Senior Fire Protection Engineer SME (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. We are seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer / Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support our rapidly growing Data Center practice.

This position will serve as the technical leader for fire protection engineering across multiple projects and programs, providing strategic guidance, mentoring staff, developing standards, and 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 Engineering Senior Engineer/SME for Data Center and Mission Critical projects
• Provide technical leadership and oversight for fire protection system design, code analysis, and life safety engineering
• Establish project fire protection design criteria, basis of design reports, and technical standards
• Lead fire protection 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
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and support discipline growth initiatives
• 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
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required
• 15+ years of fire protection engineering experience
• Demonstrated experience serving as a technical lead or subject matter expert
• 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

Ideally, you'll also have a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Fire Protection Engineering, NICET certifications, significant Data Center and Mission Critical facility experience, experience with hyperscale, colocation, and AI-focused Data Center developments, and familiarity with fire alarm systems, smoke detection systems, emergency communication systems, and life safety analysis.

Benefits

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. 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.

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

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.