Fire Protection Engineer

The Role

The Forensic Fire Protection Engineer supports the YAES forensic engineering team in the evaluation of fire rated assemblies and components in addition to the investigation of fires, explosions, and fire suppression system failures to determine origin, cause, and extent of loss or defect. Working on behalf of insurance carriers, legal counsel, and property owners across both public and private sectors, this role applies fire science, engineering principles, and knowledge of codes and standards to analyze physical evidence, evaluate fire protection equipment, fire rated assemblies and produce objective, defensible technical findings.

The position requires field investigation, evidence documentation, laboratory analysis, and clear written communication of complex technical conclusions.

• Conduct fire origin and cause investigations in accordance with NFPA 921
• Document scenes through photography, field sketches, and evidence collection
• Analyze fire patterns, burn indicators, char depth, and smoke deposition to determine origin
• Investigate electrical systems, appliances, HVAC, and other potential ignition sources
• Assess the role of building construction, fire-rated assemblies, fuel load, and ventilation in fire spread
• Evaluate the performance of sprinklers, fire alarms, and suppression systems against applicable NFPA standards
• Perform fire safety inspections and code analysis to identify contributing deficiencies
• Review hydraulic calculations and sprinkler system designs as part of loss assessments
• Collect and preserve physical evidence, maintaining proper chain of custody
• Coordinate lab analysis for accelerant detection, electrical failure, and equipment examination
• Prepare clear and well-supported technical reports documenting findings and opinions
• Support depositions, mediations, and litigation as needed

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of fire protection engineering experience, with 5+ years in forensic investigations
• Active PE license required
• Working knowledge of NFPA 921, NFPA system standards, and fire-rated construction requirements
• Experience evaluating fire alarm systems, suppression systems, and conducting fire safety inspections
• Familiarity with both public and private sector clients, including insurers, attorneys, and property owners
• Experience with fire dynamics modeling tools (e.g., FDS)
• Background in electrical failure analysis or equipment investigations
• Candidates in the Seattle area must be able to work in a hybrid arrangement and report to our Seattle office regularly; those located outside WA/OR should expect moderate to frequent travel, primarily within WA, OR, CA, and HI

• Employee-focused culture
• Strong commitment to work-life balance
• Remote & Hybrid opportunities
• Flexible vacation & Paid holidays
• Paid family care/sick leave
• Parental leave
• 401k w/match