Senior Physical Security Designer

Engineering data centers with precision and expertise.  

At Strategic Mission Critical, we are more than just engineers; we are experts focusing solely on mission critical facilities. Our seasoned leadership team brings together decades of experience, equipping data center providers worldwide with robust, reliable solutions that keep pace with the evolving digital landscape. 

As demand for high-performance infrastructure accelerates - fueled by AI and the expanding digital landscape - SMC continues to lead through technical rigor and operational excellence. We’re seeking leaders who think beyond projects to improve the way we deliver them: individuals who elevate people, process, and performance across the firm. 

SMC is actively looking for a Senior Level Physical Security Designer to direct and execute physical security access control, intrusion alarm, and video surveillance systems design for mission critical projects in producing device layouts, riser diagrams, device schedules, and cable schedules within Revit (BIM). Prepare cable schedules, Division 28 00 00 specifications, and support documentation. Typical project types may include design of greenfield and brownfield data center facilities, design of fit-out packages for hyperscale and enterprise clients of colocation providers, data center campus planning, conceptual designs and feasibility studies, and other mission critical applications such as command-and-control centers.

This candidate shall be capable of executing physical security access control, intrusion alarm, and surveillance design independently, beginning with driving concept level discussions and proceeding through generation of design plans and specifications for permitting and construction. The security design scope will be a part of a broader project and therefore this candidate will be highly capable of interfacing with design leads within SMC (mechanical, electrical, fire protection, telecom , plumbing) as well as externally including architectural, civil, structural, etc.

The ideal candidate will additionally be involved in growing the physical security access control, intrusion alarm, and surveillance expertise within the company, through internal training as well as recruiting and hiring as project work grows; development and implementation of design standards; oversight and execution of quality control practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES

This candidate will have the opportunity to direct and execute the physical security access control, intrusion alarm, and surveillance design while working and coordinating with clients and design leads from all disciplines. This candidate shall have the ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and with clients while being responsible to meet scheduled project deadlines.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design low voltage physical security infrastructure for mission critical buildings and campuses including campus Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS) as well as vehicle and pedestrian entrances and exits.
• Design infrastructure, inside plant cabling, cable tray and conduit conveyance systems, security space layouts, security network systems that include access control and intrusion wall and rack elevations.
• Produce complete sets of all phases of construction document drawings suitable for stamping and submission utilizing Autodesk Revit (BIM).
• Working knowledge of Access Control Systems software (ACS) Manufacturers and Video Management Systems software (VMS) Manufacturers and their practice industry standards.
• Coordinate with Architects and Door Hardware Contractor on the Access Control security design
• Coordinate with all disciplines such as but not limited too ICT, Electrical, MEP, and Controls for required security interfaces.
• Be capable to create, edit, and understand Division 28 Specifications and Industry standards.
• Coordinate power requirements with internal or external Electrical and Telecommunication engineers.
• Be capable of reviewing and understanding client standards and Basic of Design (BOD), design criteria, applicable standards, and best practices in order to apply them to a design project.
• Understand local and national construction codes and project specifications.
• Perform construction administration tasks, including but not limited to responding to RFI’s responses and Submittals reviews.
• Required to attend and represent the Security discipline in internal coordination meetings and client-facing design meetings.

• Required experience in Microsoft tools such as Word, Power Point, Excel, and Teams.
• Meet project deadlines, including working necessary hours to complete major deliverables.
• Have the ability to travel when required to project sites (approximately 10-15% travel).
• Have the ability to clearly communicate with others in both written and spoken forms.
• Lead junior engineers, designers, and modelers, and coordinate the tasks of small project teams to execute delivery of specific design elements.
• Mentor and train other designers and modelers to develop security design knowledge base.
• Maintain excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

 QUALIFICATIONS 

• Education in an engineering or construction-related field, or equivalent hands-on installation and servicing experience.
• Minimum of 7+ years of Mission Critical experience in access control, intrusion alarm, and surveillance installation designs, with a strong emphasis on Autodesk Revit (BIM) for drawing development. Experience with MEP or telecommunications firms, consulting roles, or telecommunications construction will also be considered.
• Experience in access control, intrusion alarm, and video surveillance design for industrial and commercial buildings.
• Experience working across the entire construction process, from schematic design through construction administration, including responding to RFI’s, reviewing of submittals, and reviewing Security Contractor/ Integrator’s shop drawings, and Site Visit such as existing condition surveys, site observations, and Site Visit punch lists.
• Experience using construction management tools such as Procore and Autodesk Construction Cloud.
• Required Member of ASIS International
• Experience with design of Telecommunications systems is not required but would be a plus.
• Knowledge of controls and monitoring systems for mechanical and electrical systems is a plus.
• Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) certification a plus.

 COMPENSATION

Base Compensation: $125,000-$180,000 (Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as education, experience, skills, and/or location).

SMC offers a competitive benefits package, with a 36-hour standard work week, hybrid working arrangement, 13 paid holidays, 100% coverage of medical, health, and dental insurance premiums for our full-time employees, and reimbursement of professional licensing costs. Spouse and family insurance premiums are subsidized by SMC. All full-time employees are additionally eligible for employer-sponsored life and long-term disability insurance as well as participation in our 401(k) plan, with annual safe harbor contribution.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.