Fire Protection Engineer

CDM Smith is hiring a Fire Protection Engineer to join our team in New Chicago, Lake County, on a full-time basis. In this role, you'll design and oversee fire protection systems that safeguard buildings and occupants across diverse project types and industries.

The Opportunity

As a Fire Protection Engineer at CDM Smith, you will work on high-impact projects where your technical expertise directly protects communities. Our New Chicago, Lake County office is seeking someone ready to grow their career while contributing to meaningful infrastructure and safety work. You'll collaborate across project teams and apply deep technical knowledge to solve complex fire and life safety challenges.

Responsibilities

• Design fire protection systems including sprinkler networks, detection systems, and suppression equipment for institutional, commercial, and industrial facilities
• Conduct fire protection assessments and risk analyses to ensure compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and local building ordinances
• Prepare detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and technical reports for review by architects, contractors, and code officials
• Collaborate with project teams—architects, mechanical engineers, and clients—to integrate fire protection into overall building systems
• Review contractor submittals and oversee installation quality to verify fire protection systems meet design intent and regulatory requirements
• Support permit applications, code variance requests, and regulatory coordination with local fire departments and jurisdictional authorities

Skills & Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Fire Protection, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related discipline
• Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related discipline
• Knowledge of NFPA standards (NFPA 13, NFPA 72, and related fire protection codes)
• Experience designing and specifying fire protection systems for commercial or institutional projects
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or other engineering design software
• Strong communication skills and ability to present technical information to diverse stakeholders
• Problem-solving abilities in applying fire protection principles to site-specific conditions

Working at CDM Smith

CDM Smith is a global engineering and construction services firm serving clients across infrastructure, water, transportation, and buildings. Our culture prioritizes employee development, collaborative teamwork, and delivering solutions that create measurable impact. When you join our New Chicago, Lake County office, you become part of a team invested in your professional growth and the success of every project we undertake.

Next Steps

To apply, complete your application directly on this page, or you'll be redirected to the employer's application platform to finish submitting there.