Principal Fire Protection Engineer

Location: Niskayuna

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values:
Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today!

Job Description This position is responsible for providing technical engineering guidance to the Knolls Fire Protection (KFP) unit. The primary function of the group is to ensure that all fire protection program requirements are developed, documented, and maintained to align with current industry standards and regulatory mandates, thereby ensuring the continued safety and compliance of site operations and the well-being of all personnel.

As Principal Lead Engineer, you will serve as the subject matter expert in engineering work processes and workflow management across the unit. While your main focus will be on the creation, standardization, and enforcement of formal engineering processes that govern how work is planned, executed, and recorded, it is also essential that you maintain a broad, working understanding of fire protection principles, system types, and applicable codes and standards.

This technical overview will equip you to integrate robust process standards with the practical and regulatory requirements of fire protection engineering. Core responsibilities include authoring and institutionalizing clear operational procedures, supporting compliance and scheduling efforts, and facilitating consistent communication and coordination. Primary stakeholders for this role include Building Superintendents, Facility Design, Infrastructure and Maintenance Engineering, Emergency Services & Systems, Space Planning & Renovations, and Radiological and Asbestos Programs.

In collaboration with these groups, you will mentor and guide junior staff, uphold standards of work quality and compliance, and serve as the principal resource for driving effective engineering workflow throughout the fire protection program. Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience;

or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering, science field and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience; or Currently a Principal Reactor Training Engineer, Refueling Engineer, or Field (RPCO) Engineer at the Company.

Preferred Skills
• Proven ability to mentor engineers and lead the development, implementation, and management of engineering processes and procedures in operations and facilities environments
• Expertise in engineering process development, documentation, work control, and regulatory compliance
• Strong coordination and communication skills across multidisciplinary teams, including operations, maintenance, management, and vendors
• Working knowledge of NFPA codes and standards, as well as International and New York State building/fire codes
• Relevant experience executing facility and infrastructure work at the Knolls Laboratory Site Compensation and Benefits Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits Disability, Life & Accident Insurance 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan Personal & Medical Time Off Paid Parental Leave Flexible Work Schedules Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Wellness Program Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!

Pay Range $ - $ annually Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by…