Early Career Fire and Life Safety Engineer in Training (Active-Duty Service Member Only) DOD Skillbridge Program

This Opportunity

We are proud to partner with SkillBridge and support service members as they transition to civilian life. Our program provides valuable, marketable skills in diverse fields such as engineering, science, technology, environmental services, and business operations. Through SkillBridge, you can connect with experts from various disciplines and locations. 
At WSP, we are driven by inspiring future-ready pioneers to innovate. We’re looking to grow our teams with people who are ready to collaborate in building communities and expanding our skylines. To do this, we hire candidates of all experiences, skillsets, backgrounds and walks of life. We actively foster a work environment and culture where inclusion and diversity is part of our fundamental structure. This is delivered behaviorally, through our policies, trainings, local partnerships with professional diverse organizations, internal networks and most importantly with the support and sponsorship of our leaders who help drive our commitment to an inclusive, diverse, welcoming and equitable work environment. Anything is within our reach and yours as a WSP employee. Come join us and help shape the future!

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Full-Time Early Career Fire and Life Safety Engineer for the following offices: Arlington – VA, Boston – MA, Columbia – MD, Dallas – TX, Houston – TX, and New York – NY.
Be involved in projects with our Fire and Life Safety (FLS) Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges with innovative and cutting-edge technology.

This opportunity provides technical assistance for design, development, site survey, testing, and inspecting of fire and life safety systems on building projects in the public and private sector.  Responsibilities include assisting with the research, design, concept development, planning, and optimal integration of automatic sprinkler, fire alarm, mass notification, and smoke control systems. 

Additional tasks include assistance with egress analysis, smoke control and egress modeling, and building and fire code analysis review and compliance.  The ideal candidate will be accountable to their tasks and ensure that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.

Please note that this is an unpaid internship, and service members will continue to receive their service member pay and benefits. 

Your Impact

Key Responsibilities:

• Research of building code, life safety code, and fire code requirements. This will include familiarity with both ICC and NFPA codes, including the International Building Code and NFPA 101.
• Assist with the design of fire protection and life safety engineering systems including 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 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 various code requirements, calculations, and design strategies to develop performance-based solutions for projects. 
• Under general supervision, assist with review architectural drawings for compliance with building and fire code requirements, and with producing fire safety strategy (basis of design) documents to inform and support the chosen building characteristics throughout the design process. 
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

WSP USA Offers:

• Career Development: Structured mentorship and professional development programs designed to support your transition and growth in the engineering industry.
• Comprehensive Training: Access to virtual and hands-on training modules to develop both technical and leadership skills for long-term success.
• Full-Time Employment: A potential path to permanent employment with WSP USA after completing the program, including opportunities for career advancement within the Property & Buildings Business Line. Permanent employment dependent on hiring manager endorsement.
• Veteran-Friendly Culture: A supportive, inclusive work environment with resources and networks dedicated to the success of veterans transitioning to civilian careers.

Who You Are

Minimum Requirements:

Experience

• Open to active-duty service members, preferably with a background in technical fields. 
• Must have authorization and approval from a unit commander to participate in the SkillBridge program.

Education

• 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
• Skillsets:
  • Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.
  • Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
  • Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
  • Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
  • 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 and 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.

Preferred Skillsets/Qualifications

• Engineer in Training Certification.
• Knowledge of REVIT and AutoCAD
• Experience in fire protection engineering design application.
• Prior internship related to the fire protection engineering discipline.
• A member of, and/or an active participant in, national/local professional fire protection organizations.

Compensation:
Expected Salary (all locations): Unpaid Internship: $0.00-0.00

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