Senior Security Systems Design Engineer / Principal Security Engineer
Role Overview
The Senior Security Systems Design Engineer / Principal Security Engineer is responsible for leading the design, coordination, and technical assurance of complex integrated electronic security systems across large-scale projects. The role provides technical leadership throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring that all security solutions are operationally effective, fully integrated, compliant with applicable standards, and aligned with client and stakeholder requirements.
The successful candidate will possess extensive experience in enterprise-level security systems, IP-based infrastructure, multidisciplinary coordination, and high-risk security environments.
Key Responsibilities
1. Security Systems Design & Engineering
- Lead the design and development of integrated electronic security systems including:
- CCTV / Video Surveillance Systems
- Access Control Systems (ACS)
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
- Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS)
- Intercom Systems
- PSIM / VMS Platforms
- Security Command & Control Systems
- Develop comprehensive security architectures and system philosophies aligned with operational and risk-based requirements.
- Produce and review:
- Detailed engineering drawings
- System schematics
- Network topology diagrams
- Single-line diagrams
- Rack layouts
- Device schedules
- Technical specifications
- Security system calculations
- Ensure all designs comply with:
- Client standards and operational requirements
- Local authority regulations and codes
- International standards and best practices
- Cybersecurity and IT network requirements
- Support translation of TVRA (Threat, Vulnerability & Risk Assessment) requirements into practical security design solutions.
2. Technical Leadership & Assurance
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to design engineers and multidisciplinary project teams.
- Lead technical coordination workshops and design review meetings.
- Review and validate design deliverables to ensure technical quality, constructability, compliance, and integration alignment.
- Oversee complex integrations and high-risk technical design decisions across all security domains.
- Resolve system interface conflicts, coordination issues, and spatial clashes with MEP, ICT, Architectural, and Civil disciplines.
- Act as the technical authority for security systems engineering across multiple projects.
3. Project Delivery & Commercial Support
- Collaborate closely with Project Managers, consultants, contractors, vendors, and client stakeholders throughout project execution.
- Prepare and review:
- Bills of Materials (BOM)
- Technical submittals
- Scope documentation
- Cost estimates
- Design change notices (DCNs)
- Engineering reports
- Support procurement activities including technical evaluations, vendor coordination, and equipment approvals.
- Ensure designs are fully coordinated for installation, commissioning, testing, and operational handover.
4. Systems Integration & Innovation
- Design interoperable security solutions integrated with:
- ICT infrastructure
- Building Management Systems (BMS)
- Fire & Life Safety Systems
- AV Systems
- Third-party enterprise platforms
- Maintain strong understanding of:
- IP networking
- VLANs and switching architecture
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Server and storage infrastructure
- Virtualisation environments
- Stay current with emerging technologies including:
- AI-based video analytics
- Cloud-based security platforms
- Biometric authentication
- Edge analytics
- Smart building integration
5. Client & Stakeholder Management
- Engage directly with clients to understand operational requirements and develop tailored security solutions.
- Lead technical presentations, workshops, and design discussions with stakeholders.
- Provide strategic guidance on system upgrades, migration strategies, and future-proof security architectures.
- Serve as a trusted technical advisor throughout all project phases.
Technical Expertise
The successful candidate should demonstrate extensive experience with enterprise security platforms including, but not limited to:
- LenelS2
- Genetec
- Milestone Systems
- Axis Communications
- Gallagher
- Avigilon
- Hanwha Vision
- Cisco networking infrastructure
Strong knowledge of:
- Enterprise IP-based security systems
- Structured cabling and network infrastructure
- Security systems integration
- Electronic security standards and best practices
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Data centre and critical infrastructure environments
- ELV / ICT / Telecoms systems coordination
- Security systems commissioning and testing
Standards, Compliance & Technical Knowledge
Strong understanding of applicable standards, regulations, and industry best practices including:
- ISO standards and quality management systems
- CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles
- Structured cabling standards
- Cybersecurity frameworks and secure network design principles
- Local authority approval processes and code compliance
- Design assurance, testing, commissioning, and validation methodologies
Software & Tools
- AutoCAD
- Revit / BIM platforms (desirable)
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Network design and diagramming tools
- Security system configuration platforms
- Bluebeam or PDF review tools
- BIM coordination and clash detection platforms
Key Skills & Competencies
- Technical leadership and decision-making
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Cross-discipline coordination capability
- High attention to detail
- Commercial and operational awareness
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
- Experience in data centre, mixed- use facilities/towers, commercial, industrial and Data centre and critical national infrastructure project design requirements.
- Strong technical reporting and presentation capability
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary technical workshops and reviews
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree or Diploma in Electronic Engineering, Security Systems Engineering, ICT, or related discipline.
- Minimum 8–15 years of experience in electronic security systems design and engineering.
- Proven experience delivering large-scale or mission-critical security projects.
- Strong experience within critical infrastructure, data centre, transport, commercial, government, healthcare, or high-security environments.
- Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering and BIM coordination teams.
- Professional certifications and manufacturer accreditations are highly desirable.
Preferred Certifications & Accreditations
Highly desirable certifications may include:
- CPP – Certified Protection Professional
- PSP – Physical Security Professional
- SIRA certifications/accreditations
- \Manufacturer certifications (Genetec, LenelS2, Gallagher, Milestone, etc.)
- BIM / Revit certifications (desirable)
Requirements
- Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
- Valid driving licence for the country of operation.
- Ability and willingness to travel internationally as required (approximately 10% travel).
- Ability to work within fast-paced and technically complex project environments.
- Strong professional, collaborative, and client-focused approach.
Work Location: In person