The Fire Protection Design Engineer is responsible for supporting the design and analysis of fire protection and life safety systems across a diverse range of projects. This mid-level role is ideal for an engineer with 3–6 years of experience seeking continued professional growth in fire suppression and fire alarm system design. The position is based in San Diego, CA and offers a hybrid work schedule (3 days in-office / 2 days remote).
Fire Protection System Design
Support the design of fire sprinkler, fire alarm, and special suppression systems
Develop fire protection system layouts and construction documents
Perform sprinkler hydraulic calculations
Perform fire alarm calculations
Code Analysis & Compliance
Conduct Fire and Building Code analysis
Apply California Building and Fire Codes
Implement NFPA standards in system design
Engineering Analysis & Technical Support
Assist in developing engineering analyses, including smoke control, combustible dust, hazardous materials, and energy storage systems
Conduct site assessments and prepare related reports
Construction Administration
Respond to RFIs during construction
Review contractor submittals
Participate in punch walks and construction support activities
Collaboration & Growth
Support senior engineers in project delivery
Contribute to continuous improvement and technical development initiatives
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
3–6 years of experience in fire suppression and/or fire alarm system design
Technical Skills
Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit
Experience with AutoSPRINK or HydraCALC sprinkler calculation software
Strong understanding of California Building and Fire Codes
Working knowledge of NFPA standards and implementation
Certifications
EIT certification preferred
NICET Fire Sprinkler or Fire Alarm certification preferred
U.S. Citizenship preferred
Preferred Experience
Experience working on healthcare and/or federal projects
Exposure to project management or business development activities is a plus
Compensation
Salary range: $97,700 – $130,000 annually (dependent on experience)
Retirement
401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar company match up to 4% of eligible pay
Immediate vesting
Health & Insurance
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Prescription drug coverage
Employee Assistance Program
Accident and illness coverage
Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D (base coverage with voluntary buy-up options)
Employer-paid disability insurance
Time Off
Flexible non-accrual vacation policy
Company-recognized holidays
Separate California-compliant paid sick leave (where applicable)
Work Schedule
Hybrid schedule: 3 days in-office / 2 days remote
Full-time employment
K2 Staffing has been constructed on one of the most solid foundations in the industry, with roughly 40 years of combined business and recruiting knowledge. Through our vast experience, we understand locating and attracting the right talent can be comparable to ascending K2 - difficult, sometimes impossible, and completely savage. With that said, we take a very methodical approach with our process, including a detailed discovery process ultimately leading to a customized plan of action for each of our clients. Our “high-tech, soft-touch” technique produces results that cannot be denied. We have embraced technology to its fullest, which provides us with top-quality candidates to choose from. That, however, does not disclude how important it is to roll up our sleeves and connect with people on a human level, avoiding short-term arrangements, disappointment, and a tremendous waste of time and money for all parties involved.
Whether you are a candidate seeking to locate a company to represent for the long haul, or you are a hiring manager for an organization searching for that 1 in a million, K2 Staffing is here to assist you. Utilizing our “high-tech, soft-touch” approach, we will successfully diagnose the needs and desires of both our clients and candidates, resulting in the perfect connection for years to come.
