Physical Security Designer

At Strategic Mission Critical, we specialize in engineering mission-critical facilities with precision and expertise. Our leadership team brings decades of experience, delivering robust, reliable solutions to data center providers worldwide. As demand for high-performance infrastructure accelerates—driven by AI and digital expansion—SMC leads through technical rigor and operational excellence. We seek leaders who elevate people, process, and performance across the firm.

About the role

We are looking for a Mid-Level Physical Security Designer to execute physical security access control, intrusion alarm, and video surveillance systems design for mission-critical projects. Responsibilities include producing device layouts, riser diagrams, device schedules, and cable schedules within Revit (BIM), as well as preparing Division 28 00 00 specifications and support documentation. Typical projects may include greenfield and brownfield data center facilities, hyperscale and enterprise fit-out packages, campus planning, conceptual designs, feasibility studies, and command-and-control centers.

This role involves executing basic physical security design projects independently and contributing as part of a larger security design team on complex projects. You will interface with internal design leads (mechanical, electrical, telecommunication, A/V, controls) and external stakeholders (architectural, civil, structural). The ideal candidate will mentor junior designers, review others’ work, and collaborate with senior security designers to achieve project goals.

Responsibilities

• Design low-voltage physical security systems, including Electronic Access Control, Intrusion Detection Alarm, Video Surveillance, and Intercom systems.
• Design low-voltage physical security infrastructure for mission-critical buildings and campuses, including Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS) and vehicle/pedestrian entrances/exits.
• Produce complete sets of construction document drawings for all project phases using Autodesk Revit (BIM).
• Demonstrate working knowledge of Access Control Systems (ACS) and Video Management Systems (VMS) manufacturers and industry standards.
• Coordinate with architects and door hardware contractors on access control security design.
• Collaborate with disciplines such as ICT, Electrical, MEP, and controls for required security interfaces.
• Apply knowledge of Division 28 Specifications and industry standards.
• Coordinate power requirements with internal or external electrical and telecommunication engineers.
• Review and apply client standards, Basic of Design (BOD), design criteria, applicable standards, and best practices.
• Understand local and national construction codes and project specifications.
• Use Microsoft tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams) to meet project deadlines, including working extended hours as needed.
• Travel to project sites as required (less than 10% travel).
• Communicate clearly in written and spoken forms.
• Lead junior engineers, designers, and modelers, coordinating small project teams to deliver specific design elements.
• Mentor and train junior engineers, designers, and modelers to develop telecommunications design expertise.
• Maintain excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Qualifications

• Education in an engineering or construction-related field, or equivalent hands-on installation and servicing experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in Physical Security design, with a strong emphasis on Autodesk Revit (BIM) for drawing development.
• Experience with MEP or telecommunications firms, consulting roles, or telecommunications construction is also considered.
• Experience in access control, intrusion alarm, and video surveillance design for industrial and commercial buildings.
• Experience across the entire construction process, from schematic design through construction administration, including RFIs, submittal reviews, shop drawing reviews, and site visits (e.g., existing condition surveys, observations, punch lists).
• Experience using construction management tools such as Procore and Autodesk Construction Cloud.
• Membership in ASIS International (required).
• Experience with telecommunications systems design (preferred but not required).
• Knowledge of controls and monitoring systems for mechanical and electrical systems (preferred).
• Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD), Data Center Design Consultant (DCDC), or Engineer in Training (EIT) certification (preferred).

Pay

Base compensation: $75,000–$100,000 (actual compensation varies based on education, experience, skills, and location).

Benefits

• 36-hour standard work week with a hybrid working arrangement.
• 13 paid holidays.
• 100% coverage of medical, health, and dental insurance premiums for full-time employees.
• Subsidized spouse and family insurance premiums.
• Employer-sponsored life and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan with annual safe harbor contribution.
• Reimbursement of professional licensing costs.