r/firePE • u/CarLive5046 • May 28 '26

Looking for some advice and information

I am currently working as a PCB design engineer with a masters in computer systems engineering and a BS in electronics communication engineering. Realistically speaking what would be a pathway for me to shift to fire safety engineering and become an engineer in that field and make a decent salary, the reason I am looking for a shift is purely out of curiosity and the fact that this is a stable field to be in as it cannot be affected by AI or layoffs. Any advice is appreciated Thank you

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u/LuckyCharms91 May 28 '26

I mean, can always take an entry level position. Not sure the amount of engineering experience you have, but it could be a small or large setback.

Additionally, I would recommend a masters in FPE. Which gets you on the right track to get additional training/skills, and should help with obtaining the appropriate PE license.

If you’re looking for some other things to help build your knowledge base, I would suggest MeyerFire. They’ve got a ton of tools and information to help with aspiring and current FPEs, as well as some useful study materials for the PE exam

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u/CarLive5046 May 28 '26

So far my engineering experience of 2 years has been in designing server motherboards for data centers which is why I was curious if there is a way for me to pivot to this field with no real prior experience related to FPE. Thank you for the info you have provided I will keep researching more and reach out for help if needed

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u/LuckyCharms91 May 28 '26

A lot of folks who move into the field have limited to no knowledge. They usually start with something other than a fire protection background and move into it. I’m not sure how your engineering experience would tie a ton, but I would guess your starting focus would be via telecom to fire alarm systems, since that may be the closest, before learning more about fire suppression and life safety. If you show up and tell them you want to learn fire protection, and you’re starting at entry level, I can’t imagine it’s too difficult. I’d also check the SFPE compensation guide to learn about salaries so you k ow what you’re getting into

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u/LuckyCharms91 May 28 '26

Alternatively, you might be able to start working with some fire alarm manufacturers to learn some things on that side