Physical Security Architect

Arganteal, Corp.•Baltimore, MD

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Branch Physical Security Architect is a senior leadership role responsible for the end-to-end architectural direction of physical security technologies across a banking retail branch network. As the principal technical authority for this engagement, you will define standards, lead multi-workstream programs, and serve as the primary point of contact for the client's executive leadership. This role provides strategic oversight, not hands-on implementation, across new branch builds, renovations, technology refreshes, and large-scale security programs. You will guide engineering teams, integrators, and vendors toward consistent, compliant, and resilient security outcomes while ensuring alignment with enterprise security architecture and regulatory requirements. You will work cross-functionally with the client's PMO, IT Network Engineering, Facilities, Risk & Compliance, and external partners, serving as the single authoritative voice on branch physical security architecture.

Requirements

PSP (Physical Security Professional) CPP, CISSP, or Certified Security Architect certification
8+ years of progressive experience designing and implementing physical security systems across multi-site, branch, retail, or distributed facilities environments; financial services experience strongly preferred
Deep expertise in CCTV/VMS, alarm and intrusion detection, electronic access control, and duress/life-safety systems — architecture, integration, and network dependencies
Proven ability to develop and enforce enterprise-scale technical standards and reference architectures across numerous locations
Strong understanding of networking as it applies to security systems: IP connectivity, PoE, VLANs, LAN/WAN, bandwidth considerations
Demonstrated experience leading technical workstreams within large-scale programs, including stakeholder management at the executive level
Familiarity with alarm monitoring workflows, security operations center models, and escalation/incident response frameworks
Experience coordinating across IT, Facilities, Security Operations, PMO, and external vendors in a matrixed environment
Proficiency with documentation standards: architecture diagrams, design specs, as-built records, and standards documentation
Available to work full-time EST hours and start within 7 days of offer

Nice To Haves

Banking or financial services industry experience, particularly with regulatory and compliance requirements (FFIEC guidelines, audit frameworks, UL alarm certification standards)
Familiarity with major physical security platforms in banking: Lenel access control, major VMS and camera systems, alarm monitoring and integrated physical security management software
Understanding of how physical security intersects with cybersecurity frameworks and enterprise risk policies
Prior experience in a senior security architecture role with multi-site delivery responsibility
Exposure to 24x7 security operations, monitoring centers, or command center-based support model

Responsibilities

Define, document, and govern architectural standards for physical security systems across all branch environments
Develop and maintain the branch physical security technology roadmap aligned with corporate security strategy and regulatory frameworks
Ensure consistent design principles, technology standards, and best practices are applied bank-wide
Serve as the primary liaison to the client's C-Suite, providing regular technical briefings and status updates — daily and weekly cadence
Lead the Physical Security workstream within large-scale programs (new builds, renovations, technology refreshes) in close partnership with the PMO
Define project scope, sequence deployments, manage risks, and ensure security deliverables align within overall program timelines
Lead and provide technical direction to architects and engineers across multiple concurrent workstreams
Coordinate across IT infrastructure, Facilities, Construction, Security Operations, and other workstreams to deliver cohesive solutions
Review and approve design documents, architecture diagrams, and bills of materials
Serve as design authority for branch physical security systems: CCTV/video surveillance, intrusion detection and alarms, access control, duress and life-safety systems
Oversee integration architecture connecting security systems with IT infrastructure, alarm monitoring, and identity management platforms
Balance security requirements, user experience, and cost-effectiveness across the branch network
Drive evaluation, selection, and standardization of security technologies and vendor solutions across the portfolio
Manage relationships with external integrators and service providers, ensuring adherence to technical requirements and quality standards
Enforce solution consistency across multiple vendor products, platforms, and service contracts
Chair or participate in design review boards to oversee branch security architecture decisions
Contribute to risk assessments and mitigation planning for new implementations and change events
Provide senior-level support during critical incidents, guiding engineering teams toward root-cause resolution and long-term fixes
Continuously evaluate emerging physical security trends, regulatory changes, and threat intelligence to evolve branch security strategy