Principal Fire Protection Engineer Jobs Near Me

Position: Senior Fire Protection Engineer, FPE

Industry: Construction / Building Engineering

Location: Columbus, OH; Cleveland, OH; Virginia Beach, VA

Role Type: Full-time, hybrid (in-office three days, remote two days)

Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required.

Overview of Position

Advanced Engineering Consultants (AEC) is seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer with 10 or more years of experience to lead the design and coordination of fire protection and life safety systems for federal and municipal construction projects. In this role, you will focus on developing fire suppression and fire alarm system designs and completing life safety layouts from concept through construction document phase while collaborating with multidisciplinary design teams.

The Senior Fire Protection Engineer will play a key role in technical leadership, project delivery, and mentoring junior staff, ensuring designs meet applicable codes, project requirements, and client expectations. This role emphasizes deep technical expertise, complex problem solving, and mentorship.

If you’re a licensed FPE who values teamwork, technical expertise, and building relationships, this is your opportunity to join an employee-owned firm that values collaboration and quality and offers an exciting project portfolio.  

Position Responsibilities

Self-Perform and mentor staff to perform the following:

• Preparation of construction documents for fire protection systems including fire alarms, sprinkler systems, special hazard systems, and smoke control systems for federal and municipal, and other building projects.
• Develop robust code‑based life safety plans for incorporation into construction documents.
• Coordinate with internal and external subconsultants of other disciplines, such as architects, mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers, etc. to integrate fire protection requirements into broader building systems.
• Communicate technical recommendations clearly to internal stakeholders, clients, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).
• Perform field verification of existing systems for renovation projects.
• Prepare detailed engineering reports and calculations.
• Write and edit technical specifications to reflect the project requirements.
• Communication with manufacturer representatives to determine solutions for specific applications.
• Prepare design deliverables for various owners required submittals, i.e., SD, DD, CD level documents.
• Perform project construction administration including response to RFI’s, review of submittals, preparation of bulletins, review of contactor change orders, field visits and punch trips for installation verification.

Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.

Review designs prepared by others as part of AEC’s QA/QC process.

Maintain internal design standards and quality control procedures.

Participate in meetings with clients, authorities having jurisdiction, and other professionals as projects require.

Job Requirements/Qualifications

Must Have:

• FPE License.
• 10 or more years of fire protection design in consulting engineering.
• Demonstrated experience with different types of fire suppression and fire alarm systems.
• Working knowledge of design software such as Revit, AutoCAD etc.
• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering or similar from an ABET accredited university.
• Advanced knowledge of NFPA guidelines and codes, IBC and State Building Codes, FM Global and other codes and standards related to fire protection.
• Skilled at navigating complex or ambiguous code scenarios.
• Experience in designing Federal DOD projects.
• Ability to evaluate intricate fire and life‑safety risks and recommend technically sound mitigation strategies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of design and analysis software such as AutoSprink, EASE Evac, etc.
• Proficient knowledge of standard construction practices and the ability to work with contractors to address construction issues.
• Experience in designing Federal GSA, State, Municipal, Commercial, Healthcare, Education, and/or Institutional projects.

Key Competencies

• Strong technical problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and coordination abilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality

About AEC

AEC is a consulting engineering firm specializing in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, technology and fire protection engineering services. Founded in 1998, AEC has grown into a trusted consulting firm working for clients throughout Ohio, the Midwest, and the Country. Our clients include municipalities, state agencies, federal agencies, local education and higher education, healthcare, and commercial entities.

As consulting engineers, clients and teaming partners trust us to provide expertise in building MEP engineering design to support their goals for renovation of existing building systems or construction of new buildings. We guide our clients through the project process by offering sound advice routed in technical knowledge and experience, and by preparing quality engineering documents for construction.

AEC is a proud employee-owned firm (ESOP). AEC’s ESOP was established in Dec. 2021 as an opportunity to transition leadership and provide employees with additional benefits. Each employee of AEC is a beneficial owner, with a vested interest in the performance of the firm. AEC’s culture has focused on this owner-mindset for our employees, with education on the ESOP, more conversation and transparency on the performance of the firm, and engagement that continues to drive the success of our firm.

Compensation & Benefits

AEC provides a robust and comprehensive benefits package to its employees. Some of these benefits include:

• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- and Long-Term Disability, and Life insurance
• Flexible work schedule
• Paid holidays and PTO
• 401(k) with 3% company contribution
• ESOP ownership

AEC is an equal opportunity employer. Employment contingent upon successful completion of background check. AEC uses BackgroundChecks.com, a HireRight Company for background checks.