Senior Fire Protection Engineer

Position : Senior Fire Protection Engineer, FPE (fire suppression, fire alarm & life safety design)
Industry : Construction / Building Engineering
Location : Virginia Beach, VA, Cleveland, OH, or Columbus, OH
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 codebased 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 lifesafety risks and recommend technically sound mitigation strategies.

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

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.