1

Senior Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Fire Protection Engineer

Chantilly, VA · 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

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$91K - $132K/yr

This position is long-term direct employment postion as a Fire Protection Engineer supporting the design, construction, and commissioning of Bechtel projects. The position will serve in the ...

Fire Protection Engineer Join a collaborative and supportive team working on-site at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD. This role offers a hybrid schedule, promoting strong work ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$95K - $128K/yr

AECOM is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to be based in Arlington, VA . Our business focuses primarily on providing professional and technical services in the engineering design, code consultation ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$95K - $128K/yr

AECOM is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to be based in Arlington, VA . Our business focuses primarily on providing professional and technical services in the engineering design, code consultation ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$95K - $128K/yr

AECOM is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to be based in Arlington, VA . Our business focuses primarily on providing professional and technical services in the engineering design, code consultation ...

Fire Protection Engineer III

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$88K - $119K/yr

The Fire Protection Engineer III is responsible for the design, review, support, and technical oversight of fire protection systems with a strong focus on fire alarm and life safety systems. This ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Fire Protection Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$66.6K

$123.7K

$182.1K

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

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior fire protection engineer in Reston, VA is $123,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,100.00 and $161,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Fire Protection Engineer, and why are they important?

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 are Senior Fire Protection Engineers?

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 job categories do people searching Senior Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Fire Protection Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior Fire Protection Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Senior Fire Protection Engineer job openings:
Fire Protection Engineer

Fire Protection Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 210 rated it services


Job description

Job Description
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.
In this role you will be responsible for providing compliance with life safety requirements for the protection of personnel, mission and property through the role of enterprise Authority Having Jurisdiction. Additionally, you will evaluate compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and Department of Defense regulations to limit client exposure to civil and criminal liability.
The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities:
  • Serve as a Fire Protection Engineering subject matter expert (SME) for all client locations.
  • Review planning, programming, architectural and engineering design documents, specifications, and other technical documents for proposed construction activities to validate compliance with applicable codes and standards and to identify optimal fire protection solutions.
  • Provide support to assigned project managers by identifying issues, evaluating alternative solutions, and providing recommendations.
  • Witness acceptance testing and commissioning of fire protection systems and equipment to validate functional compliance.
  • Prepare enterprise fire protection governance and policy, standard operating procedures, and facility design standards.
  • Conduct comprehensive fire safety audits and inspections of new construction to validate compliance of fire protection and life safety.
  • Provide a variety of status reports and respond to internal and external audits.
  • Participate on a variety of committees as assigned; attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; ensure processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; ensure accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, government policies and procedures, rules and regulations.
  • Prepare client fire protection governance and policy, standard operating procedures, and facility design standards.
  • Prepare briefing documentation on subject areas directed by the client.
  • Support data collection and metrics development and contribute to records and knowledge management activities.

SAIC is about Reaching Our Tomorrow. We are guided by passion, innovation, inclusion, integrity and empowerment. We look for people who are willing to challenge themselves to find new solutions and lead the way creating state-of-the-art answers for today's complex problems. Our culture gives you the freedom to expand your intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work and have fun along the way.
Qualifications
  • Ability to obtain/retain TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph, US Citizenship required by federal law.
  • Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Fire Protection Engineering.
  • Five (5) years' experience with facilities fire protection projects.
  • One of the following certifications:
  • International Code Council F3 Fire Plans Examiner.
  • International Code Council B3 General Pans Examiner.
  • International Code Council CN Commercial Fire Alarms Plan Examiner I.
  • National Fire Protection Administration Certified Fire Plans Examiner.
  • Equivalent State Fire Protection Plans Review Certification.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Fire Protection or a related field.
  • Ten (10) years' experience with facilities fire protection projects.
  • Knowledge of architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering disciplines in order to evaluate and critique coordinated integration of fire protection concepts into large facilities projects.
  • Demonstrated experience with DoD Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), International Building and Fire Codes and NFPA Codes and Standards.
  • Demonstrated experience with fire alarm and suppression systems, to include installation, testing, and operations and maintenance.
  • Experience providing fire protection education and safety information.

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

What SAIC employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom