Senior Fire Protection Engineer — Hybrid, Life-Safety Design

CDM Smith; Rockford (IL); Hybrid; USD 91,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to join our team and help deliver critical safety features on federal and commercial projects. You will design fire protection systems, perform life safety analyses, and ensure compliance with NFPA, UFC, and local codes while collaborating with clients and sales staff.

Based in multiple US offices with a hybrid work setup, this role offers opportunities to lead design efforts, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to resilient infrastructure

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Architectural or Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• Professional engineering (PE) license.
• 7 years of related experience.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Develop fire protection designs including water supply, hydraulics, and sprinkler systems.
• Act as QFPE on federal projects for life safety and fire alarm analysis.
• Review designs for compliance with NFPA, UFC, and local regulations.
• Create fire protection and life safety designs for client requirements.
• Evaluate systems using HydraCAD or HydraCALC software.
• Collaborate with sales to prepare proposals and respond to RFPs.
• Meet with clients to review design needs.
• Conduct site assessments to align designs with standards.
• Mentor junior staff and oversee project work.

Skills

CADD 3D/4D

Engineering design principles

Microsoft Office

Verbal & written communication

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Architectural/Chemical Eng

PE license

7 years related experience

Equivalent experience considered

Travel flexibility

Tools

UFC criteria experience

FM Global datasheets

Fire protection systems design

Life safety standards

Job description

CDM Smith is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to join our team and help deliver critical safety features on federal and commercial projects. You will design fire protection systems, perform life safety analyses, and ensure compliance with NFPA, UFC, and local codes while collaborating with clients and sales staff.

Based in multiple US offices with a hybrid work setup, this role offers opportunities to lead design efforts, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to resilient infrastructure