Fire Protection Design Engineer

Summary

The Fire Protection Design Engineer is responsible for supporting the design and analysis of fire protection and life safety systems across a diverse range of projects. This mid-level role is ideal for an engineer with 3–6 years of experience seeking continued professional growth in fire suppression and fire alarm system design. The position is based in San Diego, CA and offers a hybrid work schedule (3 days in-office / 2 days remote).

Duties & Responsibilities

• Fire Protection System Design

  • Support the design of fire sprinkler, fire alarm, and special suppression systems

  • Develop fire protection system layouts and construction documents

  • Perform sprinkler hydraulic calculations

  • Perform fire alarm calculations

• Code Analysis & Compliance

  • Conduct Fire and Building Code analysis

  • Apply California Building and Fire Codes

  • Implement NFPA standards in system design

• Engineering Analysis & Technical Support

  • Assist in developing engineering analyses, including smoke control, combustible dust, hazardous materials, and energy storage systems

  • Conduct site assessments and prepare related reports

• Construction Administration

  • Respond to RFIs during construction

  • Review contractor submittals

  • Participate in punch walks and construction support activities

• Collaboration & Growth

  • Support senior engineers in project delivery

  • Contribute to continuous improvement and technical development initiatives

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

  • 3–6 years of experience in fire suppression and/or fire alarm system design

• Technical Skills

  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit

  • Experience with AutoSPRINK or HydraCALC sprinkler calculation software

  • Strong understanding of California Building and Fire Codes

  • Working knowledge of NFPA standards and implementation

• Certifications

  • EIT certification preferred

  • NICET Fire Sprinkler or Fire Alarm certification preferred

  • U.S. Citizenship preferred

• Preferred Experience

  • Experience working on healthcare and/or federal projects

  • Exposure to project management or business development activities is a plus

Benefits

• Compensation

  • Salary range: $97,700 – $130,000 annually (dependent on experience)

• Retirement

  • 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar company match up to 4% of eligible pay

  • Immediate vesting

• Health & Insurance

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage

  • Prescription drug coverage

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Accident and illness coverage

  • Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D (base coverage with voluntary buy-up options)

  • Employer-paid disability insurance

• Time Off

  • Flexible non-accrual vacation policy

  • Company-recognized holidays

  • Separate California-compliant paid sick leave (where applicable)

• Work Schedule

  • Hybrid schedule: 3 days in-office / 2 days remote

  • Full-time employment