Lead Fire Protection Engineer – High-Impact Projects

Holmes US; San Francisco (CA); On-site; Full time

Job description

Elevate your Fire Protection Engineering career at Holmes US!

Are you a Fire Protection Engineer with a few years of experience ready to step into a role where your expertise truly drives outcomes? We're looking for FPEs to join our team and take ownership of high‑impact work from day one.

Who We Are:

We are Holmes US - an international design firm where engineering meets innovation. With offices across the West Coast and roots in New Zealand, we’re known for pushing boundaries and asking "why not?" when others say "impossible".

Your Role as a Fire Protection Engineer:

• Lead complex Performance Based Fire Engineering analysis and design from start to finish
• Direct fire and smoke modelling using Fire Dynamics Simulator (NIST) and similar tools
• Lead occupant evacuation modelling using Pathfinder, Evacnet, and advanced spreadsheet methods
• Apply deep engineering judgement to assess structural systems exposed to fire
• Author and QC high‑quality engineering reports and deliver innovative, defensible solutions
• Manage client relationships and serve as a trusted technical point of contact
• Coordinate with consultants and enforcing agencies to navigate complex regulatory environments
• Lead audits of existing buildings for fire safety compliance
• Mentor and review the work of junior engineers and EITs, helping grow the next generation
• Develop fee proposals and lead scope negotiations for complex projects
• Contribute to business development and marketing initiatives
• Maybe even pick up some Māori words from our Kiwi colleagues!

You’ll Thrive Here If You Have:

• B.S. in Fire Protection Engineering or related discipline (M.S. preferred)
• 4+ years of experience in a fire safety consultancy or related field
• Active PE licensure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong time management and problem‑solving capabilities
• Proficiency in MS Word, Outlook, Excel, and fire modelling tools
• A collaborative, team‑player mindset ready to help others

Why You’ll Love It Here:

Learning & Growth

• Step into a role with genuine autonomy and project ownership
• Global knowledge sharing opportunities across the Pacific Rim
• Clear career progression path toward senior roles

Real World Impact

• Lead complex, high-profile projects across diverse building types
• Apply cutting‑edge fire engineering to protect real communities
• Contribute to life safety and sustainable design

The Good Stuff

• Flexible hybrid work environment
• Comprehensive benefits (including pet insurance)
• Genuine work‑life balance
• Collaborative, supportive culture
• Regular team events and activities

Benefits Offered:

Depending on your employment status, benefits may include:

• Hybrid work model (in office Tues, Wed, Thurs)
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Short‑term and Long‑term Disability and other voluntary plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical & Childcare
• Health Savings Account
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time off - Vacation, Sick, Personal Leave, Family Leave for new parents, and Community Service time
• Paid Holidays
• Pre‑Tax Commuter Transit
• 401(k) retirement savings with Company contribution
• Company sponsored events
• Diversity / Inclusion programs and initiatives

Compensation:

Estimated at $92,000 - $119,000 + biannual profit share bonus potential. Salary will be commensurate with experience / skills and location.

Our Commitment:

At Holmes, we believe in building teams as diverse as the communities we serve. We provide equal support and opportunities for all our people to thrive, grow, and develop. Dream big - we’ll help you get there!

If you’re ready to bring your experience to a team that will actually put it to use – and challenge you to grow even further – we’d love to hear from you.