Fire Protection Engineer (Data Centers)

This job opportunity is available at any location in the United States. Ideally, selected candidates will be near a Jacobs U.S.-based office, but we intend to hire the best candidates regardless of location.

About the role

In our Mechanical Data Center team, we elevate our clients by delivering cost-effective and transformative projects. We are seeking a Fire Protection Engineer to support our rapidly growing Data Center practice. This position will support fire protection engineering across multiple projects and programs, ensuring technical excellence for complex mission-critical facilities. You will collaborate with clients, architects, engineers, contractors, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), and internal leadership teams to develop innovative fire protection designs that meet stringent reliability, operational, and code requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Fire Protection Engineer for Data Center and Mission Critical projects
• Provide fire protection system design, code analysis, and life safety engineering
• Establish project fire protection design criteria, basis of design reports, and technical standards
• Participate in design reviews and quality assurance/quality control efforts across multiple projects
• Conduct code evaluations and interpretations using applicable NFPA, IBC, IFC, FM Global, and client-specific standards
• Develop suppression system concepts, including:
  • Water-based sprinkler systems
  • Fire pumps and fire water storage systems
  • Pre-action systems
  • Clean agent systems
  • Special hazards protection systems
• Perform and oversee hydraulic calculations for site fire water distribution networks, fire pumps, water storage tanks, and sprinkler systems
• Coordinate fire protection designs with mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, and architectural disciplines
• Interface directly with clients, insurance carriers, code officials, and AHJs to obtain approvals and resolve technical issues
• Support large-scale campus master planning efforts and establish fire protection strategies for hyperscale and AI-focused data center developments
• Assist project managers with scope development, staffing plans, budgets, schedules, and risk management
• Support proposal development, interviews, and business development activities within the Data Center market
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, codes, and industry trends impacting mission-critical facilities

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline
• 5+ years of fire protection engineering experience
• Extensive knowledge of:
  • NFPA Codes and Standards
  • International Building Code (IBC)
  • International Fire Code (IFC)
  • FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets
  • OSHA requirements
  • Local and state fire codes
• Experience designing fire suppression systems for large industrial, commercial, mission critical, or Data Center facilities
• Strong understanding of fire pumps, water-based suppression systems, water supply analysis, and hydraulic calculations
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams and mentor developing staff
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage executive leadership, clients, and AHJs

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Fire Protection Engineering
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• NICET certifications
• Significant Data Center and Mission Critical facility experience
• Experience with hyperscale, colocation, and AI-focused Data Center developments
• Experience with battery energy storage systems (BESS), lithium-ion battery protection, and emerging fire protection technologies
• Familiarity with fire alarm systems, smoke detection systems, emergency communication systems, and life safety analysis
• Experience developing engineering standards, specifications, and best practices
• Working knowledge of Revit, BIM coordination, and hydraulic calculation software such as AutoSPRINK, HASS, HydraCALC, or similar tools
• Experience supporting global project delivery teams and multi-office engineering organizations

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance
• 401(k) plan with company stock purchase options at a discount
• Deferred compensation plan or Executive Deferral Plan (for eligible employees)
• Unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees
• Seven paid holidays and caregiver leave
• Additional rewards for certain roles, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock

Pay

The base salary range for this position is $169,500.00 to $233,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Schedule

Jacobs offers a hybrid working policy, allowing employees to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations.