Physical Security Engineer
Duration: 7+ Months
Work Model: Hybrid
Location: Portland, OR 97201, United States

Role Overview

This role is for a Physical Security Engineer responsible for designing, developing, and delivering security solutions for buildings, facilities, and mission-critical sites. The position involves end-to-end security system design, including assessments, concept creation, detailed engineering, cross-discipline coordination, and support for implementation and commissioning activities.

The engineer will collaborate with internal SMEs, BIM/design teams, and external stakeholders to ensure high-quality, timely delivery of security engineering projects, particularly in data center and critical infrastructure environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead physical security design efforts across multiple concurrent projects
• Conduct preliminary security assessments and develop design concepts
• Produce schematics, drawings, schedules, and technical specifications
• Perform engineering calculations (video storage, bandwidth, power load, etc.)
• Coordinate across architectural, civil, electrical, and instrumentation teams
• Identify and resolve design conflicts and technical inconsistencies
• Support internal and external stakeholder communication and problem resolution
• Ensure project deliverables are completed on time and meet quality standards
• Evaluate emerging security technologies and assess trade-offs (e.g., camera systems, thermal imaging, radar vs LiDAR)
• Participate in design coordination with BIM and engineering teams
• Support customer and vendor technical discussions
• Contribute to construction documentation and implementation planning

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field (required)
• Master’s degree preferred

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in physical security system design, planning, and commissioning
• Experience with mid-to-large scale security projects
• Project management experience is a plus

Technical Skills

• Strong expertise in physical security systems including:
  • Video surveillance systems
  • Access control systems
  • Intercom systems
  • Intrusion detection systems
• Knowledge of leading security technologies and vendors
• Experience conducting vulnerability and risk assessments
• Understanding of security assessment methodologies
• Strong understanding of networking and cybersecurity principles
• Ability to evaluate and compare emerging security technologies

Tools & Software

• Microsoft 365 / Office Suite
• Bluebeam
• AutoCAD, Revit, BIM360, ACC, MicroStation (preferred)
• Design collaboration tools
• CSI specifications and construction documentation standards
• Experience with project estimating and scheduling tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineering (PE) license preferred
• Security certifications such as CISSP, CPP, PSP, CCNA, RCDD (preferred)
• Experience in data center security design
• Experience leading projects and managing resources
• Experience mentoring junior engineers
• Design management experience

Soft Skills

• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management capabilities

Additional Information

• Full-time role
• Hybrid work model (office + remote flexibility)
• US-based position with flexible location
• Minimal travel required (1–5%)
• Focus on mission-critical and data center security environments
• Strong emphasis on design ownership, coordination, and delivery accountability

 
 
At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $ 57.00/hr.