Jobs › Abbott

Fire Protection Engineer

Abbott · Abbott Park, IL · $78,000–$156,000 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 18, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a fire protection impairment you managed. How did you keep people safe while the system was down?

What they are checking: Whether they follow impairment procedures like fire watch and notification instead of hoping nothing happens.

Tell me about a time you had to push back on a project team that wanted to skip a fire protection requirement.

What they are checking: Whether they hold firm on life safety while helping the project find a compliant path.

How do you explain a fire risk to a business leader who doesn't see the need to spend money?

What they are checking: Whether they can make the business case for protection in clear terms.

What would you do

A lab wants to bring in a large amount of flammable liquids. What questions do you ask?

What they are checking: Whether they consider quantities, control areas and storage rules before approving a change.

An alarm system keeps producing false alarms in one building. How do you approach it?

What they are checking: Whether they find the root cause, since constant false alarms teach people to ignore real ones.

About the work

How do you decide which NFPA standards apply to a mixed-use building with labs, offices and storage?

What they are checking: Whether they know how to apply NFPA codes to complex occupancies like those on a large corporate campus.

Walk me through how you'd review a sprinkler design for a new high-piled storage area.

What they are checking: Whether they understand hazard classification and design density, where mistakes leave a building unprotected.

How do you work with an insurance carrier's loss prevention recommendations?

What they are checking: Whether they understand insurer standards and can prioritize recommendations by risk and cost.

How do you set up an inspection, testing and maintenance program across many buildings?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage ITM schedules and contractors so systems stay reliable.

What's your experience with clean agent or special hazard suppression systems?

What they are checking: Whether they can support specialized systems used for labs, data rooms and equipment.

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The full job description

As published by Abbott.

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. JOB DESCRIPTION: Working at Abbott At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You’ll also have access to: • Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of. • Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year. • An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution • Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree. • A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune. • A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists. The Opportunity This position works out of our Abbott Park, IL location within the GES Global Engineering Services division. We seeking a highly skilled and motivated Fire Protection, Mechanical, and Piping Design Engineer to join our Global Systems and Services team. This role will be responsible for delivering technical design expertise, coordinating multi-disciplinary work efforts, and developing standardized work processes to support critical infrastructure across Abbott facilities. The ideal candidate is both technically proficient and highly collaborative, with the ability to balance detailed engineering design work and cross-functional coordination in a dynamic environment. What You'll Work On: Fire Protection Experience Required: • Extensive Experience with upgrading and renovating existing building fire protection systems. • Experience in system layout and Design of Wet, Dry, Pre-Action, and Deluge Sprinkler Systems. • Ability to provide Sprinkler System Project Reviews, including Plans, Calculations, and Material Submittals. Adhering to Abbott’s standards, preferences, and good practices, while also meeting NFPA 13 and FM Data Sheets minimum requirements. • Ability to provide Sprinkler System Modification Cost Estimates and drawings to support front end planning for potential Office or Lab Renovation projects. (nice to have) • Ability to create a complete sprinkler demolition and construction package for submittal to Authorities Having Jurisdiction. • Support Construction and Maintenance divisions for questions and/or drawing requests related to Modifications and Maintenance and Testing of existing building sprinkler systems. TECHNICAL/DESIGN: • Provide technical design expertise in fire protection systems, mechanical systems, and piping design. • Prepares and communicates recommendations and respective action plans. • Develop, review, and approve engineering drawings, specifications, and calculations if required. • Coordinate design and execution of projects across multiple stakeholders, including internal teams, contractors, and external consultants. • Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards (NFPA, ASME, OSHA, local regulations). • Support system design for new installations, upgrades, and renovations in manufacturing and commercial environments. • Perform system evaluations, risk assessments, and troubleshooting of existing infrastructure. • Provide technical guidance during construction, commissioning, and system startup. • Assist in project planning, scheduling, and resource coordination to ensure timely project delivery. Problem Solving / Innovation • Creates cost‑effective solutions by analyzing complex issues, integrating technical and financial data, and improving designs, processes, and costs. Organizational Interface • Mentors, collaborates, and communicates effectively across teams and stakeholders to solve issues and meet project goals. Additional Responsibilities • Develops standards, leads testing/validation, manages documentation, resolves issues, and supports training and cross‑functional initiatives. • Lead or contribute to the development and continuous improvement of engineering standards, templates, and work processes. Required Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (equivalent combination of education and work experience) • Thorough knowledge of NFPA 13 and FM Global Data Sheets for sprinkler systems • NICET Level III Certification for Fire Protection-Water Based Systems Layout, including 5 years minimum design experience. • 5+ years of experience in fire protection, mechanical, and/or piping system design. • Strong knowledge of industry standards (NFPA, ASME, ANSI, etc.). • Experience with engineering design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit software). • Demonstrated experience coordinating multidisciplinary engineering projects. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • Excellent communication and collaboration abilities. Preferred Qualifications: • Professional Engineer (PE) license or progress toward licensure a plus • Experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare, or regulated manufacturing environments. • Familiarity with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) requirements. • Experience developing engineering standards and operational procedures. Key Competencies • Technical leadership and engineering judgment • Project coordination and stakeholder management • Process development and continuous improvement mindset • Attention to detail and quality orientation • Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity. Connect with us at www.abbott.com , on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal The base pay for this position is $78,000.00 – $156,000.00 In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted. JOB FAMILY: Engineering DIVISION: GES Global Engineering Services LOCATION: United States > Abbott Park : AP52 ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS: WORK SHIFT: Standard TRAVEL: Yes, 5 % of the Time MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: No SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES: Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday) Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans. EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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