Security Design Engineer

Position Summary

In collaboration with management and senior staff serves as subject matter expert on project teams or team lead for technical security systems and security elements throughout ERIE’s footprint. Advises project teams on security elements and technical security system designs. Assists with coordinating or conducting security assessments, inspections, and audits. Installs, programs, implements, operates, and manages ERIE’s technical security systems, including card access, physical security, network video systems, pedestrian control, proprietary databases, fire alarm, life safety systems for the Home Office and designated field offices. Provides specialized technical analysis of user input, testing, and specifications to inform modifications and new technology implementations. Coordinates with internal and external teams on design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of all related technical security systems.

• The position is based out of our Corporate Office in Erie, PA.
• The hiring team will consider candidates for a Security Design Engineer or Senior Security Design Engineer position. The level of position offered will be based on depth and breadth of selected candidate's qualifications and experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluates user input, specified threats, operational goals, and industry best practices to determine design recommendations including specifications, hardware requirements and software.
• Uses scans and measurements in conjunction with 2D and 3D modeling (REVIT, AutoCAD) to develop security systems and elements within the virtual world before recommending for use the real world. This includes prototyping of computer-based systems, software coding, and physical hardware. 
• Develops and maintains strong proficiency and knowledge of industry standards and best practice modeling and diagramming techniques. Conducts related research and communicates relevant industry news and information to the Advanced Technical Systems team. Maintains and applies an in-depth knowledge of ERIE’s technical security systems. Provides direct support to the company and section on all technical security system related initiatives and problem resolutions.
• Maintains knowledge of current and emerging technologies and industry best practices related to all technical security systems. Conducts related research and communicates relevant industry news and information to staff. Proposes and implements best practices and tools supporting these technologies and practices. Develops system integration skills and works closely with the Security Systems Integration Engineer.
• Collaborates with other team members and contract resources to install, test, troubleshoot, or replace low voltage electrical equipment, all ERIE’s Technical Security Systems, including card access, physical security, intrusion, CCTV, digital video, recording, fire detection systems, and complex wireless applications.
• Routinely represents the Advanced Technical Security Systems section on project teams. Assists with the design and/or configurations of integrated technical security systems. 
• Participates in and assists senior staff with conducting on-going risk analysis and physical security audits at all ERIE facilities and corporate functional areas to identify points of vulnerability. Documents and evaluates all points of vulnerability and recommends risk avoidance and reduction strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities (cont'd if applicable)

• Performs both mechanical and electronic service for all technical security system hardware components, including door electronics, detection devices, card readers, cameras, and video recorders in accordance with all manufactures specifications, internal quality controls and productivity standards.
• Performs scheduled system wide inspections of all hardware, device components and software. Inspections will include adjusting, cleaning, and calibrating hardware devices to insure proper operation. Creates and maintains test records and formal inspection documentation. Performs complete testing and commissioning of all technical security systems, including intelligent fire detection life/safety systems. 
• Responds to calls for service, including emergency and customary. Analyzes, troubleshoots, repairs, and restores equipment/systems to full operation and recommends revisions when necessary for effectiveness. Alerts senior staff to equipment/systems requiring further analysis or potential replacements. Monitors problem resolution progress and quality. Ensures completion of required quality tasks, reviews, documentation and compliance with problem management and best practices. Prepares detailed problem management reports and metrics for existing knowledge databases.

The first seven duties listed are the functions identified as essential to the job. Essential functions are those job duties that must be performed in order for the job to be performed.

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instruction and to perform any other duties as requested by their supervisor, or as become clear.
 

Capabilities

Qualifications

Minimum Educational and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in IT, MIS, Engineering, Security Management, Project Management, or closely related field, plus five years related experience, including two years in security systems design and three years in security principles; or
• Associate degree in a technical field, plus seven years related experience, including two years in security systems design and three years in security principles; or
• Industry certification (APP, PSP, CPP, CSC (IAPSC), NICET IV, PMP, CSPM, or equivalent), plus eight years related experience, including two years in security systems design and three years in security principles; or
• High school diploma plus nine years related experience, including two years in security systems design and three years in security principles.
• Additional industry certifications may count towards years of related experience.

Additional Experience

• 24/7 on call as needed, restrict vacations during peak periods, and travel (including overnight stays) are required.
• Advanced knowledge required of several of the following and an understanding of their functional relationships in a “protection in depth” design: IP CCTV, Network Distributed Access Control, Fire/Life Safety Systems, Network Incident Command, IP A/V & Communications, Low Voltage Electronics, Network Digital Radio, Security Systems, Pedestrian Control, Server/Client computer systems, security assessments, or related information technology systems.
• Experience with security system principles and/or related systems, including detailed knowledge of the design, electronics, programming, and troubleshooting required.
• Advanced understanding of digital and analog signaling protocols, network communications, information systems and network architecture required.
• Understanding of how to design building systems and physical elements to protect assets. (PSP, CPP, or CSC strongly preferred)
• Security project subject matter expert experience.

Physical Requirements