Early Career Fire and Life Safety Engineer

WSP•Columbia, MD

10d•Onsite

About The Position

WSP is seeking to hire several Full-Time Early Career Fire and Life Safety Engineers for their Columbia, MD office. This role involves providing technical assistance for the design, development, site survey, testing, and inspection of fire and life safety systems on building projects in both the public and private sectors. The position offers the opportunity to work on projects with the Fire and Life Safety (FLS) Team, contributing to an organization that solves client challenges with innovative technology. The role requires assisting with the research, design, concept development, planning, and integration of automatic sprinkler, fire alarm, mass notification, and smoke control systems. Additional responsibilities include assisting with egress analysis, smoke control and egress modeling, and reviewing building and fire code compliance. The ideal candidate will be accountable for their tasks, ensuring high-quality delivery that meets or exceeds industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.

Requirements

Bachelor or Master of Science Degree in Fire Protection Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (with fire protection focus).
0 to 1 year of fire protection and life safety experience.
Excellent research skills with an analytical mindset.
Competent interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with both engineering and non-engineering audiences.
Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization in a dynamic work environment.
Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team.
Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Responsibilities

Research of building code, life safety code, and fire code requirements, including familiarity with ICC and NFPA codes (International Building Code and NFPA 101).
Assist with the design of fire protection and life safety engineering systems such as automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire detection and alarm systems, smoke management systems, and egress systems.
Assist in the preparation of fire engineering calculations, including smoke modeling and evacuation analysis, ranging from simple hand calculations to complex 3D computational modeling.
Assist in the commissioning of fire alarm, fire suppression, smoke control, and life safety systems.
Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on code requirements, calculations, and design strategies to develop performance-based solutions.
Under general supervision, assist with reviewing architectural drawings for compliance with building and fire code requirements.
Assist in producing fire safety strategy (basis of design) documents to inform and support chosen building characteristics throughout the design process.
Complete training on assigned tasks.
Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, adhering to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.