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 for data center providers worldwide. As demand for high-performance infrastructure accelerates—driven by AI and digital expansion—we lead through technical rigor and operational excellence. We seek leaders who elevate people, process, and performance across the firm.

About the Role

We are seeking 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 specifications and support documentation. Typical projects may include greenfield and brownfield data centers, hyperscale/enterprise fit-outs, campus planning, conceptual designs, and command-and-control centers.

This role involves independent execution of basic security design projects and contributing as part of a larger team on complex projects. The candidate will interface with internal (mechanical, electrical, telecommunication, A/V, controls) and external (architectural, civil, structural) design leads. The ideal candidate will mentor junior designers 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 security infrastructure for mission-critical buildings and campuses, including Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS) and vehicle/pedestrian access points.
• Produce complete 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 ICT, electrical, MEP, and controls teams for security interface requirements.
• Apply Division 28 specifications and industry standards to design projects.
• Coordinate power requirements with electrical and telecommunication engineers.
• Review and apply client standards, Basic of Design (BOD), and applicable codes/best practices.
• Understand local and national construction codes and project specifications.
• Use Microsoft tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams) for project execution.
• Meet project deadlines, including working additional hours as needed.
• Travel to project sites as required (less than 10% travel).
• Communicate clearly in written and verbal forms.
• Lead junior engineers, designers, and modelers, and coordinate small project teams.
• Mentor and train junior staff to develop telecommunications design expertise.
• Maintain strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Requirements

• Education in an engineering or construction-related field, or equivalent hands-on installation/servicing experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in Physical Security design, with a strong emphasis on Autodesk Revit (BIM).
• Experience with MEP, telecommunications firms, consulting, or construction roles is applicable.
• Experience in access control, intrusion alarm, and video surveillance design for industrial/commercial buildings.
• Experience across the construction process: schematic design through construction administration, including RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, and site visits (e.g., surveys, observations, punch lists).
• Proficiency with construction management tools like Procore and Autodesk Construction Cloud.
• Membership in ASIS International.
• Knowledge of controls/monitoring systems for mechanical/electrical systems is a plus.
• Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) or Data Center Design Consultant (DCDC) certification is a plus.

Pay

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

Benefits

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