Senior Fire Protection Engineer - Life Safety & Modeling

Society of Fire Protection Engineers; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking a seasoned Fire Protection Engineer to join our San Diego or Northbrook team.

You will lead the day-to-day management of complex fire protection projects, mentor junior staff, and coordinate with clients and project teams to deliver safe, code-compliant solutions. Expect to develop performance-based designs, conduct on-site investigations, review construction documents and codes, and contribute to our knowledge base through TRGs and

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience in fire protection design or related fields.
• Bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering or related field; master's degree preferred.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (FPE) or PE licensure pursued (EIT considered).
• Strong written, verbal, and graphical communication skills.
• Familiarity with drafting, analysis, and modeling software (AutoCAD, REVIT, FDS, PyroSim, Smokeview, Pathfinder, CFAST).
• Proactive, collaborative team player with attention to detail and problem-solving mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day success of multiple projects and serve as primary client liaison.
• Perform on-site investigations, condition assessments, and field inspections.
• Develop fire growth, smoke movement, and egress models.
• Analyze field data, review construction documents and codes, and propose design solutions.
• Prepare client deliverables, reports, and construction documents.
• Contribute to TRGs, research projects, and professional organizations.

Skills

Technical communication

Team collaboration

Client liaison

Project management

Education

Bachelors in fire protection engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

REVIT

FDS

PyroSim

Smokeview

Pathfinder

CFAST

Job description

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking a seasoned Fire Protection Engineer to join our San Diego or Northbrook team.

You will lead the day-to-day management of complex fire protection projects, mentor junior staff, and coordinate with clients and project teams to deliver safe, code-compliant solutions. Expect to develop performance-based designs, conduct on-site investigations, review construction documents and codes, and contribute to our knowledge base through TRGs and