Fire Protection Engineer - Tucson

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Fire Protection Engineer serves as a senior technical expert responsible for the design, evaluation, and enforcement of fire protection and life safety systems for government facilities. This role leads complex engineering analyses, ensures compliance with federal, state, and local codes, and provides authoritative guidance to project teams, facility leadership, and contractors. The position plays a critical role in safeguarding personnel, infrastructure, and mission continuity through advanced fire protection engineering practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in fire protection engineering, providing technical leadership and consultation to government stakeholders and project teams.

• Lead the design and evaluation of fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems for complex facilities and infrastructure.

• Review and approve building plans, specifications, and contractor shop drawings for compliance with applicable codes and standards (e.g., NFPA, UFC, IBC, IFC).

• Conduct and oversee fire hazard analyses, performance-based design studies, and risk assessments.

• Perform and supervise site inspections, field surveys, and acceptance testing of fire protection systems.

• Evaluate building designs for fire resistance, egress, water supply adequacy, and system effectiveness.

• Direct the planning, installation, modification, and maintenance of fire protection systems.

• Provide technical guidance to architects, engineers, and contractors regarding fire code interpretation and compliance.

• Develop and review fire safety plans, life safety plans, and compliance documentation.

• Lead development of training programs and conduct fire protection training for facility personnel.

• Research and interpret evolving fire protection codes, standards, and technologies; recommend updates to policies and design criteria.

• Support hazardous materials assessments and evaluate risks associated with storage and manufacturing environments.

• Prepare and review detailed technical reports, engineering analyses, and recommendations for leadership decision-making.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Fire Protection, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, or related field) from an ABET-accredited institution.

• Minimum five (5) years of professional engineering experience in fire protection engineering.

• Minimum three (3) years of experience with fire alarm and fire suppression systems.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Fire Protection Engineering (or closely related discipline) required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Advanced knowledge of fire protection engineering principles, systems, and life safety requirements.

• Extensive familiarity with NFPA standards, International Codes (IBC/IFC), and federal criteria (e.g., UFC).

• Strong analytical skills in fire hazard analysis, performance-based design, and risk assessment.

• Ability to interpret and enforce complex codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing.

• Ability to lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and coordinate across multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail and mission-focused decision-making.

Additional Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or Security Clearance, as required.

• Occasional travel required for inspections, site visits, and project oversight.

Work Environment

• Combination of office, field, and construction site environments.

• May involve exposure to active construction zones and operational facilities requiring adherence to safety protocols.

Leadership & Supervisory Expectations

• May serve as a technical lead or project manager on fire protection engineering projects.

• Provides mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and technical staff.

• Acts as a liaison between government agencies, contractors, and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with federal facility standards (UFC, VA, DoD, or GSA criteria).

• Experience in healthcare or high-risk/mission-critical facilities.

• Proficiency with AutoCAD and fire modeling software (e.g., FDS, Pathfinder).

Job Type: Full-time

Employee Benefits:

We believe in taking care of our employees so they can perform their best work. Our benefits include:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement savings plan with employer contribution
• Paid time off to rest, recharge, and take care of what matters most
• Support for your growth through training and development opportunities
• Short and Long Term Disability Plans
• Flexible Spending Account
• A collaborative, people-first work environment

• Employee Discounts for select retailers