What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fire Protection Engineer position at Building Talent?
Fire Protection Engineer or Senior Fire Protection Engineer — Building Systems & Fire/Life Safety Design
Location: San Jose, CA (On-Site Only)
Industry: Building Systems Engineering
Employment Type: Full-time
Design systems that safeguard people, property, and performance.
A full-service engineering firm is hiring mid- and senior-level Fire Protection Engineers to lead fire/life safety design and consulting across a broad range of building types. With in-house disciplines spanning Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Process Piping, Fire Protection, and Commissioning, the team offers a highly integrated environment where cross-discipline coordination is part of the process — not a siloed afterthought.
These are fully on-site roles in San Jose, ideal for engineers who want meaningful project variety and hands-on collaboration. Depending on experience, you’ll either lead smaller projects independently or drive complex scopes with broader responsibility.
This firm supports growth at every level — mentorship, leadership development, and advancement opportunities are built into the culture, not just promised at the interview.
What you’ll do:
- Design and develop fire protection systems, including hazard analysis, code compliance, layout, equipment selection, and construction documents
- Coordinate closely with other disciplines (HVAC, electrical, plumbing) for smooth integration
- Manage fire protection project scopes, schedules, and quality — either independently or with junior team support
- Mentor junior engineers and help support team knowledge-sharing through presentations and “lunch-and-learn” sessions
- Engage with clients, project teams, and internal stakeholders to deliver consistent, high-quality results
- Stay current on evolving codes, trends, and licensing requirements; participate in business development efforts (for more senior candidates)
What you bring:
- 5–10 years of fire protection engineering experience within a consulting environment
- Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering or a related field
- PE license strongly preferred (required for senior-level role)
- Proven ability to lead small teams and/or manage full fire protection scopes
- Strong working knowledge of NFPA codes, building codes, and fire/life safety systems
- Clear, collaborative communication style — able to work hands-on and shoulder-to-shoulder with internal and external partners
Why this role:
- Contribute to a diverse set of projects — not just one market or one system type
- Work in a culture where collaboration, growth, and technical excellence are genuinely supported
- Take on increasing responsibility with clear leadership pathways
- Join a team where your voice matters and your work has visible impact
Important:
This is a fully on-site role based in San Jose. Remote or hybrid arrangements are not available.
How to apply:
Apply here or reach out to start a confidential conversation. We’re ready when you are.
Let’s Chat.