2017 40 Under 40: Jignesh Maun, FPE; 37

Fire Protection Engineer, San Jose Fire Department

By Jack Smith, Content Manager, and Amara Rozgus, Editor-in-Chief May 15, 2010

Jignesh Maun, FPE; 37

Fire Protection Engineer, San Jose Fire Department, Calif.

BS Electrical Engineering, JSS Academy of Technical Education, Bangalore, India

MS Fire Protection Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park

Maun is a fire protection engineer and a building and fire code enforcer with San Jose Fire Department, where he conducts fire-plan reviews and field inspections. He reviews fire protection plans for fire alarm systems, automatic fire sprinkler systems, smoke control systems, emergency responders radio coverage, two-way wired emergency communication systems, pre-action systems, and clean agent fire-extinguishing systems. His experience as a consulting engineer, a risk engineer, and an enforcer has helped him understand the challenges faced by each of the three industries and has made him a better fire protection engineer. Maun grew up in India and moved to the U.S. around 2003 to pursue higher education. His motivation to become a fire protection engineer was the result of witnessing a fatal fire at a petroleum refinery where he grew up. Having a family-owned business in India in the supply of fire protection equipment gave him initial exposure to the basics of fire protection. He had a strong desire to make a direct impact on the lives and safety of the community. Maun has served as a principal member on several NFPA code-development committees, which has helped him understand the position of different stakeholders on various issues related to fire codes. He also has served as a principal member of the American Water Works Association code-development committees for fire hydrants and distribution system requirements for fire protection. Maun volunteers several times a year at the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). NCEES is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing professional licensure for engineers and surveyors. He also loves reading. But his favorite activity is traveling to places where he can enjoy nature, away from the bustling city life.