Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in California
Fire Protection Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in commercial construction, technology campuses, healthcare facilities, and state and local government infrastructure across the full seniority range from entry-level analyst through principal engineer. The largest hiring hubs are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where firms such as Jensen Hughes, Arup, and WSP maintain significant California offices and ongoing project pipelines. The most in-demand specialties are performance-based design, high-rise and wildland-urban interface fire systems, and code compliance consulting. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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At Coffman Engineers, we serve as both prime consultant and sub consultant on projects large and small, including commercial, retail, institutional, government, industrial, and project/construction management. Incorporated in 1979, we have employees in more than 24 locations serving clients across the United States and overseas.
To meet client objectives and to integrate our many disciplines, we can create teams comprised of civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and corrosion control, as well as project/construction managers and professionals in a variety of specialty services. This ability has made us a leader in the engineering and construction communities, and has strengthened our reputation as being progressive, innovative, and a great place to work.
Job Description
The right team is more than an advantage; it’s a game changer! Come work with a team of engineering professionals dedicated to excellence at Coffman Engineer’s San Diego Office.
We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, and quality-oriented individual with a passion for engineering to join our team as a Structural Fire Protection Engineering Intern for the summer of 2027. This is a great opportunity to learn more about engineering in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry! The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years of post-secondary education in an accredited Structural and/or Civil Engineering program, with structural fire protection engineering experience preferred.
Qualifications
Eligibility Requirements:
- Enrolled as a full-time student in a Structural and/or Civil Engineering program at a nationally recognized, accredited college, with fire protection engineering preferred, but not required.
-
Minimum of three years of required courses completed towards an undergraduate Engineering degree.
- Coursework and working knowledge of Fire Protection Engineering preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Working knowledge and experience with AutoCAD, Revit and Bluebeam.
- Experience with computer software programs and analysis systems (such as Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RISA, ETABS, SAFIR, etc.)
- General building construction knowledge and/or experience with the design, engineering and/or construction (preferred)
- Able to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate ability to develop such capabilities.
- Possess strong critical thinking, organizational, and analytical abilities and demonstrate capability to develop such abilities.
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Positive contributor to overall office and department goals, culture and morale.
Expected hourly wage of $$25.00 - $30.00, hourly rate is based on experience.
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
Additional Information
Why You Want To Work Here
Coffman Engineers is a company that truly focuses on its employees. We support and encourage individually tailored professional and technical advancement as well as personal growth. We offer an excellent salary/benefits package, a desirable location, and a professional office environment with the opportunity to work with a collaborative team. Our offices provide several engineering discipline services, which work together collaboratively to provide complete engineering design packages.
Coffman offers a flexible schedule and this position may be eligible for PTO, a fun office environment with a high-performing team and a fully stocked kitchen! We welcome the dedicated and the driven. Join our growing team.
Don’t take our word for it. Check out what others are saying:
http://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Coffman-Engineers-Reviews-E409809.htm
Coffman at a Glance:
- 47 years in business
- 900+ employees serving clients throughout the U.S. and overseas from more than 24 locations
- Multi-discipline engineering services plus corrosion control, commissioning and project/construction management
- Zweig Group Hot Firm List, Zweig Group, 2021
- Top 500 Design Firms, Engineering News-Record, 2022
- Top Workplace (Small), The San Diego Union-Tribune, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
- Best Places to Work (Large), San Diego Business Journal, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
- “The List” for Engineering Firms, San Diego Business Journal, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Applying
You must apply online for this position. If you are unable to complete our online application process, or if you need assistance to do so, let us know so we can provide reasonable accommodation.
If you are experiencing problems applying through our system, please try again using a different browser or an updated version of your current browser. If that doesn't work, please contact us directly.
This position is direct with Coffman Engineers; we are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state, or local law.
Follow Us!
www.coffman.com
Twitter: @CoffmanEngineer
Instagram: @CoffmanEngineers
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffman-engineers
Facebook: @CoffmanEngineers
See All 40 Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in California
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Find Fire Protection Engineer JobsFire Protection Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Fire Protection Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Consumer Goods
- Government & Public Sector
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in fire protection engineer jobs across California.
- California Professional Engineer (PE) license in fire protection or mechanical engineering required or preferred
- Bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field
- Experience with NFPA codes, California Fire Code, and Title 19 California Code of Regulations
- Proficiency in hydraulic calculation software such as HydraCAD or AutoSPRINK
- Experience designing suppression, detection, and alarm systems for commercial or industrial projects
- Strong written communication skills for code reports, plan reviews, and client deliverables
Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a fire protection engineer in California?
You become a fire protection engineer in California by earning a bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, then obtaining a California Professional Engineer license through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Candidates typically pass the NCEES FPE or PE exam and complete the required work experience. The Society of Fire Protection Engineers also offers the CFPS credential, which California employers frequently list as a competitive advantage alongside the PE.
How much do fire protection engineers make in California?
Fire protection engineers in California earn a median of about $131,540 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $83,210 for the lowest 10% to over $175,940 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire fire protection engineers in California?
Employers hiring fire protection engineers in California right now include Coffman Engineers, Code Consultants, and Western States Fire Protection Company, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's large volume of commercial high-rise, healthcare, and technology campus construction keeps both national engineering consultancies and in-house corporate facilities teams consistently active in their hiring.
Which California cities have the most fire protection engineer jobs?
The cities with the most fire protection engineer openings in California are Los Angeles, San Diego, and Brea. Los Angeles and San Francisco drive the bulk of demand through high-rise commercial construction and large tech and healthcare campuses, while San Diego adds consistent volume through its defense facilities, biotech industry, and major medical center projects.
Are there remote fire protection engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're limited. Fire protection engineering involves regular site walks, plan reviews, and authority-having-jurisdiction coordination that generally require in-person presence. About 58% of fire protection engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in code consulting, peer review, and preliminary design work rather than construction administration or field inspection roles.
How can I get hired as a fire protection engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a junior or associate fire protection engineer role at a California-based engineering consultancy such as Jensen Hughes, Arup, or WSP, which regularly bring on new graduates for code analysis and system design support work. Candidates who have passed the NCEES FPE exam or earned an EIT certification stand out immediately. Lateral moves from mechanical or electrical engineering roles on fire alarm and suppression projects are a common bridge, and completing a California state agency internship through programs like CalFire or a large county fire authority builds applied experience that consultancies value.
Where can I find and apply to fire protection engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to fire protection engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers actively hiring for the role. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 40 Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in California
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