Fire Protection Engineer - FPE

Fire Protection Engineer – Mid-Level PE, FPE

Location: Chicago, IL or Atlanta, GA

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

The Challenge: We are seeking a Fire Protection Engineer, PE, FPE to join our full-service Architectural Design team in either Chicago, IL or Atlanta, GA. The engineer will collaborate with architects and engineers to develop comprehensive fire protection and life safety system design packages.

• Design fire suppression systems including fire sprinkler (wet & dry), pre‑action, high & low expansion foam, clean agent, standpipe, and fire pump systems.
• Design smoke control and stairwell pressurization systems.
• Design fire alarm and mass notification systems.
• Perform building code and life‑safety code analysis.
• Prepare design drawings, specifications, basis of design, and other documents as designer of record.
• Generate hydraulic calculations using software such as HASS.
• Review contractor submittal packages—shop drawings, product data, calculations—respond to RFIs, and provide construction‑phase support, including field inspections and witnessing acceptance testing.
• Investigate existing water supply utilities and conduct hydrant flow tests.
• Investigate existing buildings for deficiencies and code violations.
• Travel onsite for client meetings and site inspections (approximately 25% of time).

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection or a related accredited degree.
• Minimum of five years of Fire Protection Engineering experience in the architecture & engineering industry.
• Active Fire Protection Engineering license (FPE) in any state.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) and federal codes and standards applicable to projects.
• Knowledge of International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA codes and standards.
• Experience with hydraulic calculation software such as HASS.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

• Proficiency with REVIT and AutoCAD.
• Experience with FDS and CONTAM.
• Experience in fire dynamics, egress modeling, and risk analysis.

This full‑time position has an annual base range of $119,800 to $142,900. The position may be eligible for overtime in line with local, state, and federal requirements. The actual hourly rate depends on individual factors such as skill set, experience, certifications, and work location.

Exp Federal is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer who fully supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information, Family and Medical Leave, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity or Expression. U.S. citizenship is required for all positions in accordance with 8 U.S.C. §1324b.2c.