Fire Protection Engineer

Position Overview

Who You Are
As an employee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently. Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain client relationships and consistently deliver high-quality work products.
• Support business development through networking, marketing initiatives, quality work products, and client referrals.
• Develop and present comprehensive proposals, scopes of work, budgets, and bids for fire engineering services.
• Ensure projects adhere to fire safety standards (e.g., UL 9540, NFPA 855) by reviewing design specifications, performing risk analyses (Hazard Mitigation Analysis (HMA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), modeling), designing suppression and detection systems, coordinating with authorities (AHJs, first responders), and formulating emergency plans that emphasize holistic, risk-based solutions throughout all project phases.
• Design, implement, and oversee fire suppression (such as water mist), detection (UV/IR), gas detection, and explosion mitigation systems.
• Provide technical support and review for fire, propagation, and system integration testing (UL 9540A), including evaluation of test reports and applicability to design constraints.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on BESS fire safety, offering guidance regarding complex codes, standards, and industry best practices.
• Assess BESS product designs, system layouts, fire suppression and alarm/detection systems, and ventilation strategies for regulatory compliance.
• Conduct analyses including HMA, FMEA, heat flux assessments, and CFD modeling.
• Ensure all designs comply with applicable codes and local regulations (NFPA, IFC, UL); prepare technical documentation for AHJ submissions; and manage related filings.
• Foster relationships with Fire Marshals, first responders, regulators, public utility commissions, and community stakeholders, providing education about BESS hazards and emergency response procedures.
• Develop and routinely update Emergency Response Plans (ERPs/EOPs) for scenarios such as thermal runaway incidents.

Qualifications

• Experience: 10+ years in Fire Protection Consulting (Minimum 5+ years in fire protection engineering, with demonstrable experience on energy projects and battery energy storage systems).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering or related field (Fire Science, Mechanical Engineering).
• License: Current Fire Protection Engineer.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in fire modeling tools (various models developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) including Fire Dynamics Simulator). Familiarity with NFPA codes, California Fire Code, and local fire agency requirements. Knowledge of fire suppression systems, thermal management, and hazard mitigation principles.
• Professional Certifications: Preferred – Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) or equivalent.
• Professional Associations: Preferred – Active member within the Society of Fire Protection Engineers.
• Experience with energy storage safety standards, including cascading protections, suppression systems, and emergency response planning.
• Experience with GIS-based fire risk analysis and integration of fire protection systems into infrastructure projects.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills for regulatory documentation and client presentations.