Senior Fire Protection Engineer - Buildings

Black & Veatch; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 156,000 - 261,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan

Adoption reimbursement

Vendor discounts

Employee referral program

AD&D insurance

Pre-tax accounts

Legal plan

BV Credit Union

Hybrid work options

Job summary

Black & Veatch is seeking a Buildings Sr. Fire Protection Engineer to lead design execution for fire protection systems in power, data centers, water treatment, and oil & gas facilities. You will review facilities, generate specs, perform hydraulic calculations, and ensure code compliance across projects.

The role requires 11+ years of experience, a professional engineering license, and proficiency with REVIT/AutoCAD. A hybrid work arrangement and a broad benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited program.
• Minimum of 11 years related work experience.
• Active engineering registration or licensure to support engineer of record (EOR).
• Pre-employment checks may be required (background, drug screen, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance on design standards, codes, and BV policies.
• Lead development of complex engineering deliverables and oversee data management.
• Manage project scope, budget, schedule, and quality; develop advanced solutions.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior engineers.
• Coordinate with stakeholders and align with client priorities.

Skills

Fire protection design

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

REVIT

AutoCAD

Job description

Date: Sep 18, 2026

Location:

Chicago, IL, US

Company: Black & Veatch Family of Companies

We believe real value is powered by the unique skills and experiences of our professionals. The interchange of ideas from a diverse group of people gives our teams an expanded perspective and the ability to find better solutions for our clients.

Company : B&V Special Projects Corp.

Req Id : 117190

Job Title : Buildings Sr. Fire Protection Engineer

Location : RGCHCG

Business Unit Sector : SPC-BVOPS-ENGR & DEV SVCS

Department: WST BV OPS EDS MECHANICAL

Opportunity Type : Staff

Relocation eligible : No

Full time/Part time : Full-Time

Project Only Hire: No

Visa Sponsorship Available:No

The Opportunity

In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead design execution efforts, along with:

• Review and evaluate the facility and equipment to determine the appropriate fire protection requirements.
• Support projects such as Power Plants, Oil and Gas processing facilities, Data Centers or Water Treatment facilities.
• Proactively communicate fire protection requirements and guidance to both internal and external clients.
• Generate detailed fire protection specifications, piping and instrument diagrams, and perform hydraulic calculations.
• Review detailed sprinkler and alarm drawings/calculations for accuracy and compliance with codes.
• Communicate with city and local official.
• Independently apply knowledge and maintain a culture that supports the implementation of quality.

The Team

The Mechanical Engineering Department is a global team that delivers high quality, on time design and services projects in the areas of Power, Gas, Fuels & Chemicals, Water and Waste Water, Data Centers, and Mining including everything Mechanically related to Process and Power (from Conventional, Combined Heat and Power, Hydro, Hydrogen, Nuclear, Solar/Renewable, LNG, Ammonia, Fertilizer) projects to specialized Air Quality Control, HVAC, Fire Protection, Piping, Thermal and Renewable performance estimating and testing. The Buildings Mechanical Engineering team is responsible for designing systems that associated with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in buildings. They also design plumbing and fire protection systems to ensure the safety and comfort of occupants. Additionally, the team focuses on energy efficiency and sustainability to optimize building performance while meeting the specific needs and requirements of each project.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance on design standards, engineering codes, and B&V policies; develop and maintain engineering standards and mentor others across projects/disciplines.
• Ensure compliance with the B&V quality program, establish supporting processes, and promote continuous improvement, risk management, and change management.
• Lead the development of complex engineering deliverables, including research, calculations, and equipment/material selection; oversee data management and analysis.
• Manage project scope, budget, schedule, and quality; develop advanced solutions to complex problems and establish project work plans.
• Lead or coordinate multidisciplinary teams, review junior engineers’ work, and support team development through effective task delegation and mentorship.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, define project schedules, and align execution with client priorities and business objectives.
• Identify client drivers and future needs, support business development efforts, and position B&V for continued growth.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert, applying advanced engineering concepts to complex challenges and contributing to industry thought leadership.
• Support talent management activities including mentoring, career development, and succession planning for engineering staff.

Preferred Qualifications

Expert knowledge in some of the following areas:

• State and local codes and standards. (i.e.: IBC, IFC, NFPA, etc.…)
• Fire protection design for Power Plants, Oil and Gas processing facility, Water treatment facility or Data Centers
• Construction & constructability practices & principles.
• Procurement & contract administration.
• Federal industry experience
• Familiarity with the Unified Facilities Criteria
• European Code experience
• Design Build Experience
• Fire / smoke modeling
• Fire protection degree
• Knowledge of REVIT / AutoCAD / Autodesk products

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering from either a recognized accredited program in their home country or the country in which the professional is practicing or equivalent experience in Engineering work
• Minimum of 11 years related work experience
• All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.
• Holds an active engineering registration or licensure to support engineer of record (EOR) requirements for BV projects in applicable countries, and supports where necessary.

Certifications

• Fire Protection Engineer License
• Security Clearance or ability to get one

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• This position would require working in a typical office environment.
• The position may entail prolonged periods of sitting and computer use, and the professional would ideally be able to maintain focus and attention to detail throughout the workday.
• The position may also be require physical tasks during site visits, including crouching, grasping, and standing/walking for extended periods of time.
• Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days of employment based upon manager discretion, job performance and work assignments.

Salary Plan

REG: Registered Engineering

Job Grade

017

Black & Veatch endeavors to make www.bv.com/careers accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process because of a disability, please contact the Employee Relations Department at [phone] or via our accommodations request form. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only; you may not use this contact information to inquire about the status of applications. General inquiries about the status of applications will not be returned.

A variety of additional benefits are available to our professionals, including a company matched 401k plan, adoption reimbursement, vendor discounts, an employment referral program, AD&D insurance, pre-taxed accounts, voluntary legal plan and the B&V Credit Union. Professionals may also be eligible for a performance-based bonus program.

By valuing diverse voices and perspectives, we cultivate an authentically inclusive environment for professionals and are able to provide innovative and effective solutions for clients.

BVH, Inc., its subsidiaries and its affiliated companies, complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and regulations. Black & Veatch does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender Identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status or other status protected by law.

In accordance with local law, the following compensation range is applicable for the job and location associated with this requisition: $156,299.00 - $261,008.00

Nearest Major Market

Chicago

Job Segment

Nuclear Engineering, Wastewater, Water Treatment, Thermal Engineering, Construction, Engineering