Senior Fire Protection Engineer

About Us

At HDR, we specialise in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. Our global team of over 14,000 employees is led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership. We network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible. When you join HDR, we help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way. 

The Role

Due to a growing pipeline of work, HDR is seeking a Senior Fire Protection Engineer to join our Building Engineering Services team based in Melbourne. This role will play a key part in the design, coordination and delivery of building services projects within a multidisciplinary consulting environment.

You will operate as a senior technical contributor, taking ownership of defined scopes of work with minimal supervision while working closely with discipline leads and project leadership.

Working collaboratively with our local Building Engineering Services team and our national fire protection group, this is a delivery‑focused position suited to an engineer who enjoys hands-on design and contributing to high‑quality, technically robust engineering solutions across the full project lifecycle.

In the role of Senior Fire Protection Engineer, you’ll be responsible for:

• Leading the design and delivery of large-scale fire protection projects across multiple sectors.
• Providing technical advice on fire systems.
• Overseeing and reviewing work produced by engineers and junior engineers.
• Leading site inspections, commissioning oversight, and troubleshooting of system issues.
• Mentoring team members and contributing to internal technical standards and quality processes.
• Engaging with certifiers, Fire Brigade, and regulatory bodies to resolve compliance matters.
• Coordinating discipline inputs and resolving design interfaces.
• Contributing to technical improvement initiatives and best practice. 

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Typically 6–12 years’ experience in building services design within a consulting environment.
• Consulting experience is essential.
• Chartered or working towards CPEng (Engineers Australia preferred).
• Strong understanding of the National Construction Code (NCC) and relevant Australian Standards (AS 2118, AS 2419, AS 1670, AS 1851 etc.).
• Experience in designing fire protection systems such as sprinklers, hydrants, hose reels, and fire detection and alarm systems including Emergency Warning and Intercom Systems.
• Experience in designing Special Hazard Systems.
• Ability to prepare technical reports, design documentation, and engineering calculations.
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Revit and Hydraulic calculation tools (e.g. Hyena).
• Strong communication skills for liaising with clients, builders, certifiers, and fire authorities.
• Understanding construction processes, site inspections, and commissioning requirements.
• Strong understanding of performance-based fire engineering and its application.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and compliance with Australian regulatory frameworks.
• FPAS Accreditation – or eligibility and interest in obtaining.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver complete design packages with minimal supervision.
• Strong background in building services design of data centers, commercial, industrial, health, defence, education, sports and aquatic or mixed-use projects.
• Data Centre / Mission Critical project experience (highly desirable / preferred).
• Interest in developing skills in project delivery, resource planning, and commercial awareness.
• Proficiency in relevant design and engineering tools (e.g. Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam and specialist analysis software).

About You

• Demonstrated technical capability with a focus on high-quality design delivery outcomes.
• Confident working independently on defined scopes of work.
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy, compliance and coordination.
• Proactive and entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities and add value.
• Curious and growth-oriented, with a willingness to ask questions, challenge assumptions and continuously learn,
• Collaborative team member who contributes positively to project and office culture.
• Committed to continuous professional development and technical excellence.
• Alignment with HDR’s values, including quality delivery, continuous improvement, and HDR’s employee-owned culture.

Why HDR 

• Opportunity to work on complex, high-quality projects locally and internationally.
• A role with real technical ownership and influence.
• Career pathways towards technical leadership or project leadership roles.
• Supportive, employee-owned culture focused on quality, collaboration and continuous improvement.

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What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Our Commitment

HDR is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified and/or experienced candidates, regardless of gender identity or expression, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, or religious and political beliefs. This includes encouragement for veterans.

HDR acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we, our clients and communities live and work. As part of our commitment to reconciliation and diversity, we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply. Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to an inclusive community.

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.