ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Wje

Fire Protection Engineer | 10+ years

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$101K - $169K/yr

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) , an employee-owned firm, is seeking a curious, committed, and enthusiastic Fire Protection Engineer to join our dynamic and diverse team of engineers and ...

ZARRELLCO

Fire Protection Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Design fire protection and automatic sprinkler systems for commercial and industrial facilities ... Coordinate designs with project managers, engineers, contractors, and AHJs * Ensure compliance with ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsFire Protection Engineer JobsSenior Fire Protection Engineer JobsSenior Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Senior Fire Protection Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$66K

$122.5K

$180.4K

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

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior fire protection engineer in Chicago, IL is $122,545.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,200.00 and $160,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Senior Fire Protection Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Senior Fire Protection Engineer job openings:

Senior Fire Protection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Fire Protection Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 69% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,545 per year, or $58.9 per hour.

Staff Fire Protection Engineer - Mission Critical - Chicago

Burns & McDonnell

Chicago, IL • On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Burns & McDonnell rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 80 rated construction

Job description

The Staff Fire Protection Engineer will perform the design work on multi-discipline projects and prepare comprehensive fire protection packages including fire suppression, fire alarm, smoke management, and life safety. This position will work on various projects with a diverse portfolio of project types and clients.
  • Design, specify, and provide multi-discipline coordination of the following fire protection systems: Wet-pipe, dry-pipe, pre-action, deluge, and foam/water fire suppression systems. Fire water supply infrastructure including fire water storage tanks, fire pumps, underground and aboveground distribution piping and associated appurtenances. Outdoor fire suppression systems including monitors, spray systems, and exposure protection systems. Addressable and non-addressable voice evacuation fire alarm systems including initiation devices, supervision devices, and audible and visual notification appliances. Releasing systems for pre-action, foam/water, and clean agent systems.
  • Perform fire protection calculations including the hydraulic analysis of fire water supply and demand, battery calculations, and voltage drop calculations.
  • Evaluate building and life safety requirements including building area and height limitations, building construction types, fire resistive assemblies and opening protections, occupancy classifications, hazards, building egress, and active and passive smoke management systems.
  • Provide construction administration including coordination with field personnel to resolve design related installation issues, the review of contractor shop drawings and calculations, field inspections, and testing of fire protection systems.
  • Perform site evaluations and document existing fire protection systems.
  • Prepare project budgets and cost estimates.
  • Responsible for QA/QC process adherence.
  • Responsible for compliance with company and site safety policies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • Complies with all policies and standards
  • Bachelor Degree in Fire Protection Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program and 3 years of fire protection engineering experience. Required or
  • Bachelor Degree in Fire Protection or related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. and 3 years of fire protection engineering experience. Required or
  • Master Degree in Fire Protection Engineering and 2 years of fire protection engineering experience. Required
  • Strong knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Strong knowledge of building codes, fire codes, NFPA standards, FM Global datasheets, military standards, and refinery/industrial API guidelines.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment, and demonstrated critical thinking skills.
  • Proficient in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain access authorization to facilities and data of existing and potential clients, including, but not limited to DOE, aerospace, military, food and consumer product manufacturers, pharmaceutical, laboratories, and others necessary to perform work.
  • Engineers in Training-EIT Certification Preferred
  • NICET certification in Water-Based System Layout (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) Preferred or
  • NICET certification in Fire Alarm Systems (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) Preferred or
  • NICET certification in Special Hazard Systems (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) Preferred

What Burns & McDonnell employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Burns & McDonnell logo

About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Burns & McDonnell Jobs

Apply