Early Careers Fire and Life Safety Engineer

WSP in the U.S.; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Paid vacation

Paid parental leave

Job summary

WSP in the U.S. is seeking a Full‑Time Early Career Fire and Life Safety Engineer in Arlington, VA. This role involves the design and inspection of fire and life safety systems across public and private sectors. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant degree and have 0 to 1 year of experience.

WSP offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement options, and paid time off. Compensation ranges from $68,000 to $90,000 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master of Science Degree in Fire Protection Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• 0 to 1 year of fire protection experience.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Research building and fire code requirements.
• Assist in designing fire protection systems.
• Prepare fire engineering calculations.

Skills

Research skills

Interpersonal communication

Self-leadership

Technical writing

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor or Master of Science Degree in Fire Protection Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Office automation software

Spreadsheets

Job description

Overview

Full‑Time Early Career Fire and Life Safety Engineer for WSP in Arlington, VA; Boston, MA; Columbia, MD; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; and New York, NY. The role focuses on the design, development, site survey, testing, and inspection of fire and life safety systems in public and private sector building projects.

Responsibilities

• Research building, life safety, and fire code requirements, including ICC and NFPA codes such as International Building Code and NFPA 101.
• Assist in the design of fire protection and life safety engineering systems, including automatic fire sprinklers, fire detection and alarm systems, smoke management systems, and egress systems.
• Prepare fire engineering calculations, including smoke modeling and evacuation analysis from simple hand calculations to complex 3D computational modeling.
• Assist in commissioning of fire alarm, fire suppression, smoke control, and life safety systems.
• Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry‑level technical assistance on code requirements, calculations, and design strategies to develop performance‑based solutions.
• Under general supervision, review architectural drawings for compliance with building and fire code requirements, and produce fire safety strategy (basis of design) documents.
• Complete training on assigned tasks and exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company resources and conduct, adhering to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master of Science Degree in Fire Protection Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with a fire protection focus.
• 0 to 1 year of fire protection and life safety experience.
• Excellent research skills with an analytical mindset.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with engineering and non‑engineering audiences.
• Proficient self‑leadership with attention to detail, multi‑tasking, and prioritization in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision and as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, and related tools.
• Track record of upholding workplace safety and adherence to WSP’s health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules that may extend beyond the typical workweek and occasional travel as required by project specifics.

Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation; paid parental leave; and paid time off for bereavement, voting, and naturalization proceedings.

Compensation

Expected Salary (all locations): $68,000 - $90,000.

EEO and Work Authorization

WSP USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer under all applicable laws. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.