Systems Engineer - Electronic Security Systems

Chenega Corporation•Arlington, VA

About The Position

The Systems Engineer, Electronic Security Systems (ESS) serves as the senior technical authority responsible for engineering, integrating, sustaining, modernizing, and continuously improving the Pentagon Force Protection Agency's enterprise electronic security infrastructure. The role provides end-to-end systems engineering leadership across physical security technologies supporting the protection of a critical national facility. The position manages the full lifecycle of enterprise security solutions, including IP-based Video Surveillance Systems (VSS), Access Control Systems (ACS), Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Identity Management platforms, and Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) systems. In collaboration with cybersecurity, network, operations, and security stakeholders, the Systems Engineer ensures the availability, reliability, interoperability, and scalability of mission-critical security technologies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, Security Engineering, or a related technical discipline and at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience supporting enterprise electronic security systems; or a related technical master's degree and at least 7 years of such experience; or 15 years of progressively responsible experience designing, integrating, supporting, and managing large-scale electronic security systems in lieu of a degree.
Demonstrated experience supporting enterprise-class physical security technologies, including VSS, ACS, IDS, Identity Management Systems, PSIM platforms, or comparable technologies.
Experience applying systems engineering principles across the lifecycle, including requirements analysis, architecture development, integration, testing, deployment, sustainment, and modernization.
Ability to analyze complex technical issues, evaluate system performance, identify root causes, and develop engineering solutions in mission-critical environments.
Experience supporting integrated systems involving hardware, software, networking, cybersecurity, databases, and third-party applications.
Ability to lead technical projects, coordinate cross-functional efforts, and provide engineering guidance to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical documentation, engineering analyses, project plans, and executive-level briefings.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, evaluate technical risks, and develop recommendations supporting operational and strategic objectives.
Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, government stakeholders, vendors, contractors, and operational users.
Active Secret clearance.
Successfully pass background and drug screening.
Advanced knowledge of enterprise electronic security systems, including video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, identity management, and PSIM platforms.
Knowledge of systems engineering methodologies, lifecycle management practices, and systems integration principles.
Knowledge of enterprise networking concepts, cybersecurity fundamentals, and secure system architectures.
Knowledge of project management methodologies, risk management processes, and change management practices.
Knowledge of federal, DoD, and industry standards governing physical and electronic security systems.
Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues.
Ability to evaluate system performance data and translate findings into actionable engineering improvements.
Strong technical writing and documentation skills, including preparation of engineering studies, requirements documents, technical reports, and implementation plans.
Effective project planning, scheduling, coordination, and execution skills.
Strong presentation and briefing skills to communicate technical information to executive leadership and operational stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Bosch Video Management System (BVMS) certification.
AMAG Symmetry certification.
Software House C•CURE 9000 certification.
Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD), Federal Government, intelligence community, or critical infrastructure protection environments.
Experience with enterprise security architectures, physical security ecosystems, and large-scale systems integration initiatives.
Experience supporting cybersecurity requirements and security controls related to electronic security systems.
Experience with network infrastructure, virtualization, server administration, storage solutions, and enterprise application environments supporting security technologies.
Project Management Professional (PMP), Systems Engineering Professional (SEP), Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), or comparable industry-recognized certification.
Familiarity with DoD physical security standards, risk management frameworks, and federal security regulations.
Experience leading technology modernization, system migration, and digital transformation initiatives.

Responsibilities

Serve as the lead engineering authority for enterprise Video Surveillance Systems (VSS) and associated Electronic Security Systems (ESS), providing technical leadership for planning, integration, sustainment, and modernization.
Provide lifecycle systems engineering support, including requirements analysis, architecture development, design reviews, integration, testing and validation, performance optimization, sustainment planning, and technology refresh.
Develop and implement engineering strategies to improve reliability, operational effectiveness, cybersecurity resilience, interoperability, and maintainability.
Evaluate emerging technologies, industry trends, and evolving security requirements to identify innovation opportunities and support future ESS capabilities and modernization objectives.
Lead technical assessments, feasibility studies, and engineering analyses for system enhancements, infrastructure upgrades, and new technology deployments.
Monitor and improve the performance, availability, and effectiveness of enterprise video surveillance and electronic security systems.
Analyze system health metrics, performance data, service-level trends, incident reports, and failure patterns to identify risks and drive data-informed improvements.
Provide technical leadership in diagnosing and resolving complex issues involving hardware, software, networking, cybersecurity, databases, and multi-platform integrations.
Review technical changes, configuration baselines, software releases, and system modifications for compliance with operational requirements, security standards, and enterprise architecture objectives.
Coordinate and oversee scheduled maintenance, emergency repairs, and technology refresh efforts to maximize availability and minimize operational disruptions.
Plan, manage, and execute ESS engineering, sustainment, and modernization projects from concept through implementation, transition, and operational acceptance.
Develop project plans, schedules, technical documentation, resource requirements, cost estimates, and risk mitigation strategies.
Establish and maintain engineering and program artifacts, including technical roadmaps, lifecycle management plans, configuration documentation, modernization plans, and systems engineering documentation.
Collaborate with government stakeholders, operational users, cybersecurity personnel, network engineers, and vendor partners to integrate and support enterprise security technologies.
Perform other duties as assigned.