Fire Protection Lead / Senior Lead Engineer

Construction Association of Michigan; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

HGI is a leading fire protection engineering firm focused on NFPA and ICC code-compliant design for high-impact projects. The role offers ownership of complex assignments and mentorship for junior engineers, with collaboration across clients, authorities having jurisdiction, and project teams.

You will oversee multiple projects from concept to construction in a remote-friendly environment, developing advanced protection schemes and contributing to innovative methodologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Fire Protection Engineering or related field.
• PE license in Fire Protection is required for Senior Lead Engineer, preferred for Lead Engineer.

Responsibilities

• Lead fire protection engineering tasks from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with project goals and safety regulations.
• Develop and oversee system designs, including fire alarms, automatic fire sprinkler systems, smoke control systems, and fire-rated assemblies.
• Perform fire hazard analyses, code research, hydraulic calculations, and risk assessments to guide design decisions.
• Collaborate with clients and regulatory bodies to ensure project compliance with NFPA, IBC, and local fire codes.
• Coordinate with architects, contractors, and other engineers to integrate fire protection into building designs.
• Review engineering documents, calculations, and drawings for completeness and code compliance.
• Mentor junior engineers, providing guidance on design best practices and codes.
• Participate in site visits, installation reviews, and commissioning support.

Skills

NFPA & ICC codes

Fire protection design

Project management

Revit

AutoCAD

Fire modeling software

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Fire Protection Engineering

PE License in Fire Protection

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

Fire Protection Lead / Senior Lead Engineer
Remote (U.S. Based) Full-Time

HGI is a leading fire protection engineering firm that delivers innovative solutions to protect people and property. We are looking for Fire Protection Lead and Senior Lead Engineers to take ownership of complex, high-impact, and high-profile projects, mentor a growing team, and provide technical expertise that shapes safer environments. This job posting covers both our Lead and Senior Lead Engineer positions—the level and title you are hired into will be determined by your experience and licensure.
This is an opportunity to work in a focused, specialized firm where fire protection isn’t an afterthought—it’s the core of what we do. If you’re a highly motivated engineer who thrives in a collaborative, remote-friendly environment, we want to hear from you.

ROLE HIGHLIGHTS

Technical Excellence
We are seeking a highly skilled fire protection engineer with expertise in fire alarm, fire sprinkler, and smoke control system design. You will ensure designs meet or exceed NFPA and ICC codes and standards while addressing complex fire protection challenges.
Professional Development & Mentorship
You will receive ongoing mentorship to build your technical expertise and leadership skills, with opportunities to guide junior engineers as your experience grows.
Project Ownership
You will oversee multiple projects simultaneously, from early-stage assessments through final construction, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and innovation.

Client Engagement
As a trusted technical expert, you will interface directly with clients, authorities having jurisdiction, and stakeholders, providing tailored solutions to fire safety challenges across diverse industries.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead fire protection engineering tasks from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with project goals and safety regulations.
• Develop and oversee system designs, including fire alarms, automatic fire sprinkler systems, smoke control systems, and fire-rated assemblies.
• Perform fire hazard analyses, code research, hydraulic calculations, and risk assessments to guide design decisions and optimize fire protection solutions.
• Collaborate with clients and regulatory bodies to ensure project compliance with NFPA, IBC, and local fire codes adopted in the jurisdiction.
• Coordinate with architects, contractors, and other engineers to integrate fire protection seamlessly into broader building and infrastructure designs.
• Review engineering documents, calculations, and drawings for completeness, accuracy, and code compliance.
• Mentor junior engineers, providing guidance on design best practices, industry codes, and career development.
• Participate in site visits, installation reviews, and commissioning support, troubleshooting fire protection systems and ensuring proper installation.
• Support the development of new methodologies and research, staying at the forefront of fire protection engineering advancements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of fire protection engineering principles, NFPA and ICC codes and standards, and fire safety best practices.
• Ability to design and oversee complex fire protection systems for commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings.
• Project management experience overseeing scope, schedule, and budget on multi-disciplinary teams—preferred for Senior Lead consideration, a plus at the Lead level.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to analyze risks and recommend effective fire protection solutions.
• Experience working with Revit, AutoCAD, and fire modeling software (e.g., FDS, Pathfinder, or other simulation tools) is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical information to clients and project teams.
• Ability to thrive in a remote work environmentwhile maintaining strong team collaboration.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Fire Protection Engineering or related fields (Chemical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering with a fire protection focus).
• Professional Engineering (PE) License in Fire Protection—required for Senior Lead Engineer candidates, preferred for Lead Engineer candidates.
• 5+ years of experience in fire protection engineering, with a focus on complex system design; 10+ years with demonstrated project leadership is required for consideration at the Senior Lead level.
• Experience working on high-stakes projects in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, commercial buildings, data centers, warehousing and distribution, or industrial facilities.
• Strong technical foundation, with the ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining strict attention to detail.

WHY JOIN HGI?

At HGI, we believe in hiring the best, giving our engineers the tools to succeed, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Here’s what you can expect:

• Work on impactful projects– Our engineers contribute to fire protection solutions that save lives and safeguard critical infrastructure.
• Mentorship from industry leaders– We provide guidance, training, and leadership development to help you grow.
• A culture of collaboration and innovation– We take pride in being a remote‑friendly firm that values teamwork and work-life balance.
• Competitive compensation and benefits – The base salary range for this posting is approximately $100,000–$155,000, spanning our Lead through Senior
• Lead Engineer levels. Placement within the range is based on years of applicable experience, professional licensure (PE required at the Senior Lead level, preferred at the Lead level), and engineering level assigned through our internal evaluation process, plus significant bonus potential, professional development support, and opportunities for leadership advancement. This range reflects a good‑faith estimate at the time of posting and is not a guarantee of final compensation, which may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, geographic location, and internal equity.
• Autonomy with support– We trust our engineers to take ownership of their work while providing a supportive environment for success.

SOUND LIKE THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU?
We’re looking for curious, detail-oriented engineers who thrive in a high-impact role. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!