Fire Protection Engineer III

About M.C. Dean

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation’s most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises.  With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.

Why Join Us?

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values—agility, expertise, and trust—we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment.  At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.  

The Fire Protection Engineer III is responsible for the design, review, support, and technical oversight of fire protection systems with a strong focus on fire alarm and life safety systems. This role provides hands-on engineering support, ensures strict compliance with applicable codes and standards, and supports high-quality execution across service, installation, and retrofit projects. The position requires deep technical expertise in Siemens and Johnson Controls (JCI) fire alarm platforms, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in complex, compliance-driven environments.

Clearance/Citizen Type: Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements including U.S. citizenship for access to classified information.

(Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance required.)

• Design, review, and support fire protection system solutions in accordance with applicable codes and standards

• Provide hands-on engineering support for fire alarm system installations, retrofits, and service projects

• Develop, review, and approve system layouts, calculations, and technical documentation

• Perform detailed code analysis to ensure compliance with NFPA standards, local codes, and customer requirements

• Serve as a technical subject matter expert for Siemens and JCI fire alarm systems

• Support system programming, configuration, testing, and commissioning activities as needed

• Review submittals, shop drawings, and as-built documentation for accuracy and compliance

• Perform quality control reviews and audits of field installations and service work

• Support AHJ reviews, inspections, and acceptance testing

• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support to field technicians and project teams

• Stay current with evolving codes, standards, and manufacturer technologies

• Support continuous improvement of engineering standards, quality processes, and technical tools

We offer an excellent benefits package including:

• A competitive salary
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Paid-time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Military Reserve pay offset
• Paid maternity leave

• B.S. in Electrical or Fire Protection Engineering or related discipline with 5 + years of experience;
• Minimum of 2+ years of experience in the design and review of Fire Protection.

• Proven experience designing and supporting fire alarm and life safety systems

• Hands-on experience with Siemens and JCI fire alarm systems

• Strong working knowledge of applicable NFPA standards (including NFPA 72 and related codes)

• Ability to pass background checks and meet site-specific access requirements

• This position has been identified as requiring an additional client background check.

Certification

• Possess NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level II (Preferred) or
• Possess NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level III (Preferred) or
• Pass exam within 90 days of employment

We offer an excellent benefits package including:

• A competitive salary
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Paid-time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Military Reserve pay offset
• Paid maternity leave

Required Skills and Competencies

• Deep technical knowledge of fire protection and life safety systems

• Advanced expertise with Siemens and Johnson Controls (JCI) fire alarm platforms

• Strong understanding of NFPA codes, standards, and regulatory requirements

• High level of technical proficiency and comfort with software, programming tools, and digital workflows

• Hands-on, practical approach to engineering and problem-solving

• Strong quality mindset with attention to detail and compliance

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities

• Strong communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, service, and installation teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license (preferred)

• Experience supporting large, complex, or federal life safety projects

• Experience working in highly regulated or mission-critical environments

Working Conditions

• Combination of office base with field work up to 25% of the time. 

• Regular interaction with project sites, service teams, and inspectors

• May require travel to support inspections, testing, and project execution

Abilities:

• Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
• Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Identify and understand the speech of another person.