Fire Protection Engineer (M.S./Ph.D.)

Exponent; Bowie (MD); On-site; USD 115,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

401(k) employer contribution

Job summary

Exponent is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer (M.S./Ph.D.) to join our Thermal Sciences Practice in Bowie, MD and other U.S. locations. You will lead investigations and analyses of failures spanning structures, vehicles, fires, explosions, and industrial processes.

This full-time, on-site role emphasizes hands-on design, testing, and reporting, with opportunities to collaborate with clients and publish findings. The position includes base salary with bonuses and 401(k) contributions.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Fire Protection Engineering or M.S. with 3–5 years of related experience.
• Strong technical background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and combustion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Hands-on experience with experimental programs and fire protection system design.
• Familiarity with NFPA and ICC codes and standards.
• Willingness to tackle a wide variety of problems.

Responsibilities

• Evaluating the performance of fire protection, fire detection, and life safety systems.
• Reviewing fire protection codes and standards.
• Conducting laboratory assessments of material flammability.
• Planning and executing experimental test programs.
• Performing engineering calculations and analysis.
• Conducting fieldwork.
• Preparing proposals and technical reports, and presenting findings to clients.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Combustion

Communication

Experimental programs

NFPA codes

ICC codes

Problem solving

Education

Ph.D. in Fire Protection Engineering

M.S. in Fire Protection Engineering

Job description

Fire Protection Engineer (M.S./Ph.D.)

Job ID: 2025-2110

Location(s): Bowie, MD; Chicago, IL; Warrenville, IL; Menlo Park, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Natick, MA; Atlanta, GA

Practice: Thermal Sciences

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: USD $115,000.00 - USD $135,000.00 /Yr.

Workplace Type: On-Site

Job Summary

We are currently seeking a Fire Protection Engineer for our Thermal Sciences Practice in Bowie, MD; Chicago, IL; Warrenville, IL; Menlo Park, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Natick, MA; or Atlanta, GA. In this role, you will be responsible for participating in and leading the investigation and analysis of failures including structures, vehicle and wildland fires, explosions, industrial processes, combustion systems, consumer products, appliances, and automobiles.

Responsibilities

• Evaluating the performance of fire protection, fire detection, and life safety systems
• Reviewing fire protection codes and standards
• Conducting laboratory assessments of material flammability
• Planning and executing experimental test programs
• Performing engineering calculations and analysis
• Conducting fieldwork
• Preparing proposals and technical reports, and presenting findings to clients

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Fire Protection Engineering or M.S. plus 3-5 years of work experience related to Fire Protection Engineering
• Strong technical background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and combustion
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Hands‑on experience in executing experimental programs
• Hands‑on experience in fire protection system design, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance is a plus
• Prior experience with prescriptive and/or performance‑based analysis and application of NFPA and ICC codes and standards preferred
• Strong desire and ability to tackle a wide variety of problems within and outside direct area of expertise

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending). The CV is not restricted to one page.

Work Environment

At Exponent, in‑person interactions are encouraged and most consultants work in the office unless traveling for client work. The work style is flexible and allows consultants to balance personal schedules while meeting client needs.

Compensation

Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Baseline compensation for this position includes base salary and variable components such as bi‑weekly bonuses for high‑intensity efforts, an annual bonus, and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

Benefits

Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email [e-mail].

Benefits information can be found on our Life@Exponent page: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent

Job Locations

• Bowie, MD
• Atlanta, GA
• Chicago, IL
• Los Angeles, CA
• Natick, MA
• Menlo Park, CA
• Warrenville, IL