Senior Fire Protection Engineer

Jensenhughes; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Jensenhughes is looking for a Senior Fire Protection Engineer with extensive experience in fire safety systems for a hybrid opportunity in Richmond, Virginia. You will conduct design reviews, evaluate compliance with safety codes, and provide engineering support for fire protection systems.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 7 years of experience in life safety and fire protection consulting and possess strong communication skills, along with a desired Professional Engineering (PE) license. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to unique fire protection challenges.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years’ experience in life safety and fire protection consulting.
• Excellent report writing and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct design review and commissioning services for fire protection systems.
• Evaluate existing facilities for compliance with building codes.
• Provide engineering support to building management for inspection and maintenance.

Skills

Life safety code consulting

Fire detection and alarm systems

Sprinkler systems

Passive fire protection

Performance-based fire engineering design

Education

Professional Engineering (PE) license preferred

Job description

Company Overview

Throughout our worldwide network of experts, clients and communities, we are renowned for our leadership in fire protection engineering – a legacy of responsibility we have proudly upheld since 1939. Today, our expertise extends broadly across closely related security and risk‑based fields – from accessibility consulting and risk analysis to process safety, forensic investigations, security risk consulting, emergency management, digital innovation and more.

Our engineers and consultants collaborate to solve complex safety and security challenges, ensuring our clients can protect what matters most. For over 80 years, we have helped mitigate risks that threaten lives, property and reputations. Through technology, expertise and industry‑leading research, we remain dedicated to our purpose of making our world safe, secure and resilient.

At Jensen Hughes, we believe that creating and sustaining a culture of trust, integrity and professional growth starts with putting our people first. Our employees are our greatest strength, and we value the unique perspectives and talents they bring to our organization.

Our wide range of Global Employee Networks connect people from across the organization, supporting career development and providing forums for individuals to share experiences on topics they're passionate about. Together, we are cultivating a connected culture where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed together.

Job Overview

JENSEN HUGHES has a hybrid job opportunity for a Senior Fire Protection Engineer with experience in life safety code consulting, sprinkler systems, fire detection and alarm systems, and passive fire protection. The ideal candidate must have a strong background in the application of National Fire Protection Associates (NFPA) codes and standards, as well as Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC). Experience with performance‑based fire engineering design is also a benefit. The applicant must be able to collaborate with a team of Fire Protection Engineers with diverse backgrounds and experience levels. The successful candidate will provide full‑time engineering and technical support at a high‑profile government location in the metropolitan Washington, DC area, while possibly being able to work a hybrid schedule. This is an exciting opportunity to gain fire protection experience and knowledge in a wide range of fire suppression, fire alarm, and life safety systems and approaches, in a unique and challenging setting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct design review and commissioning services for fire protection, fire alarm, and life safety systems. Duties include review of designs and submittals; verification of as‑built and red‑line drawings; construction surveys and inspections; development and partial witnessing of pre‑functional checklists; and development and executing functional performance tests.
• Review of designs will include evaluating whether the designer has met the owner’s intent based on contract serviceability, maintainability, and operability requirements, that the designer has adhered to all applicable building, fire and life safety codes, and assess whether fire protections systems and components are adequately sized for owner/tenant identified requirements.
• Provide technical assistance in the development of statements of work for projects related to all aspects of the built environment on behalf of building owner and associated stakeholders.
• Apply fundamental fire and life safety engineering principles to create performance‑based solutions to design challenges that are not addressed by the straightforward application of existing fire protection codes and standards.
• Evaluate existing facilities for compliance with building code of record and provide recommendations for improvements. Evaluations will include site surveys and analysis of life safety systems, fire detection and alarm systems, smoke control systems, and active as well as passive fire protection systems.
• Perform calculations related to means of egress sizing, maximum allowable building height and area, sprinkler system water supply capacity (i.e., hydraulic calculations) and smoke control equipment.
• Provide engineering support to the building management office for fire alarm and fire protection system inspection, testing, and maintenance.
• Propose additions, changes, and updates to existing fire protection and life safety codes, standards, and regulations.
• Perform impact analysis on the consequences of new code adoption and code cycle changes to construction project requirements and building operations.
• Meet client and customer needs and expectations by completing assigned tasks in the time allotted, and effectively communicating with project team members, clients, customers, and others.
• Compose technical letters and reports to address specific technical concepts as may be needed by assigned tasks.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years’ experience in life safety, active and passive fire protection, and fire alarm systems code consulting, design review, inspections, and commissioning.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license preferred.
• Excellent report writing and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to present clear and technically sound fire protection engineering strategies and have good communication and negotiating skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, enjoy professional challenges and desire to be an integral part of the long‑term growth of Jensen Hughes.

Jensen Hughes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.