Fire Protection Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Fire protection engineers design and implement systems to prevent, detect, and suppress fires in buildings and industrial facilities. This specialty occupation qualifies for H-1B visa, E-3 visa, and TN visas due to its engineering degree requirement and specialized technical knowledge in fire safety codes, sprinkler systems, and building compliance. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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INTRODUCTION
There’s no pledge more important than the one we make to look after our environment, and we’re committed to helping you do exactly that!
Join us as we strive to ensure a sustainable future for our communities and the world we live in.
Become part of our global network of skilled engineers, scientists, auditors, planners and environmental specialists, all working together to leave this world better than we found it.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
GHD is seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer to join our U.S. West team, with opportunities based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Irvine, CA; Anchorage, AK; Seattle, WA; and Phoenix, AZ. This role supports the Fire & Life Safety Business Group through the application of strong technical expertise, operational insight, and leadership to deliver high-quality solutions.
The position serves as a client-facing trusted advisor and solutions provider, building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and stakeholders while supporting a diverse portfolio of GHD projects across multiple sectors. Responsibilities include developing innovative, practical, and code-compliant fire protection strategies and acting as a key coordinator across multidisciplinary teams, interfacing with consultants and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and contributing to successful project delivery on time and within scope.
In the problem solving business, it helps to be restlessly curious to deliver community change. Our vision is to ensure energy, water and urbanization are made sustainable for generations to come. You can lead the way into a new future for our industry, inspiring the next generation of driven and committed people in the process.
Learn about leadership opportunities with GHD.
Our Hybrid Work Model: Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities describe the typical accountabilities and scope of work for this job, while recognizing that individual objectives are set with the manager and may vary over time.
- Budgeting and Costing: Develop and/or deliver budget plans with guidance from senior colleagues.
- Building Capability: Implement the formal development framework for a team, with guidance from senior colleagues. Provide informal coaching to others throughout the organization in area of expertise.
- Business Requirements Identification: Elicit complex business requirements using a variety of methods, such as interviews, document analysis, workshops, and workflow analysis, to express the requirements in terms of target user roles and goals.
- Client & Customer Management (External): Manage important client relationships with guidance from senior colleagues, or oversee relationship management with a group of more transactional clients and customers.
- Internal Communications: Develop and/or deliver a plan for significant aspects of internal communications with guidance from senior colleagues.
- Leadership and Direction: Communicate the local action plan; explain how this relates to the function's strategy and action plan and to the broader organization's mission and vision; motivate people to achieve local business goals.
- Performance Management: Manage and report on the performance of a substantial, diverse team; set appropriate performance objectives for direct reports or project/account team members and hold individuals accountable for achieving them; take appropriate corrective action where necessary to ensure the achievement of team/personal objectives.
- Project Management: Manage a portfolio of major projects in line with overall project management strategy.
- Strategic Planning: Develop and/or deliver elements of a strategic planning system with guidance from senior colleagues.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection, Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering, or related field, from an accredited engineering institution
- Master's degree in Fire Protection Engineering preferred
Experience
- 10+ years of direct experience in project management, evaluation and design of fire protection systems, and building/fire code consulting
- Professional Engineer (PE) registration in Fire Protection Engineering
- Strong communication and client relationship management skills
- Experience developing contract documents for fire protection and fire alarm systems across a variety of project types, including federal, healthcare, and state projects
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and collaborate effectively in a team environment
- In-depth knowledge of applicable building and fire codes and standards
- Experience in risk analysis and evaluation
- Preferred: Working knowledge of AutoCAD and/or Revit design
- Preferred: Experience applying fire modeling tools and smoke control design
EEO Statement US: As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or veteran status.

INTRODUCTION
There’s no pledge more important than the one we make to look after our environment, and we’re committed to helping you do exactly that!
Join us as we strive to ensure a sustainable future for our communities and the world we live in.
Become part of our global network of skilled engineers, scientists, auditors, planners and environmental specialists, all working together to leave this world better than we found it.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
GHD is seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer to join our U.S. West team, with opportunities based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Irvine, CA; Anchorage, AK; Seattle, WA; and Phoenix, AZ. This role supports the Fire & Life Safety Business Group through the application of strong technical expertise, operational insight, and leadership to deliver high-quality solutions.
The position serves as a client-facing trusted advisor and solutions provider, building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and stakeholders while supporting a diverse portfolio of GHD projects across multiple sectors. Responsibilities include developing innovative, practical, and code-compliant fire protection strategies and acting as a key coordinator across multidisciplinary teams, interfacing with consultants and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and contributing to successful project delivery on time and within scope.
In the problem solving business, it helps to be restlessly curious to deliver community change. Our vision is to ensure energy, water and urbanization are made sustainable for generations to come. You can lead the way into a new future for our industry, inspiring the next generation of driven and committed people in the process.
Learn about leadership opportunities with GHD.
Our Hybrid Work Model: Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities describe the typical accountabilities and scope of work for this job, while recognizing that individual objectives are set with the manager and may vary over time.
- Budgeting and Costing: Develop and/or deliver budget plans with guidance from senior colleagues.
- Building Capability: Implement the formal development framework for a team, with guidance from senior colleagues. Provide informal coaching to others throughout the organization in area of expertise.
- Business Requirements Identification: Elicit complex business requirements using a variety of methods, such as interviews, document analysis, workshops, and workflow analysis, to express the requirements in terms of target user roles and goals.
- Client & Customer Management (External): Manage important client relationships with guidance from senior colleagues, or oversee relationship management with a group of more transactional clients and customers.
- Internal Communications: Develop and/or deliver a plan for significant aspects of internal communications with guidance from senior colleagues.
- Leadership and Direction: Communicate the local action plan; explain how this relates to the function's strategy and action plan and to the broader organization's mission and vision; motivate people to achieve local business goals.
- Performance Management: Manage and report on the performance of a substantial, diverse team; set appropriate performance objectives for direct reports or project/account team members and hold individuals accountable for achieving them; take appropriate corrective action where necessary to ensure the achievement of team/personal objectives.
- Project Management: Manage a portfolio of major projects in line with overall project management strategy.
- Strategic Planning: Develop and/or deliver elements of a strategic planning system with guidance from senior colleagues.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection, Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering, or related field, from an accredited engineering institution
- Master's degree in Fire Protection Engineering preferred
Experience
- 10+ years of direct experience in project management, evaluation and design of fire protection systems, and building/fire code consulting
- Professional Engineer (PE) registration in Fire Protection Engineering
- Strong communication and client relationship management skills
- Experience developing contract documents for fire protection and fire alarm systems across a variety of project types, including federal, healthcare, and state projects
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and collaborate effectively in a team environment
- In-depth knowledge of applicable building and fire codes and standards
- Experience in risk analysis and evaluation
- Preferred: Working knowledge of AutoCAD and/or Revit design
- Preferred: Experience applying fire modeling tools and smoke control design
EEO Statement US: As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or veteran status.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Fire Protection Engineer
Target engineering consultancies and construction firms
Fire protection engineering firms like Arup, Jensen Hughes, and Rolf Jensen & Associates regularly sponsor visas. Large construction companies and building consultancies also need fire protection expertise for major projects.
Emphasize NFPA and code compliance expertise
Highlight experience with NFPA standards, IBC fire codes, and local building regulations. Employers value engineers who understand U.S. fire safety requirements and can ensure regulatory compliance from day one.
Showcase specialized system design experience
Detail experience with sprinkler systems, fire alarm design, smoke control, or performance-based design. Specialized expertise in areas like data centers, healthcare, or high-rise buildings strengthens your sponsorship case.
Consider defense contractors and government work
Department of Defense contractors, national laboratories, and federal agencies hire fire protection engineers. These positions often justify visa sponsorship due to specialized security and compliance requirements in government facilities.
Network through SFPE professional chapters
The Society of Fire Protection Engineers has local chapters nationwide. Attending meetings and conferences helps you connect with hiring managers at firms that understand the value of international fire protection talent.
Get U.S. certifications while job searching
Consider pursuing FPE certification or NICET credentials while searching. Having U.S.-recognized certifications demonstrates commitment and reduces employer concerns about international qualifications requiring additional training or validation.
Fire Protection Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Fire Protection Engineer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fire protection engineering degree for visa sponsorship?
A fire protection engineering degree is ideal but not required. Mechanical, civil, or chemical engineering degrees work if your role involves fire safety systems. The key is that your degree must be engineering-related and your job duties must require specialized fire protection knowledge that typically requires an engineering background.
Which visa works best for fire protection engineers?
H-1B is most common since fire protection engineering clearly qualifies as a specialty occupation. E-3 works for Australians, and TN applies for Canadians under the "Engineer" category. All three recognize fire protection engineering as requiring specialized technical knowledge that supports the visa requirements.
What experience do employers look for when sponsoring visas?
Employers typically want 2-5 years of fire protection experience, knowledge of U.S. codes like NFPA and IBC, and system design experience with sprinklers, alarms, or smoke control. Experience with performance-based design, building modeling software like FDS or Pathfinder, and specific industries like healthcare or data centers adds value.
How to find Fire Protection Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Fire Protection Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international professionals with sponsored positions. Focus your search on construction firms, engineering consultancies, and safety compliance companies that frequently sponsor H-1B and other work visas. These employers often need Fire Protection Engineers for building design, code compliance, and risk assessment projects requiring specialized expertise.
How strong is the job market for international fire protection engineers?
The market is solid with growing demand due to increased focus on building safety and complex fire protection systems. Many experienced engineers are retiring, creating opportunities. The specialized nature of fire protection work and shortage of qualified professionals makes employers more willing to sponsor international candidates.
Can I get sponsored for entry-level fire protection engineering roles?
Entry-level sponsorship is possible but competitive. Large engineering firms and consultancies occasionally sponsor new graduates, especially those with internship experience or relevant coursework in fire protection. Having a master's degree in fire protection engineering or FPE certification significantly improves your chances for entry-level sponsorship.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Fire Protection Engineer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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