Fire Protection Engineer Jobs for OPT Students
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.
See All Fire Protection Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 147+ Fire Protection Engineer jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 147+ Fire Protection Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Fire Protection Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsCompany Description
We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company. We’re a people-centric firm, so it’s no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.
Job Description
Join Olsson’s Data Center Design team as an Assistant Fire Protection Engineer, where you’ll support on complex, mission-critical projects, including hyperscale data centers and secure facilities. This role works within a multidisciplinary team known for delivering innovative, high-performance building systems. You’ll help provide technical knowledge on fire protection strategies that safeguard infrastructure, protect assets, and meet the most rigorous code and client requirements. You’ll collaborate with architects, MEP engineers, and security professionals across sectors such as data centers, healthcare, higher education, commercial, industrial and federal facilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in System Design: Provide support in designing fire protection systems under the supervision of senior engineers, gaining hands-on experience with practical engineering solutions.
- Collaborate on Projects: Work closely with project teams to contribute to tasks and learn about project coordination and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Support Regulatory Compliance: Help review designs and documentation to ensure compliance with fire safety codes and standards, building a strong understanding of regulatory requirements.
- Engage in Technical Development: Participate in training and professional development activities to expand your knowledge of fire protection engineering principles and practices.
- Prepare Documentation and Analysis: Assist in creating technical reports, drawings, and analyses, developing skills in technical writing and data interpretation.
Qualifications
You are passionate about:
- Working collaboratively with others.
- Having ownership in the work you do.
- Using your talents to positively affect communities.
You Bring To The Team
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
- Bachelor’s degree in ABET accredited engineering or engineering technology degree recognized by NCEES.
- Strong interest in fire protection and life safety engineering.
- Must possess or be able to obtain Engineer Intern certificate (EI) via the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.
- Interested in pursuing NCEES Fire Protection Engineering Licensure.
- Experience with REVIT, a plus.
Additional Information
Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.
As An Olsson Employee, You Will
- Receive a competitive 401(k) match
- Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
- Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
- Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
- Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles
In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.
Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status. Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants’ personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the “CCPA”), this notice explains Olsson’s practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices. For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.
Company Description
We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company. We’re a people-centric firm, so it’s no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.
Job Description
Join Olsson’s Data Center Design team as an Assistant Fire Protection Engineer, where you’ll support on complex, mission-critical projects, including hyperscale data centers and secure facilities. This role works within a multidisciplinary team known for delivering innovative, high-performance building systems. You’ll help provide technical knowledge on fire protection strategies that safeguard infrastructure, protect assets, and meet the most rigorous code and client requirements. You’ll collaborate with architects, MEP engineers, and security professionals across sectors such as data centers, healthcare, higher education, commercial, industrial and federal facilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in System Design: Provide support in designing fire protection systems under the supervision of senior engineers, gaining hands-on experience with practical engineering solutions.
- Collaborate on Projects: Work closely with project teams to contribute to tasks and learn about project coordination and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Support Regulatory Compliance: Help review designs and documentation to ensure compliance with fire safety codes and standards, building a strong understanding of regulatory requirements.
- Engage in Technical Development: Participate in training and professional development activities to expand your knowledge of fire protection engineering principles and practices.
- Prepare Documentation and Analysis: Assist in creating technical reports, drawings, and analyses, developing skills in technical writing and data interpretation.
Qualifications
You are passionate about:
- Working collaboratively with others.
- Having ownership in the work you do.
- Using your talents to positively affect communities.
You Bring To The Team
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
- Bachelor’s degree in ABET accredited engineering or engineering technology degree recognized by NCEES.
- Strong interest in fire protection and life safety engineering.
- Must possess or be able to obtain Engineer Intern certificate (EI) via the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.
- Interested in pursuing NCEES Fire Protection Engineering Licensure.
- Experience with REVIT, a plus.
Additional Information
Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.
As An Olsson Employee, You Will
- Receive a competitive 401(k) match
- Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
- Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
- Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
- Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles
In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.
Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status. Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants’ personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the “CCPA”), this notice explains Olsson’s practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices. For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.
How to Get Visa 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 petitions at the end of your OPT period.
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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Fire Protection Engineer JobsSee all 147+ Fire Protection Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Fire Protection Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
See which Fire Protection Engineer employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Fire Protection Engineer Jobs