Fire Protection Specialist

First Point Group; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

First Point Group is seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer to lead the design of fire protection systems for AI data centers and semiconductor manufacturing facilities. The role emphasizes independent engineering solutions, high-availability infrastructure, and code-compliant designs from design through construction and turnover.

Responsibilities include hydraulic analyses, equipment sizing, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to meet project requirements and regulatory approvals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
• 10+ years of fire protection engineering experience
• Experience with semiconductor facilities and AI data centers
• Strong knowledge of NFPA standards and FM requirements
• Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to troubleshoot design and construction issues

Responsibilities

• Lead fire protection design for AI data centers and semiconductor facilities
• Perform hydraulic calculations and sprinkler sizing
• Specify wet-pipe, standpipe, deluge systems
• Ensure compliance with NFPA, FM, and local codes
• Coordinate with owners, AHJs, and project teams
• Review design calculations and technical specifications

Skills

Fire protection design

Hydraulic calculations

Regulatory compliance

Project coordination

Cross-disciplinary

Education

B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Fire Protection Engineer to lead the design and engineering of fire protection systems for complex, mission-critical facilities, with a strong focus on AI data centers and semiconductor manufacturing environments.

This role requires deep technical expertise in fire protection system design, hydraulic calculations, equipment sizing, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will independently develop engineering solutions that protect critical infrastructure, support high-availability operations, and meet stringent industry codes and standards.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, construction partners, clients, and regulatory authorities to deliver reliable, code-compliant fire protection systems from design through construction and final acceptance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead Fire Protection Design: Develop and specify fire protection systems for AI data centers, semiconductor manufacturing facilities, and other complex industrial environments.
• Engineer Hydraulic Systems: Perform fire water demand calculations, hydraulic analyses, sprinkler system sizing, and fire water header sizing to meet project requirements.
• Design Critical Infrastructure: Specify wet-pipe sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire water pumps, storage tanks, and deluge systems based on facility requirements and applicable codes.
• Apply Industry Standards: Ensure designs comply with NFPA standards, FM requirements, applicable building and mechanical codes, and local authority requirements.
• Support Data Center & Semiconductor Projects: Address the fire protection challenges associated with mission-critical infrastructure, high-value equipment, manufacturing spaces, and critical facility operations.
• Manage Engineering Deliverables: Prepare and review design calculations, technical specifications, equipment requisitions, engineering documents, and technical bid evaluations.
• Coordinate Across Disciplines: Work closely with mechanical, electrical, structural, process, architectural, and construction teams to resolve design conflicts and maintain project alignment.
• Oversee Subcontractors: Manage engineering subcontractors and review their design deliverables for technical accuracy, contractual compliance, and quality.
• Drive Regulatory Approvals: Coordinate with owners, project teams, contractors, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to secure approvals and ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
• Support Testing & Commissioning: Establish and review system testing and acceptance requirements, troubleshoot field issues, and support successful system turnover.
• Provide Technical Leadership: Lead engineering activities, resolve complex technical challenges, mentor junior engineers and designers, and recommend solutions to project leadership.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• 10+ years of relevant fire protection engineering experience, with substantial experience in semiconductor facilities, AI data centers, mission-critical infrastructure, or life sciences/pharmaceutical facilities.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and specify fire protection systems, including sprinkler selection, fire water demand calculations, hydraulic calculations, and equipment sizing.
• Strong hands‑on knowledge of NFPA standards, FM requirements, and applicable building and mechanical codes.
• Experience developing engineering specifications, calculations, technical requisitions, and design documentation.
• Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary engineering teams, construction contractors, equipment suppliers, and regulatory authorities.
• Ability to troubleshoot design and construction issues and provide practical, technically sound solutions.
• Strong technical communication, project coordination, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, changing requirements, and multiple project deadlines.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

• Wet-pipe sprinkler systems in accordance with NFPA 13.
• Standpipe and hose systems in accordance with NFPA 14.
• Fire water pumps, fire water storage tanks, and associated distribution systems.
• Deluge systems and specialized fire protection applications.
• Cooling tower deluge sprinkler systems in accordance with NFPA 214.
• Fire water demand calculations, hydraulic modeling, and pipe/header sizing.
• System acceptance testing, commissioning requirements, and regulatory compliance.

Codes & Standards

• NFPA 13, NFPA 14, and NFPA 214.
• FM standards and applicable fire protection requirements.
• ASME, IBC, and IMC, as applicable to project scope.
• Local building codes, permitting requirements, and AHJ coordination.