Fire Protection Engineer

Fire Protection Engineer

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us:

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary:

The Fire Protection Engineer will provide engineering design, evaluation, and planning of fire protection systems. The candidate will have the opportunity to work on projects in a variety of market sectors including DOD, Federal and Private Space Industry projects. This position is offered in a hybrid work environment, with a combination of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• The study, evaluation, design, and construction administration services for fire protection systems on a variety of laboratory, federal government, private space industry, and specialized facility.
• Perform hydraulic calculations for sprinkler and standpipe systems and prepare construction documents (drawings, specifications, design narratives, supporting calculations) for fire protection systems.
• Review, analyze, and establish applicable NFPA codes, IBC/IFC requirements, UFC Criteria, and other fire protection/life safety code standards requirements for each specific project.
• Perform life safety/code compliance evaluations, including occupancy, egress, fire ratings, fire areas, and hazardous material considerations.
• Coordinate fire protection requirements with architectural, engineering, civil, and process/mission equipment disciplines.
• Conduct field investigations and existing system assessments to identify required modifications or upgrades.
• Performing QA/QC of fire suppression, fire alarm, and detection systems design work.
• Participating in project teams and serving as the primary fire protection engineering contact with clients, AHJ’s, and project stakeholders.
• Resolving client concerns by determining the nature and extent of the issue and recommending remedial measures.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years’ fire protection design experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Fire Protection Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• PE license is required.
• Strong knowledge of NFPA codes and other fire protection/life safety codes and standards.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, and MS Office.
• Experience with CAD, Revit, Bluebeam Revu, or other Fire Protection system modeling/drafting software is highly preferred. 
• Proven ability to successfully lead teams and manage projects.
• Excellent work ethic and attitude.
• Good communication and time management skills.
• Interpersonal communication skills, combined with organizational skills, the ability to plan, balance, and prioritize work.

Location: Merritt Island, FL/Bethesda, MD

Additional Eligibility Qualifications 

• Valid/Unrestricted FL driver license 

Work Authorization/Security Clearance 

• Must be a US Citizen for Security Clearance requirements. 

• Active/Interim or ability to obtain Secret Security Clearance. 

Travel: Up to 25% Compensation & Benefits:

The expected base salary range for this role in Merritt Island is $90,000 - $125,000 USD per year and Bethesda, MD is $110,000 to $140,000 USD per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.