Fire Protection Engineer
Engineering
Research causes of fires, determine fire protection methods, and design or recommend materials or equipment such as structural components or fire-detection equipment to assist organizations in safeguarding life and property against fire, explosion, and related hazards.
What you'd do all day
The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.
- 1Advise architects, builders, and other construction personnel on fire prevention equipment and techniques and on fire code and standard interpretation and compliance.
- 2Design fire detection equipment, alarm systems, and fire extinguishing devices and systems.
- 3Prepare and write reports detailing specific fire prevention and protection issues, such as work performed, revised codes or standards, and proposed review schedules.
- 4Review building plans to verify compliance with fire code.
- 5Inspect buildings or building designs to determine fire protection system requirements and potential problems in areas such as water supplies, exit locations, and construction materials.
- 6Consult with authorities to discuss safety regulations and to recommend changes as necessary.
- 7Evaluate fire department performance and the laws and regulations affecting fire prevention or fire safety.
- 8Direct the purchase, modification, installation, testing, maintenance, and operation of fire prevention and protection systems.
- 9Attend workshops, seminars, or conferences to present or obtain information regarding fire prevention and protection.
- 10Determine causes of fires and ways in which they could have been prevented.
- 11Develop training materials and conduct training sessions on fire protection.
- 12Study the relationships between ignition sources and materials to determine how fires start.
- 13Develop plans for the prevention of destruction by fire, wind, and water.
- 14Conduct research on fire retardants and the fire safety of materials and devices.
Also known as
What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.
- FPE
- Engineer
- Plumbing Designer
- Plumbing Engineer
- Consulting Engineer
- Fire Safety Engineer
- Fire Alarm Systems Tech
- Fire Protection Designer
- Fire Protection Consultant
- Fire Protection Engineer (FPE)
How far is this from you?
Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.
1
Entry straight after SPM
2
SPM + sijil / short TVET course
3
Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)
Typical entry
Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)
5
Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route
Subjects that matter here
The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.
What you'd need to know
The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.
- Engineering and Technology98%
PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)
- Building and Construction90%
Civil Engineering StudiesEngineering DrawingDesign & Technology (RBT)
- Design90%
Visual Art (PSV)Technical Comm. GraphicsEngineering Drawing
- Public Safety and Security83%
- Mathematics83%
Additional MathematicsMathematics
- English Language82%
English
Tools you'd use
Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.
What the work feels like
Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.
- Face-to-face discussionsAlmost never
- Contact with other peopleNo contact
- Dealing with customers or the publicNot at all
- Leading or coordinating othersNot at all
- Handling conflict situationsAlmost never
- Indoors, air-conditionedAlmost never
- Outdoors, in all weatherAlmost never
- Noisy environmentAlmost never
Where this job is heading
Newer tasks O*NET has flagged for this occupation, a hint at how the role is changing.
- Develop or modify building codes and fire codes.
- Perform testing on fire protection equipment or building features, such as fire doors or smoke control systems.
- Review building plans to verify compliance with fire and building codes.
AI and demand for this job
A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.
Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)
This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.
Pay in Malaysia
We don't have a sourced Malaysian salary range for this job yet, and we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.
Where to check:
- JobStreet and Hiredly job ads for this title
- DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey
- SSPA scheme tables, if you're aiming for a government post
Check what you may qualify for
Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.
How to get here
Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.
Related careers
If this interests you, these are worth a look too.
About this information
This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.
O*NET occupation: Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers
Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org