OPT Fire Protection Engineer Jobs
Fire Protection Engineer jobs on OPT require a degree in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations, making them well-suited for both STEM OPT (36 months) and standard OPT. Employers in construction, consulting, and federal contracting regularly sponsor these positions.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany Description
Big challenges need bold thinkers.
If you’re someone who sees problems as opportunities, you’ll thrive here. RESPEC is 100% employee-owned, which means we take ownership of every challenge. Here, your ideas drive real solutions. Since 1969, we’ve tackled complex challenges in energy transition, infrastructure resilience, digital transformation, and sustainability.
At RESPEC, you’ll work alongside clients to take on critical problems. Depending on your expertise, you might design infrastructure in remote locations, develop renewable energy solutions for global projects, or apply data-driven technology to improve mining and water systems.
We bring deep technical knowledge, real-world experience, and a commitment to work that matters. If you're looking for a place where your contributions have real impact, you’ll fit right in.
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters.
Job Description
RESPEC is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to join our team in Anchorage, Alaska. This is a full-time, onsite position.
The Fire Protection Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining fire protection systems to safeguard our clients’ facilities and personnel. You will integrate with multidisciplinary engineering teams in various regions to develop comprehensive fire safety plans, develop strategies to mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with all relevant codes and regulations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Work on multiple projects simultaneously, proactively collaborating with team members and clients to resolve technical challenges
- Provide technical review of project designs, plan drawings, engineering reports, technical specifications, and other contract deliverables for feasibility, technical accuracy, and quality
- Track project progress within established project scopes, budgets, and schedules and alert project managers of any issues that may affect them
- Support other market sectors on design projects as workload dictates
- Prepare clear and concise written communications and participate in client and team meetings
- Present design projects, as required, as part of outreach to clients and the public
- Conduct research and write technical portions of proposals to assist in bringing in new work
- Ability to conduct site visits across Alaska to review and document facilities and project progress
Qualifications
Our ideal candidate will possess:
Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in fire protection engineering or a related field
- Strong knowledge of fire safety codes and regulations
- AutoCAD and Civil 3D experience preferred
- Proficiency in fire protection design software and tools
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel)
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain a clean driving record; position requires operating a company or personal vehicle during work hours for business-related travel
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Professional Fire Protection Engineer (FPE) license in the State of Alaska
Additional Information
Compensation: Salary depends on experience and expertise. Compensation includes a comprehensive fringe-benefits package. RESPEC is a 100 percent employee-owned company, and employees are eligible for participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) after a qualifying period.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Company Description
Big challenges need bold thinkers.
If you’re someone who sees problems as opportunities, you’ll thrive here. RESPEC is 100% employee-owned, which means we take ownership of every challenge. Here, your ideas drive real solutions. Since 1969, we’ve tackled complex challenges in energy transition, infrastructure resilience, digital transformation, and sustainability.
At RESPEC, you’ll work alongside clients to take on critical problems. Depending on your expertise, you might design infrastructure in remote locations, develop renewable energy solutions for global projects, or apply data-driven technology to improve mining and water systems.
We bring deep technical knowledge, real-world experience, and a commitment to work that matters. If you're looking for a place where your contributions have real impact, you’ll fit right in.
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters.
Job Description
RESPEC is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to join our team in Anchorage, Alaska. This is a full-time, onsite position.
The Fire Protection Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining fire protection systems to safeguard our clients’ facilities and personnel. You will integrate with multidisciplinary engineering teams in various regions to develop comprehensive fire safety plans, develop strategies to mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with all relevant codes and regulations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Work on multiple projects simultaneously, proactively collaborating with team members and clients to resolve technical challenges
- Provide technical review of project designs, plan drawings, engineering reports, technical specifications, and other contract deliverables for feasibility, technical accuracy, and quality
- Track project progress within established project scopes, budgets, and schedules and alert project managers of any issues that may affect them
- Support other market sectors on design projects as workload dictates
- Prepare clear and concise written communications and participate in client and team meetings
- Present design projects, as required, as part of outreach to clients and the public
- Conduct research and write technical portions of proposals to assist in bringing in new work
- Ability to conduct site visits across Alaska to review and document facilities and project progress
Qualifications
Our ideal candidate will possess:
Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in fire protection engineering or a related field
- Strong knowledge of fire safety codes and regulations
- AutoCAD and Civil 3D experience preferred
- Proficiency in fire protection design software and tools
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel)
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain a clean driving record; position requires operating a company or personal vehicle during work hours for business-related travel
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Professional Fire Protection Engineer (FPE) license in the State of Alaska
Additional Information
Compensation: Salary depends on experience and expertise. Compensation includes a comprehensive fringe-benefits package. RESPEC is a 100 percent employee-owned company, and employees are eligible for participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) after a qualifying period.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
See all 95+ OPT Fire Protection Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Fire Protection Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Fire Protection Engineer
Target STEM OPT-eligible degree fields
Fire protection engineering roles almost always require a degree in engineering or a related STEM field, which qualifies you for 36-month STEM OPT. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying to maximize your authorized work period.
Focus on federal contractors and large consulting firms
Government contractors and engineering consultancies like ARUP, Jensen Hughes, and WSP regularly sponsor fire protection engineers. These employers have established immigration processes and are more likely to file H-1B visa petitions at the end of your OPT period.
Get licensed as early as possible
An Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification signals serious commitment to hiring managers. Many states allow you to sit for the FE exam while still in school. Pursuing licensure during OPT strengthens both your application and your H-1B specialty occupation case.
Highlight codes and standards expertise in your resume
Employers expect familiarity with NFPA codes, IBC requirements, and fire modeling software like PyroSim or FDS. Naming these tools and standards explicitly helps your resume clear automated filters and demonstrates the specialized knowledge that supports a specialty occupation visa filing.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship before accepting offers
Confirm sponsorship intent during late-stage interviews, not after signing. Ask directly whether the company has sponsored H-1B petitions for engineers before and whether they work with outside immigration counsel. This saves time and avoids difficult conversations later.
Track your OPT reporting deadlines carefully
Fire protection roles often involve multiple project sites, which can complicate employer reporting requirements. Any change in employer, job title, or work location must be reported to your DSO within ten days to keep your SEVIS record accurate and your OPT status valid.
Fire Protection Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a fire protection engineer role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT and H-1B purposes?
Yes. Fire protection engineering consistently meets the specialty occupation standard because the role requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field. USCIS has approved H-1B petitions for this job title across consulting, construction, and government contracting sectors. Your degree field and job duties should align clearly in any petition.
Which employers hire fire protection engineers on OPT?
Engineering consultancies, federal contractors, code compliance firms, and large construction companies are the most active employers. Firms like Jensen Hughes, ARUP, Telgian, and WSP regularly hire fire protection engineers and have immigration infrastructure in place. You can browse OPT-friendly openings on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for employers open to sponsoring international candidates.
Can I work on multiple project sites as an OPT employee in this role?
Yes, but each work location may need to be documented. If your employer sends you to client sites or project locations outside your primary office, this can raise questions under your OPT reporting obligations. Keep your DSO updated on any material changes to your work location, especially if you move to a different city or state for an extended project assignment.
Does a fire protection engineering role qualify me for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you hold a degree in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering, or another qualifying STEM field, and your employer meets the E-Verify requirement, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO.
What should I do if my OPT ends before my H-1B petition is approved?
If your employer files your H-1B cap-subject petition before your OPT expires and you have a valid STEM OPT extension, you may be covered by a cap-gap extension that bridges your status until October 1 of that fiscal year. Work closely with your employer's immigration attorney and keep your DSO informed of all filing dates and status changes.