling software (such as FDS), CAD programs, and relevant NFPA standards is essential, and certifications like NICET or CFPS are highly valued. Strong project management, leadership, and communication skills help you collaborate across disciplines and lead teams effectively. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring code-compliant, safe, and innovative fire protection solutions in complex building projects.

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

AspectSenior Fire Protection EngineerFire Protection Engineer
Required CredentialsProfessional Engineer (PE) license, certifications like NICET Level III/IVEntry-level or mid-level certifications, often working towards PE
Work EnvironmentDesign, review, and oversee fire protection systems in complex projectsAssist in design, calculations, and system installation
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, engineering companies, large construction projectsArchitectural firms, construction companies, smaller projects

The main difference is experience and responsibility. Senior Fire Protection Engineers typically hold advanced certifications, lead complex projects, and oversee teams, while Fire Protection Engineers are often in earlier career stages, supporting design and implementation tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by senior fire protection engineers when working on large-scale construction projects?

Senior Fire Protection Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating fire safety requirements with multiple stakeholders, including architects, mechanical engineers, and local authorities. Balancing code compliance with innovative design solutions can be complex, especially in unique or high-risk environments. Additionally, staying updated with evolving fire codes and integrating new technologies into existing systems requires both technical expertise and effective communication skills. These challenges make problem-solving and adaptability essential in this role.

What is a senior fire protection engineer?

Senior Fire Protection Engineers are experienced professionals who specialize in designing, evaluating, and implementing systems and strategies to prevent, control, and mitigate the effects of fire in buildings and other structures. They ensure compliance with fire safety codes and regulations, conduct risk assessments, and often lead teams to develop fire protection solutions. Their work includes selecting fire detection and suppression systems, reviewing building plans, and collaborating with architects, builders, and regulatory agencies. With their advanced knowledge and expertise, they play a critical role in safeguarding lives and property from fire hazards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Protection Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Fire Protection Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Fire Protection Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Fire Protection Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Fire Protection Engineer jobs in CA? For Senior Fire Protection Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Senior Fire Protection Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,309 per year, or $56.4 per hour.

Fire Protection Engineer

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER
As a member of the HQ construction team, you will design, build, and activate some of the world's most technically advanced manufacturing facilities. As a member of the critical construction and facilities infrastructure team, you will design, build and maintain fire protection and life safety systems. You will be the subject matter expert in the following areas: fire protection, life safety, building and fire codes, fire hazard and risk assessment of materials and processes, fire and smoke spread, industrial fire hazards, fire investigation support, and other fire and life safety issues. You will be able to operate with autonomy to solve diverse and complex problems, excel at managing multiple projects at a time and work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You will work with other construction engineers, architects and internal customers to support these goals and have the opportunity to drive real global impact, ultimately leading to making life multiplanetary. The position is based in Hawthorne, CA.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Support engineering design, analysis, calculations and specifications for facility infrastructure fire and life safety systems
  • Develop building and fire code compliance documents and fire life safety designs for SpaceX launch and production facilities
  • Perform hazardous material analysis for code compliances purposes, such as chemical classification, chemical quantity analysis, chemical inventory management, and related system design support
  • Support facility construction teams to develop field solutions
  • Support commissioning activities during pre-test and AHJ testing phases for launch site facility builds
  • Conduct fire/life safety code reviews and analyses
  • Prepare and present technical reports and presentations
  • Review and comment on shop drawing design packages developed by contractors
  • Develop AM&M (Alternate Means & Methods) to local AHJ to help with performance-based design criteria to meet intent of code

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in the design and construction of fire protection systems and/or fire protection consulting

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Degree in fire protection engineering
  • Professional Engineer License (P.E.)
  • Working knowledge of Building & Fire Codes and NFPA Codes & Standards
  • NICET certification in relevant fire protection programs
  • Ability to lead project design teams
  • Knowledgeable in OSHA compliance
  • FDS software modeling capabilities
  • Construction, facility management or consulting engineering experience
  • Proficient in Autodesk Revit

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • This is not a remote or hybrid position and will require relocation if not already local to the Hawthorne, CA area
  • Position occasionally requires the ability to work extended hours or weekends when needed
  • Ability to travel to other SpaceX offices as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US