Fire & Life Safety Engineering Intern

Job Description

About the Team

SOCOTEC’s Fire & Life Safety team helps protect building occupants from fire hazards and other emergencies. Our team works to ensure buildings are designed and maintained to meet applicable building and fire codes and industry standards while providing safe environments for the people who use them.

Our work may include evaluating fire and life safety systems, reviewing building designs, conducting inspections, researching codes, and identifying potential risks. We help clients develop solutions that support safe evacuation, minimize risks, and protect people within the built environment.

About the Internship

We are seeking a curious, dependable, and motivated intern to join our Fire & Life Safety team. This internship provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working alongside experienced engineers and consultants on real-world building and fire safety projects.

Interns will be exposed to different areas of Fire & Life Safety and will have the opportunity to learn how building codes, fire protection systems, and safety practices are applied to the design and construction of buildings.

What You’ll Do

Depending on the project, you may have the opportunity to:

• Assist with building and fire code research and consultation.
• Support Fire Protection Engineers and Life Safety Consultants with project assignments.
• Assist with reviewing building plans and drawings.
• Learn how fire and life safety requirements are incorporated into building designs.
• Gain exposure to fire protection engineering and fire protection systems.
• Learn about smoke alarms, fire alarms, and other fire detection and suppression systems.
• Assist with risk analysis and identifying potential life safety concerns.
• Participate in building and construction site visits, inspections, and field observations.
• Assist with documenting site conditions, inspection findings, and project information.
• Support the preparation of technical reports and project documentation.
• Work alongside experienced professionals to help identify solutions to building and life safety challenges.
• Develop your technical, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Explore different areas of Fire & Life Safety based on your interests and career goals.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by your manager.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering or a related field.
• Interest in fire protection, building safety, engineering, architecture, or the design and construction of buildings.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable working in an office environment and visiting project sites.
• Valid driver’s license may be required depending on project needs.

What You’ll Gain

Through this internship, you will gain exposure to:

• Building and fire codes
• Fire protection engineering
• Life safety and building design
• Fire and smoke detection systems
• Fire suppression systems
• Egress and emergency evacuation requirements
• Risk analysis
• Plan reviews and site inspections
• Technical reporting and documentation
• Real-world engineering and consulting projects

This experience can provide a strong foundation for a career in Fire & Life Safety, with potential entry-level career paths such as Fire Protection Engineering Associate or Fire & Life Safety Consultant.

Work Environment

This position will involve a combination of office-based work and field/site visits. Site visits may include construction sites and existing buildings. Interns will be expected to follow all applicable safety requirements while working in the field.

Potential Career Paths: Fire Protection Engineering Associate | Fire & Life Safety Consultant

Additional Information

SOCOTEC offers competitive compensation and benefits, mentorship, training, professional development opportunities, and social activities. SOCOTEC has also been certified as a Great Place to Work®.

Job Type: Internship 

Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

SOCOTEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.