Fire Protection Engineer – Data Center Projects

HKA Enterprises; Tampa (FL); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

HKA Enterprises is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to lead design for fire alarm, detection, and life safety systems on data center projects nationwide. The role includes on-site construction administration with about 25% travel.

Candidates should be organized, detail-focused and capable of coordinating with clients and code officials from concept through construction. Ideal applicants have a Bachelor's in Engineering, fire alarm design experience (VESDA), and NFPA code knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering is required.
• Design experience with fire alarm systems, including VESDA.
• Field experience installing, inspecting, or testing fire alarm systems.
• Knowledge of NFPA 72, NFPA 101, IBC, IFC, and NFPA 70 (NEC).

Responsibilities

• Lead design efforts for fire alarm, detection, suppression, and smoke control systems.
• Perform on-site construction administration, including punch walks and witness testing.
• Develop calculations, specifications, and 2D/3D construction deliverables.
• Interface with clients and code officials to ensure compliant, constructible designs.
• Serve as engineer of record while mentoring junior team members.

Skills

Fire alarm design

Field testing experience

NFPA knowledge

Client interface

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Autodesk Revit

Job description

Job Description We are seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to provide technical design leadership for fire alarm, detection, and life safety systems on data center facility projects nationwide. This role spans the full project lifecycle - from concept and design through on-site construction administration - and includes a minimum of 25% travel for punch walks, witness testing, and field support. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple concurrent projects while working directly with clients and code officials. This position is available at any U.S. location, with candidates near a company office preferred.

Pay: $48.00 - $88.00 per hour (based on location, skills, experience, and education)

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead design efforts for fire alarm, detection, suppression, and smoke control systems
• Perform on-site construction administration, including punch walks and witness testing
• Develop calculations, specifications, and 2D/3D construction deliverables
• Interface with clients and code officials to ensure compliant, constructible designs
• Serve as engineer of record while mentoring junior team members

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• Design experience with fire alarm systems, including VESDA
• Field experience installing, inspecting, or testing fire alarm systems
• Knowledge of NFPA 72, NFPA 101, IBC, IFC, and NFPA 70 (NEC)

Preferred Qualifications:

• PE license
• 4+ years of Autodesk Revit experience
• Data center design experience
• Experience mentoring staff and managing project budgets/schedules

Work Environment: This hybrid role combines office-based design work with on-site travel to active construction sites.

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