Fire Protection Engineer

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$124,200 - $157,464 Annually at the TSS.2 level
$148,920 - $188,880 Annually at the TSS.3 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

We have an opening for a Fire Protection Engineer. You will be responsible for performing activities associated with fire protection engineering and design support to the Laboratory’s Fire Protection Program and to Laboratory program facilities. This position is in the Emergency Management Department, Fire Protection Division.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will 

• Specify, review, and approve criteria for fire protection systems in new facilities and those undergoing modifications.
• Perform fire protection inspections, appraisals, and fire hazards analysis of facilities; evaluate facility and experimental design and installation for adequacy of fire protection, utilize and apply the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Code, Fire Prevention Code, and applicable Standards to analyze and determine adequacy of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, including but not limited to compliance with the applicable building code and DOE facility requirements.
• Conduct fire investigations for fire protection system malfunctions, analyze incidents to determine the root cause and recommend appropriate action to be taken for future prevention, and conduct job walks in program facilities on a regular basis to ensure implementation of fire protection principles.
• Observe construction contract fire protection system testing; analyze results and provide guidance to the Fire Marshal for system acceptance.
• Develop written technical reports and procedures, participate in design reviews involving facility construction and commissioning activities, provide information to management and provide solutions to moderately complex technical problems, including analysis and review of technical reports related to facility design and fire protection adequacy.
• Interact with all levels of personnel internal and external to the Laboratory in the preparation and review of Facility Safety Procedures, Operational Safety Procedures, Safety Analysis Reports, Design Reviews, Emergency Plans, Fire Protection Discipline Action Plans, and operational fire safety issues.
• Perform all assignments and operations in accordance with ES&H, security, quality standards, Life Safety Codes and Standards, Department of Energy regulatory compliance, and Laboratory business practice policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the TSS.3 level

• Represent the Fire Protection Program and lead other technical staff in the application of the NFPA Life Safety Code, Fire Prevention Code, and applicable Standards.
• Develop original solutions to complex technical problems requiring in-depth analysis, conduct fire protection training to program and building occupants, and provide training to health and safety technicians on fire protection implementation.
• Serve as technical advisor to the Fire Marshal, and provide guidance and support associated with applicable regulations, documents, and policies for operational compliance.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Fire Protection Technology, or related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of concepts in fire protection and understanding of associated codes, standards, regulations, and practices with special emphasis on the NFPA Life Safety Code and Fire Prevention Code.
• Comprehensive knowledge of automatic sprinkler inspections, testing, reviewing, and analyzing hydraulic calculations.
• Experience and demonstrated ability to evaluate, interpret, recommend, and implement solutions to moderately complex fire protection and related fire safety problems.
• Demonstrated analytical, decision making, and problem-solving skills with ability to organize and effectively manage technical projects.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate with, and be a strong member of interdisciplinary teams, present and explain technical information, including ability to work independently on projects and to support program goals.
• Experience with personal computers and related software and proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 30 lbs. in a safe and controlled manner.

Additional qualifications at the TSS.3 level 

• Significant experience in fire protection and advanced technical knowledge of associated codes, standards, regulations, and practices with special emphasis on the NFPA Life Safety Code and Fire Prevention Code.
• Advanced verbal and written communication, and interpersonal and facilitation skills necessary to effectively collaborate and work as a senior member of multi-disciplinary teams, participate in and lead design reviews, prepare and present complex technical data and reports, and provide advice to senior management, regulators, reviewers, stakeholders, and external sponsors.
• Proven ability to lead, prioritize and manage large, complex, high-visibility projects and scope that includes multiple and frequently conflicting and concurrent tasks in support of the Program mission.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience in administration of an impairment control program and associated compensatory measures program for fire protection and life safety.
• Experience in highly protected risk insurance engineering as well as formal training in the application of the Life Safety Code.
• Registered Fire Protection Engineer.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.