Fire Protection Engineer

Society of Fire Protection Engineers; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking a seasoned Fire Protection Engineer to join our San Diego or Northbrook team.

You will lead the day-to-day management of complex fire protection projects, mentor junior staff, and coordinate with clients and project teams to deliver safe, code-compliant solutions. Expect to develop performance-based designs, conduct on-site investigations, review construction documents and codes, and contribute to our knowledge base through TRGs and

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience in fire protection design or related fields.
• Bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering or related field; master's degree preferred.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (FPE) or PE licensure pursued (EIT considered).
• Strong written, verbal, and graphical communication skills.
• Familiarity with drafting, analysis, and modeling software (AutoCAD, REVIT, FDS, PyroSim, Smokeview, Pathfinder, CFAST).
• Proactive, collaborative team player with attention to detail and problem-solving mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day success of multiple projects and serve as primary client liaison.
• Perform on-site investigations, condition assessments, and field inspections.
• Develop fire growth, smoke movement, and egress models.
• Analyze field data, review construction documents and codes, and propose design solutions.
• Prepare client deliverables, reports, and construction documents.
• Contribute to TRGs, research projects, and professional organizations.

Skills

Technical communication

Team collaboration

Client liaison

Project management

Education

Bachelors in fire protection engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

REVIT

FDS

PyroSim

Smokeview

Pathfinder

CFAST

Job description

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE), an employee-owned firm, is seeking a curious, committed, and enthusiastic Fire Protection Engineer to join our dynamic and diverse team of engineers and designers. This position is located in either our San Diego or Northbrook office.

Building on the industry experience you bring to WJE, our team will commit to your development into a well-rounded consultant; facilitating your continued deepening of technical expertise and project management skills, encouraging your participation in industry professional development opportunities, and supporting your desire to make a meaningful impact in your field.

If you are enthusiastic about solving problems, curious about how things work, and not afraid to get your hands dirty, we want you on our team!

Responsibilities:

• Assume responsibility for the day-to-day success of multiple projects, including acting as the primary point of contact for clients, contractors, and project teams; training and mentoring teammates; and managing small-to-medium projects, as appropriate
• Perform on-site investigations, condition assessments, and inspections, which may include surveying, documenting deficiencies, field testing, collecting data and samples, and preparing site visit reports
• Develop fire growth, smoke movement, and egress zone models
• Analyze field data, interpret model results, and perform research and review of construction documents, governing codes, and design guidelines to facilitate analysis, problem-solving, and development of alternative designs for a variety of fire protection systems, building code issues, and life safety objectives
• Prepare conceptual, preliminary, and final client deliverables, including written reports, calculation packets, construction documents, and project specifications
• Contribute to company-wide objectives through involvement in office and company development initiatives, in-house Technical Resource Groups (TRGs) and research projects, and relevant industry committees and professional organizations (e.g., SFPE)

Qualifications/Competencies:

• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience, which may include designing and evaluating various fire protection systems; conducting building code analysis and code consulting; developing equivalencies for alternative methods and materials; writing fire protection building code programs; and/or building and analyzing complex fire, smoke, and egress models
• Bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering or related field; master's degree preferred
• Licensed Professional Engineer (FPE); EIT in pursuit of PE will be considered on a case-by-case basis
• Effective technical, graphical, written, and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with drafting, analysis, and modeling software (e.g., AutoCAD, REVIT, Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), PyroSim, Smokeview, Pathfinder, and CFAST)
• Proactive, team player mindset with willingness to take on various responsibilities, tackle new challenges, and learn new skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing demands, while maintaining productive interpersonal relationships and a high standard of excellence, integrity, and attention to detail