Sr. Systems Engineer
Summary
Designs physical security systems — CCTV, access control, and intrusion detection — for commercial and occasional federal construction projects, producing CAD/Revit layouts, wiring diagrams, riser diagrams, and technical specifications while ensuring compliance with UL, NFPA, and NDAA Section 889 requirements.
JOB SUMMARY
The SR. PHYSICAL SECURITY DESIGNER is responsible for designing physical security systems, including video surveillance (CCTV), access control, intrusion detection, and related low-voltage security infrastructure, for commercial construction and renovation projects, and occasionally for federal or government facilities. This role develops system layouts, wiring diagrams, and technical specifications; ensures designs comply with applicable industry standards and building codes and, when a project involves federal work, with applicable federal procurement requirements such as NDAA Section 889 restrictions on prohibited equipment; and collaborates with project managers, engineers, architects, and installation teams to deliver compliant, cost-effective security system designs. The Sr. Physical Security Designer works independently under general guidance and plays a key role in supporting SecureConnect's physical security service line.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- SECURITY SYSTEM DESIGN: Design video surveillance (CCTV), access control, intrusion detection, and related physical security systems for assigned projects; develop system layouts, device placement plans, wiring diagrams, and riser diagrams using CAD/Revit software.
- SPECIFICATIONS AND DOCUMENTATION: Prepare detailed technical specifications, equipment schedules, and bid documentation for physical security systems: ensure design packages are complete, accurate, and ready for procurement and installation.
CODE AND COMPLIANCE REVIEW: Ensure all security system designs comply with applicable building codes and industry standards (e.g., UL, NFPA); for projects involving federal or government facilities, ensure designs also meet applicable federal procurement requirements such as NDAA Section 889 restrictions on prohibited telecommunications and surveillance equipment; maintain awareness of evolving code and compliance requirements relevant to physical security design. - CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION: Collaborate with project managers, architects, engineers, and installation teams to integrate security system designs with overall project plans; participate in design review meetings and site walks as needed to validate design feasibility.
- COST ESTIMATING SUPPORT: Support preparation of cost estimates and material takeoffs for physical security system scopes; assist in evaluating equipment options to balance performance, compliance, and cost.
- VENDOR AND EQUIPMENT RESEARCH: Research and evaluate physical security equipment and manufacturers to ensure designs incorporate compliant, reliable, and cost-effective solutions; maintain working knowledge of current physical security technology and industry trends.
- PERFORMS OTHER ESSENTIAL DUTIES AS ASSIGNED.
EQUIPMENT OPERATED:
General office equipment (computer, dual monitors, phone, printer).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of physical security systems design principles, including CCTV, access control, and intrusion detection technologies.
- Knowledge of applicable building codes and industry standards (e.g., UL, NFPA), and general familiarity with federal procurement compliance requirements such as NDAA Section 889 restrictions as they apply to federal projects.
- Knowledge of low-voltage system design, wiring diagrams, and riser diagrams.
- Ability to develop complete and accurate technical specifications and bid documentation.
- Ability to use CAD/Revit software to produce professional design drawings and layouts.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with project managers, engineers, architects, and installation teams.
- Ability to research and evaluate security equipment and manufacturers to support design decisions.
- Ability to manage multiple design projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Ability to communicate technical design concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Skilled in CAD/Revit and other relevant design software.
- Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite and project documentation tools.
- Skilled in technical writing and specification development.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate's degree in a related technical field (electrical, drafting/CAD, construction or engineering technology), OR relevant industry certification, OR an equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience; PLUS
Five (5) years of experience in physical security design, low-voltage systems design or installation, CAD drafting for building systems, or a closely related field; PLUS
Demonstrated proficiency in CAD and/or Revit sufficient to produce design drawings, layouts, and diagrams (a work sample or portfolio may be requested).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in a related field
Experience with electronic security platforms
Experience designing systems for federal or government facilities
Certification such as PSP, BICSI RCDD/DCDC, or Autodesk Revit certification
Familiarity with NDAA Section 889 compliance and federal procurement standards
Special Qualifications
Must pass a criminal background check.
Must be AGILE. The ability to hold yourself and others Accountable, have a personal Growth mindset, ability to act with Integrity, ability to demonstrate Leadership attributes to motivate and support coworkers, and practice Everyday Improvement.
WORK CONDITIONS:
Works in heated and cooled office environment.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
The above describes the general content and requirements for this job. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.