Fire Protection Engineer (Data Centers)

Jacobs · Lawrence, KS · Yesterday

Manufacturing$170k–$233k/yrFull-time

About the role

This position will support the fire protection engineering across multiple projects and programs, and ensure technical excellence for complex mission-critical facilities. In this role, 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. You will work with the project teams that contribute to business development efforts, and help shape the future direction of our fire protection capabilities within the Data Center market.

Key contributions

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

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

Preferred 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

Pay & benefits

Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. Certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.