Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts
Fire protection engineer jobs in Massachusetts are in strong demand, concentrated in life sciences and biotech campuses, healthcare systems, higher education institutions, and large-scale commercial construction, with openings at every level from entry-level analyst through senior principal. Boston, Cambridge, and Worcester are the primary hiring centers, where employers such as WSP Global, Jensen Hughes, and Arup maintain active Massachusetts offices and regularly recruit for fire protection talent. The most sought-after specialties include performance-based design, fire alarm and suppression systems engineering, and code consulting for complex occupancies. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Fire Protection Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 17+ Fire Protection Engineer jobs
About Exponent:
Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.
We are committed to engaging multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower our clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.
Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you’ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team! Key statistics:
* 950+ Consultants
* 640+ Ph.D.s
* 90+ Disciplines
* 30+ Offices globally
Our Opportunity:
We are currently seeking a Fire Protection Engineer for our Thermal Sciences Practice in Bowie, MD; Chicago, IL; Warrenville, IL; Menlo Park, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Natick, MA; or Atlanta, GA. In this role, you will be responsible for participating in and leading the investigation and analysis of failures including structures, vehicle and wildland fires, explosions, industrial processes, combustion systems, consumer products, appliances, and automobiles.
You will be responsible for:
- Evaluating the performance of fire protection, fire detection, and life safety systems
- Reviewing fire protection codes and standards
- Conducting laboratory assessments of material flammability
- Planning and executing experimental test programs
- Performing engineering calculations and analysis
- Conducting fieldwork
- Preparing proposals and technical reports, and presenting findings to clients
Basic Qualifications:
You will have the following skills and qualifications:
- Ph.D. or Master's Degree in Fire Protection Engineering
- Work experience and/or internship experience in Fire Protection Engineering is highly desirable
- Strong technical background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and combustion
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
- Hands-on experience in executing experimental programs
- Hands-on experience in fire protection system design, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance is a plus
- Prior experience with prescriptive and/or performance-based analysis and application of NFPA and ICC codes and standards preferred
- Strong desire and ability to tackle a wide variety of problems within and outside direct area of expertise
Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].
Life @ Exponent:
To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact
Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.
Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference.
Work Environment:
At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.
We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite
Compensation:
Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.
Salary Range: USD $115,000.00 - USD $135,000.00 /Yr.
Benefits you will enjoy:
Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR-Accommodations@exponent.com.
Job Locations:
US-MA-Natick
US-GA-Atlanta
US-IL-Chicago
US-CA-Los Angeles
US-MD-Bowie
US-CA-Menlo Park
US-IL-Warrenville
About Exponent:
Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.
We are committed to engaging multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower our clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.
Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you’ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team! Key statistics:
* 950+ Consultants
* 640+ Ph.D.s
* 90+ Disciplines
* 30+ Offices globally
Our Opportunity:
We are currently seeking a Fire Protection Engineer for our Thermal Sciences Practice in Bowie, MD; Chicago, IL; Warrenville, IL; Menlo Park, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Natick, MA; or Atlanta, GA. In this role, you will be responsible for participating in and leading the investigation and analysis of failures including structures, vehicle and wildland fires, explosions, industrial processes, combustion systems, consumer products, appliances, and automobiles.
You will be responsible for:
- Evaluating the performance of fire protection, fire detection, and life safety systems
- Reviewing fire protection codes and standards
- Conducting laboratory assessments of material flammability
- Planning and executing experimental test programs
- Performing engineering calculations and analysis
- Conducting fieldwork
- Preparing proposals and technical reports, and presenting findings to clients
Basic Qualifications:
You will have the following skills and qualifications:
- Ph.D. or Master's Degree in Fire Protection Engineering
- Work experience and/or internship experience in Fire Protection Engineering is highly desirable
- Strong technical background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and combustion
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
- Hands-on experience in executing experimental programs
- Hands-on experience in fire protection system design, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance is a plus
- Prior experience with prescriptive and/or performance-based analysis and application of NFPA and ICC codes and standards preferred
- Strong desire and ability to tackle a wide variety of problems within and outside direct area of expertise
Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].
Life @ Exponent:
To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact
Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.
Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference.
Work Environment:
At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.
We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite
Compensation:
Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.
Salary Range: USD $115,000.00 - USD $135,000.00 /Yr.
Benefits you will enjoy:
Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page: https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR-Accommodations@exponent.com.
Job Locations:
US-MA-Natick
US-GA-Atlanta
US-IL-Chicago
US-CA-Los Angeles
US-MD-Bowie
US-CA-Menlo Park
US-IL-Warrenville
See All 17 Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts
Find roles in Massachusetts that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Fire Protection Engineer JobsFire Protection Engineer Jobs by City in Massachusetts
Where Massachusetts roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Fire Protection Engineer Job Market in Massachusetts
A snapshot from current Massachusetts openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
What Massachusetts Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in fire protection engineer jobs across Massachusetts.
- Active Massachusetts Professional Engineer license or eligibility for licensure by examination or reciprocity
- Bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field
- Proficiency in fire modeling software such as FDS, CFAST, or PyroSim for performance-based design projects
- Familiarity with NFPA codes, IBC, and Massachusetts-specific amendments to the State Building Code
- Experience designing sprinkler, suppression, or fire alarm systems for commercial or institutional occupancies
- Strong written communication skills for preparing code compliance reports and coordinating with authorities having jurisdiction
Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a fire protection engineer in Massachusetts?
You become a fire protection engineer in Massachusetts by earning a bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering or a related engineering discipline, then obtaining licensure as a Professional Engineer through the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors. Candidates typically pass the FE exam first, accumulate qualifying experience under a licensed PE, and then pass the PE exam. A degree specifically in fire protection engineering, such as those offered at WPI in Worcester, strengthens competitiveness considerably.
How much do fire protection engineers make in Massachusetts?
Fire protection engineers in Massachusetts earn a median of about $131,210 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $94,340 for the lowest 10% to over $215,430 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire fire protection engineers in Massachusetts?
Employers hiring fire protection engineers in Massachusetts right now include Stantec, SmithGroup, and Buro Happold, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Massachusetts's concentration of life sciences campuses, major hospital systems, and large university construction projects means engineering and consulting firms with local offices drive much of the steady hiring activity.
Which Massachusetts cities have the most fire protection engineer jobs?
The cities with the most fire protection engineer openings in Massachusetts are Boston, Waltham, and Natick. Boston and Cambridge lead because of the dense cluster of biotech and pharma campuses, major hospitals, and high-rise commercial development that require ongoing fire protection design and consulting work, while Worcester's engineering employers, anchored in part by WPI's local industry ties, generate consistent demand in that corridor.
Are there remote fire protection engineer jobs in Massachusetts?
Yes, but they're rare. Fire protection engineering is largely site-dependent, requiring field surveys, coordination with contractors, and in-person inspections, which limits full-remote arrangements. About 56% of fire protection engineer openings tied to Massachusetts are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to involve code consulting, report writing, or design review work that can be completed off-site.
How can I get hired as a fire protection engineer in Massachusetts with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a junior fire protection engineer or engineering intern role at a mid-size consulting firm with a Massachusetts office, where you can work directly under licensed PEs on real project teams. Firms like Jensen Hughes and WSP recruit new graduates, and WPI's fire protection engineering program has direct pipelines to Massachusetts employers. Passing the FE exam and gaining familiarity with NFPA 13 and NFPA 72 before applying gives candidates a clear edge over generalist engineering graduates.
Where can I find and apply to fire protection engineer jobs in Massachusetts?
You can find and apply to fire protection engineer jobs in Massachusetts on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and specialty, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 17 Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts
Find roles in Massachusetts that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Fire Protection Engineer Jobs