Fire Protection Engineer

YA Group

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Forensic Fire Protection Engineer supports the YAES forensic engineering team in the evaluation of fire rated assemblies and components in addition to the investigation of fires, explosions, and fire suppression system failures to determine origin, cause, and extent of loss or defect. Working on behalf of insurance carriers, legal counsel, and property owners across both public and private sectors, this role applies fire science, engineering principles, and knowledge of codes and standards to analyze physical evidence, evaluate fire protection equipment, fire rated assemblies and produce objective, defensible technical findings. The position requires field investigation, evidence documentation, laboratory analysis, and clear written communication of complex technical conclusions. Candidates located along the West Coast of the United States are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field
10+ years of fire protection engineering experience, with 5+ years in forensic investigations
Active PE license required
Working knowledge of NFPA 921, NFPA system standards, and fire-rated construction requirements
Experience evaluating fire alarm systems, suppression systems, and conducting fire safety inspections
Familiarity with both public and private sector clients, including insurers, attorneys, and property owners
Experience with fire dynamics modeling tools (e.g., FDS)
Background in electrical failure analysis or equipment investigations

Responsibilities

Conduct fire origin and cause investigations in accordance with NFPA 921
Document scenes through photography, field sketches, and evidence collection
Analyze fire patterns, burn indicators, char depth, and smoke deposition to determine origin
Investigate electrical systems, appliances, HVAC, and other potential ignition sources
Assess the role of building construction, fire-rated assemblies, fuel load, and ventilation in fire spread
Evaluate the performance of sprinklers, fire alarms, and suppression systems against applicable NFPA standards
Perform fire safety inspections and code analysis to identify contributing deficiencies
Review hydraulic calculations and sprinkler system designs as part of loss assessments
Collect and preserve physical evidence, maintaining proper chain of custody
Coordinate lab analysis for accelerant detection, electrical failure, and equipment examination
Prepare clear and well-supported technical reports documenting findings and opinions
Perform fire simulation modeling
Support depositions, mediations, and litigation as needed