Senior Fire Protection Engineer (MS/PhD)

Exponent; Bowie (MD); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) employer contribution

Paid time off

Wellness resources

Job summary

Exponent is seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer in Bowie, MD, to tackle complex interdisciplinary problems with teams. The ideal candidate will possess an M.S. or higher in Fire Protection Engineering and have strong technical expertise in areas like thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Responsibilities include designing experiments, conducting investigations, and preparing reports.

This role offers a competitive salary range of $130,000 – $170,000 annually, along with comprehensive benefits including health, 401(k), and paid time off. We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• M.S., M.Eng., M.E., or Ph.D. in Fire Protection Engineering.
• Strong technical background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and combustion.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Work on complex interdisciplinary problems under tight deadlines.
• Perform technical work including fire and building code reviews.
• Analyze active and passive fire protection systems.

Skills

Technical background in thermodynamics

Heat transfer knowledge

Fluid mechanics knowledge

Combustion knowledge

Outstanding communication skills

Ability to tackle a variety of problems

Leadership skills

Prescriptive analysis experience

Hands-on fire protection system experience

Education

M.S., M.Eng., M.E., or Ph.D. in Fire Protection Engineering

Job description

Senior Fire Protection Engineer (MS/PhD)

Job ID: 2026-2281

Location: Bowie, MD (Other locations include Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Warrenville, IL; Menlo Park, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Natick, MA)

Responsibilities

• Working in teams on complex interdisciplinary problems, often with tight deadlines
• Performing outstanding technical work for clients including national, state, and local fire and building code reviews
• Analyzing active and passive fire protection systems
• Designing laboratory experiments and coordinating testing
• Conducting fire and explosion investigations, including hands‑on field experience
• Preparing proposals and technical reports, and presenting findings to clients

Qualifications

• M.S., M.Eng., M.E., or Ph.D. in Fire Protection Engineering
• Strong technical background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and combustion
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Strong desire and ability to tackle a wide variety of problems within and outside direct area of expertise
• Demonstrated leadership skills and proven ability to work in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment
• Prior experience with prescriptive and/or performance‑based analysis and application of NFPA, ICC, ASTM, UL, and similar codes and standards
• Industry experience, including internships or work related to Fire Protection Engineering strongly preferred
• Hands‑on experience in fire protection system design, installation, inspection, testing and maintenance preferred
• Successfully taken and passed Fundamentals of Engineering (F.E.) exam (preferred)
• Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending)

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range USD $130,000 – $170,000 per year, commensurate with experience and capabilities. The total compensation package includes base salary, bi‑weekly bonuses for high‑intensity efforts, annual bonus, and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

Benefits

Exponent offers a comprehensive benefits program that may include health, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement savings, paid time off, and various wellness resources. Details are available on the benefits information page.

EEO Statement

Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at [e-mail].