Physical Security Applications Engineer

As a Physical Security Applications Engineer at our Calabasas, CA location, your responsibilities will include the maintenance and repair of security systems, monitoring their effectiveness, creating documentation, and generating reports. You'll also lead projects related to the design and implementation of physical security systems while collaborating with other team members to identify security requirements.

To qualify for the Physical Security Applications Engineer role, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or an equivalent field. You should have 3-7 years of experience in security system design and implementation, strong troubleshooting skills, and proficiency with enterprise-level security platforms.

Ideal candidates for the Physical Security Applications Engineer role should have hands-on experience with CCTV systems, access control systems, and alarms. Familiarity with compliance standards like PCI-DSS and NIST is also beneficial, alongside strong teamwork and communication skills for interacting with various stakeholders.

In the role of Physical Security Applications Engineer, you will work with enterprise-level security platforms like Genetec Security Center and RS2. Knowledge of PAC systems and CCTV technologies such as Avigilon and Axis will also be essential, along with basic understanding of SQL databases and networking fundamentals.

The base salary range for the Physical Security Applications Engineer in Calabasas, CA is between $76,530 and $93,320, with additional bonuses and benefits. The specific pay determined will depend on various factors including job-related skills and experience.

To ensure effective installation of security systems, you should start by conducting a thorough assessment of the site and understanding specific security needs. Next, create a detailed installation plan, involve the necessary team members for feedback, and ensure rigorous testing and documentation throughout the process.

When troubleshooting a failing security system, it's important to follow a systematic approach: check the power supply, inspect all connections, and review system logs for errors. Utilize your technical knowledge to isolate the issue, and if necessary, escalate to specialized support.

When discussing your experience with designing physical security systems, focus on specific projects where you assessed risk, identified appropriate technologies, and integrated solutions that met client needs. Highlight successful outcomes and lessons learned to demonstrate your design acumen.

I am familiar with several security compliance standards, including PCI-DSS for payment card data security, NIST for federal information security, and UL 294 which governs access control systems. Being knowledgeable in these areas ensures that projects meet regulatory requirements.

To manage a diverse team during installations, maintain open communication, establish clear roles and responsibilities, and create a collaborative work environment. Regular check-ins and encouraging input from team members can lead to smoother operations and improved outcomes.

I stay current with advancements in security technology by regularly attending industry conferences, participating in webinars, and engaging with professional organizations. Additionally, I subscribe to relevant journals and forums to keep abreast of the latest trends and innovations.

When adapting to sudden changes in project requirements, I prioritize by reassessing project goals and resources. For example, I once had a client request last-minute updates due to regulatory changes, so I quickly gathered my team to brainstorm solutions and implemented a revised plan efficiently.

For project management in security system installations, I utilize tools like Microsoft Project for planning and tracking progress, alongside collaborative platforms like Trello or Asana to streamline team communication. These tools help us remain organized and focused on project timelines.

Documentation is vital in security system management as it provides a clear record of system designs, installations, and maintenance activities. It ensures compliance with standards, facilitates troubleshooting efforts, and enhances communication among team members and stakeholders.

My greatest challenges when implementing new security systems typically involve integrating new technologies with existing systems and ensuring user compliance. To address these, I carefully plan the integration phases and provide thorough training to users to facilitate a smooth transition.