Senior Fire Protection Engineer (MS/PhD)

Exponent; Warrenville (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

401(k) employer contribution of 7%

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Exponent is searching for a Senior Fire Protection Engineer in Warrenville, IL. The successful candidate will work with multidisciplinary teams on complex engineering problems, while ensuring adherence to national, state, and local fire codes. Ideal candidates should possess an advanced degree in Fire Protection Engineering and have strong technical abilities in fire protection systems.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $130,000 to $170,000, along with comprehensive benefits including health and retirement plans.

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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Work in teams on complex interdisciplinary problems.
• Perform technical work including fire and building code reviews.
• Analyze fire protection systems and conduct investigations.

Skills

Strong technical background in thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Combustion

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Leadership skills

Fire protection system design

Knowledge of NFPA standards

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

Locations: Bowie, MD; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Warrenville, IL; Menlo Park, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Natick, MA

Practice: Thermal Sciences

Position Type: Full-time

Workplace Type: On‑site

Salary Range: USD $130,000 – $170,000 per year

Job Overview

We are seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer to work with multidisciplinary teams on complex interdisciplinary problems, with tight deadlines, in our Thermal Sciences Practice.

Responsibilities

• Work in teams on complex interdisciplinary problems, often with tight deadlines.
• Perform outstanding technical work including national, state, and local fire and building code reviews.
• Analyze active and passive fire protection systems.
• Design, construct, and coordinate laboratory experimental testing.
• Conduct fire and explosion investigations, including hands‑on field experience.
• Prepare proposals, technical reports, and present 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.
• Excellent 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 codes and standards published by NFPA, ICC, ASTM, UL, and similar.
• Industry experience, including co‑op, work study, or internship 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).

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary ranges from USD $130,000 to $170,000 per year, depending on experience and capabilities. Total compensation includes base salary, bi‑weekly bonuses for high‑intensity efforts, annual bonus, and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

Benefits

Access to a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans. For full details, visit our Life@Exponent 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].