Fire Protection Engineer

HDR; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to join our Building Engineering Services team in North Carolina. The role requires a PE license and a background in commercial or institutional facilities, with responsibilities spanning project management, design, and client coordination.

Based in one of NC offices (Charlotte, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, Asheville, Wilmington), you will lead fire protection efforts, develop drawings and specs, and collaborate with multiple disciplines to deliver resilient,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering (or related field) is required.
• PE license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered.
• Experience in commercial or institutional facilities.
• MS Office and design software experience (Trane TRACE or similar).

Responsibilities

• Manage the fire protection portions of complex projects.
• Develop and review drawings and specifications; coordinate with clients and staff.
• Monitor budgets and schedules; ensure timely project delivery.
• Coordinate work with other disciplines and consultants.
• Write specifications in conjunction with the Technical Services Department.

Skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

MS Office

Trane TRACE

Manufacturer selection software

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Watch Our Story: "https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story" Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.

HDR is looking for a Fire Protection Engineer to join our Building Engineering Services team in North Carolina. This position must be based out of one of our NC offices (Charlotte, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, Asheville, Wilmington). In the role of Fire Protection Engineer, we'll count on you to:

• Manage the fire protection portions of complex projects
• Independently evaluate, select and apply standard and advanced engineering techniques and procedures to make decisions on a broad range of fire protection issues
• Take responsibility for all aspects of the work, including drawings and specifications, meeting schedules and budgets, and directing assigned staff
• Meet with clients and contractors
• Take responsibility for programming, and conceptualizing and designing complex systems and projects
• Develop a basic approach to the working drawings
• Interpret engineering data for designers and drafters
• Check the drawings on a continuing basis to ensure accuracy and completeness, and promote the skills of designers and drafters
• Monitor the schedule and budgets for assigned projects
• Review and summarize applicable codes, and record them for inclusion in the design record
• Through the Project Manager, establish contact with the client or appropriate representative to assure continuity and integrity of information received from the client
• Visit project sites as requested by the Construction Services Department or as contractually required
• Coordinate work with other disciplines and consultants
• Check contract documents and shop drawings, and answer requests for information
• Prepare periodic project status reports for review by the Project Manager and the Department Director
• Ensure that the Construction Services Department is familiar with the project's characteristics
• Write the specifications in conjunction with the Technical Services Department
• Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years experience in commercial or institutional facilities
• Healthcare, Science and Technology and/or Civic facilities experience
• Experience and/ or interest in sustainable design/LEED desired but not required
• NICET III or NICET IV
• Local candidates are preferred

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering
• Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
• Previous experience in commercial or institutional facilities
• Computer experience using MS Office, Trane TRACE or similar software, manufacturer selection software
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location: United States-North Carolina-Charlotte Other Locations: United States-North Carolina-Winston-Salem, United States-North Carolina-Raleigh, United States-North Carolina-Wilmington, United States-North Carolina-Asheville Industry: Building Engineering Schedule: Full-time Employee Status: Regular BusinessClass: Fire and Life Safety Job Posting: Aug 27, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affiantative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.