Entry Level Plumbing / Fire Protection Engineer

Plumbing / Fire Protection Engineer

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us:

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary: The Plumbing and Fire Protection Engineer (Entry-Level) will support project teams in the design and documentation of plumbing and fire protection systems. This role is designed to provide foundational experience in engineering design, construction documentation, and client coordination under the mentorship of senior engineers.

You will gain exposure to projects from initial design through construction while developing technical and professional skills.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the design of plumbing and fire protection systems under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Perform basic design calculations and support hydraulic calculations following office standards.
• Help prepare drawings, specifications, and construction documents using Revit or other BIM software.
• Support coordination with internal design team members across multiple disciplines.
• Participate in project meetings and assist with documenting action items.
• Conduct site visits with senior staff to observe construction progress and gather field information.
• Research applicable plumbing, fire protection, and building codes.
• Assist in reviewing shop drawings and responding to contractor questions.
• Continue developing technical knowledge through training and mentorship.

Qualifications and Experience:

• You have a BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, or related field.
• You have passed or are working toward passing the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam.
• Internship or co-op experience in building systems design is preferred but not required.
• Exposure to Revit or other BIM software is preferred.
• You have a strong interest in plumbing and fire protection system design.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and accept feedback.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines in a structured setting.
• Basic understanding of mechanical systems and building codes.

Growth & Development:

• Direct mentorship from licensed engineers.
• Exposure to diverse project types and industries.
• A clear path toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
• Increasing responsibility as technical proficiency grows.

Location: Chicago, IL

Travel: local 

Compensation & Benefits:

The expected base salary range for this role is $75,000 - $85,000 USD per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.