Fire Protection Engineer

Salas O'Brien; Bethesda (MD); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Salas O'Brien in Merritt Island, FL/Bethesda, MD is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to design, evaluate, and plan fire protection systems across a range of projects, including federal, lab, and private space facilities.

The role offers a hybrid work environment with both in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, requires a PE license and ABET-accredited degree, and involves coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure code compliance and project success.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ fire protection design experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Fire Protection Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• PE license is required.
• Strong knowledge of NFPA codes and other fire protection/life safety codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Study, evaluate, design, and construct fire protection system services for government, lab, private space industry, and specialized facilities.
• Perform hydraulic calculations for sprinkler and standpipe systems and prepare construction documents.
• Review NFPA, IBC/IFC, UFC Criteria and life safety code requirements for each project.
• Conduct field investigations and assess existing systems to identify modifications or upgrades.
• Coordinate fire protection requirements with architecture, civil, and process disciplines.
• Lead project teams and serve as primary fire protection engineering contact with clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Fire protection design

Project leadership

Communication skills

Time management

Education

ABET-accredited degree

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Microsoft Office

Bluebeam Revu

CAD software

Job description

At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That's why we're committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they'll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow's requirements are today's opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary

The Fire Protection Engineer will provide engineering design, evaluation, and planning of fire protection systems. The candidate will have the opportunity to work on projects in a variety of market sectors including DOD, Federal and Private Space Industry projects. This position is offered in a hybrid work environment, with a combination of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility.

Duties And Responsibilities

• The study, evaluation, design, and construction administration services for fire protection systems on a variety of laboratory, federal government, private space industry, and specialized facility.
• Perform hydraulic calculations for sprinkler and standpipe systems and prepare construction documents (drawings, specifications, design narratives, supporting calculations) for fire protection systems.
• Review, analyze, and establish applicable NFPA codes, IBC/IFC requirements, UFC Criteria, and other fire protection/life safety code standards requirements for each specific project.
• Perform life safety/code compliance evaluations, including occupancy, egress, fire ratings, fire areas, and hazardous material considerations.
• Coordinate fire protection requirements with architectural, engineering, civil, and process/mission equipment disciplines.
• Conduct field investigations and existing system assessments to identify required modifications or upgrades.
• Performing QA/QC of fire suppression, fire alarm, and detection systems design work.
• Participating in project teams and serving as the primary fire protection engineering contact with clients, AHJ's, and project stakeholders.
• Resolving client concerns by determining the nature and extent of the issue and recommending remedial measures.

Qualifications And Experience

• A minimum of 5 years' fire protection design experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Fire Protection Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• PE license is required.
• Strong knowledge of NFPA codes and other fire protection/life safety codes and standards.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, and MS Office.
• Experience with CAD, Revit, Bluebeam Revu, or other Fire Protection system modeling/drafting software is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to successfully lead teams and manage projects.
• Excellent work ethic and attitude.
• Good communication and time management skills.
• Interpersonal communication skills, combined with organizational skills, the ability to plan, balance, and prioritize work.

Location: Merritt Island, FL/Bethesda, MD

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Valid/Unrestricted FL driver license

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

• Must be a US Citizen for Security Clearance requirements.
• Active/Interim or ability to obtain Secret Security Clearance.

Travel: Up to 25%

Compensation & Benefits

The expected base salary range for this role in Merritt Island is $90,000 - $125,000 USD per year and Bethesda, MD is $110,000 to $140,000 USD per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

Benefits

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O'Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.