Fire Protection Engineer (Data Centers)
About the role
At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. 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. 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.
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, and 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 authorities having jurisdiction (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
Qualifications
- 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, and 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
Skills
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Fire Protection Engineering (preferred)
- Prof