Job Description

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: SFCA San Francisco - San Francisco, CA 94105Position Type: Full TimeJob Category: EngineeringThe Opportunity
We’re seeking a Lead Fire Protection Engineer in our San Francisco office, to oversee the design, coordination, and delivery of fire protection systems for a variety of building types. In this role, you’ll manage project teams, lead client coordination, and produce high‑quality engineering deliverables including calculations, drawings, and specifications. You’ll apply advanced knowledge of NFPA and building codes, oversee system design and equipment selection, and perform site visits throughout the project lifecycle. This position also provides leadership through mentoring staff, improving internal standards, and supporting client relationships. Ideal candidates have strong technical expertise in fire protection, plumbing, and mechanical systems, excellent organizational and communication skills, and proficiency in Revit/AutoCAD.
Who We Are
PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs. As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.
What You'll Do
Project team leadership and discipline management, responsible for completing the project on time within budget
Responsible for the preparation of deliverable documents including narratives, calculations, drawings, and specifications
Attend client meetings, lead the coordination effort between external and internal project teams
Independently evaluate and apply engineering judgment, techniques, and procedures to complete a project from concepts through construction
Proficient in mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection design
Independently design and plan fire protection system design and layouts
Assemble effective project teams
Develop project workplans, tasks, and assignments for the team
Thorough understanding of interdisciplinary coordination
Advanced understanding of the application of building codes and fire protection standards (NFPA)
Oversee engineering calculations and equipment selection
Perform site visits and issues reports
Provide training, guidance, and mentorship for staff
Provide updates to master specifications and standards, and improve company processes
Develop client relationships
Determine fire protection and plumbing system requirements for various building types
Oversee the application of the project quality management plan (QMP)
What You Bring
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering for discipline work or equivalent experience
Relevant professional credential (i.e., PE, CPD)
Requires 7+ years of related work experience
Inspire and motivate staff
Advanced understanding of fire protection design concepts, code knowledge, and able to effectively communicate design options
Strong delegation skills
Attention to detail and advanced organizational skills
Microsoft Office Suite
Knowledge of applicable plumbing codes and standards including: UPC, IPC, NFPA, and IBC
Revit/AutoCAD
AutoSprink experience preferred
What We Offer
Hiring Base Salary Range: $122,300-$160,700 annual
This position is eligible for time and a half overtime pay
The base salary is one component of PAE’s competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered. At PAE, employees are eligible for annual compensation reviews based on performance and business needs. The above range represents PAE's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
In addition, PAE offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
Employer paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
Annual 401k profit sharing based on company profit for the year and account contribution
Professional development reimbursements including state registration and professional association dues
Employer paid commuter/parking stipend
Cell phone stipend
Life insurance and disability benefits
Hybrid work schedule
Employee Assistance Program
9 paid holidays including an additional employee-selected day
Paid time off for sick leave, family leave, community service, holidays and vacation
To learn more about our comprehensive benefits package, visit  https://www.pae-engineers.com/careers/benefits. This information is provided per the Equal Pay Act
Our commitment to pay equity
PAE is a JUST label certified company; we demonstrate JUST label requirements within pay equity. Pay scales should meet or exceed applicable legislated wage requirements and industry standards and compensate, on the same basis, all individuals performing the same or similar work and work of equal value. We are committed to the principle of pay equity – paying employees equitably for substantially similar work. To learn more about pay equity and our commitments to equitable business practices, you may view our JUST label certification here: Living Future: Just Label Certification.
To find out more visit our website.
What We’re Made Of
Founded in 1967, PAE is a leading sustainable engineering and consulting firm on a mission to deliver clean air, energy, and water for all. We specialize in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, building performance analysis, technology design, and lighting design (LUMA). PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across the U.S., from Living Buildings to all-electric buildings and beyond. Learn more at pae-engineers.com.
Our portfolio includes over 100 LEED Platinum projects as well as dozens of projects that have either achieved or are pursuing the Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Architecture 2030, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero Energy, and Net Zero Water.
Fine Print
Please note that resumes received from third party recruiters or agencies will not be accepted unless requested directly by PAE Talent Acquisition and with a prior signed fee agreement. If candidates without a previously signed recruiter fee agreement are submitted, PAE reserves the right to engage with and hire those candidate(s) without any obligation financial or otherwise to the recruiter or agency.
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at PAE will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. PAE does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics historically associated with race, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
PAE will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including: selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.
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