Fire Protection Engineer Intern

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

Coffman Engineers is seeking a motivated Fire Protection Engineering Intern for the 2026-2027 academic year in our Downtown Los Angeles office. The role is part-time, averaging 16 to 20 hours per week, with exposure to design, code research, and project documentation.

You will work with experienced engineers on fire protection systems and life safety, gaining hands-on consulting experience in a collaborative team environment. Remote work is not offered; in-person presence is required.

Qualifications

• Enrolled as a full-time student in an engineering program (mechanical, electrical, fire protection or related).
• Completion of at least two years of coursework toward an undergraduate engineering degree.
• Interest in consulting engineering.

Responsibilities

• Support fire protection and life safety system design alongside experienced engineers.
• Assist with code research and analysis.
• Prepare project documentation and drawings.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Strong communication

Leadership experience

Team collaboration

AutoCAD

Revit

Education

Undergraduate engineering coursework (2+ years)

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

At Coffman Engineers, we serve as both prime consultant and sub consultant on projects large and small, including commercial, retail, institutional, government, industrial, and project/construction management. Incorporated in 1979, we have employees in more than 24 locations serving clients across the United States and overseas.
To meet client objectives and to integrate our many disciplines, we can create teams comprised of civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and corrosion control, as well as project/construction managers and professionals in a variety of specialty services. This ability has made us a leader in the engineering and construction communities, and has strengthened our reputation as being progressive, innovative, and a great place to work.

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated, innovative, and quality-oriented student to join our team as a Fire Protection Engineering Intern during the 2026-2027 academic year. This part-time position is based in Coffman Engineers’ Downtown Los Angeles office and is expected to average 16 to 20 hours per week.

The intern will work alongside experienced fire protection engineers and gain hands-on exposure to consulting engineering. Responsibilities may include supporting fire protection and life safety system design, assisting with code research and analysis, preparing project documentation, and coordinating with members of a multidisciplinary engineering team.

Qualifications

Requirements

• Enrolled as a full-time student in a mechanical, electrical, fire protection, or related engineering program at an accredited college or university.
• Completion of at least two years of coursework toward an undergraduate engineering degree.
• Interest to work in consulting engineering.
• Ability to work in person in Coffman’s Downtown Los Angeles office at least one day per week during the academic year.
• Ability to balance the internship schedule with academic commitments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented and organized work approach.
• Experience working in a collaborative or team-based environment.
• Leadership experience through coursework, extracurricular activities, employment, or community involvement.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, or other engineering software.
• Interest in building systems, fire protection, life safety, or the architecture, engineering, and construction industry.

Compensation

• $30/hr

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Additional Information

Why You Want to Work Here

You could choose to work anywhere, so why work at Coffman Engineers? Because we are different – our culture sets us apart. Simply stated, we are a group of creative, high-performing people who like working together and believe that what we do makes a difference. Employees say that it feels like working with a group of friends in a small office while enjoying the benefits and perks of working for a large firm. Our culture isn’t the only thing that makes us different, but it drives everything we do.

Coffman offers comprehensive benefits, including a flexible PTO program and a fun environment with family-friendly policies. We support and encourage individually tailored professional and technical advancement as well as personal growth.

• 900+ employees serving clients throughout the U.S. and overseas from more than 24locations
• Multi-discipline engineering services plus corrosion control, commissioning and project/construction management
• 70+ employees in 9 offices, providing Fire Protection services since 2014
• #161 Top 500 Design Firms, Engineering News-Record, 2023

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state, or local law.