Senior Security Systems Design Engineer
2 days ago
Blackburn
Title: Senior Security Systems Design EngineerLocation: BlackburnJob Type: ContractLength: 12 months +Rate: £600-£650 per day INSIDE IR35Security Clearance required - can start on BPSS then moving to SCQualifications and training (typical)- HNC/HND/Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering (or demonstrable equivalentexperience).- Recognised electrical/safety training aligned to site requirements (varies by operator).- Vendor training/certification (beneficial): major VMS/ACS/IDS platforms used in the sector.- Security vetting/clearance: Enhanced BPSS & SC clearances required.Role purposeDesign, engineer and assure integrated electronic security systems (ESS) for Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sites (e.g., energy, water, transport, telecoms, defence-related estates). The role ensures electronic & physical security solutions are safe, compliant, resilient, maintainable, and proportionate to assessed risk-often within high-assurance environments and under strict governance.Scope and typical systems- Access Control Systems (ACS): door controllers, credential technologies, biometrics, turnstiles, vehicle access.- Intruder Detection Systems (IDS): perimeter and internal detection, alarm routing, gradedsignalling.- Video Surveillance (CCTV/VSS): fixed/PTZ, analytics, storage, evidential export.- Perimeter security electronics: fence detection, radar, thermal, gates/barriers interfacing.- Intercom/help points, duress/panic alarms, lockdown/alerting functions.- Security management and integration platforms: PSIM, VMS, access control management, event correlation.- Alarm monitoring integration: SOC/ARC interfaces, incident response workflows.- Power and resilience: UPS, battery autonomy, dual feeds, segregation, surge protection,earthing/bonding.- Networked security infrastructure: structured cabling, fibre, PoE, network segmentation, time sync, secure remote access patterns (as governed).Key responsibilities1) Concept and requirements engineering- Translate security risk assessments, threat models and operational requirements into clearengineering requirements and performance specs.- Develop security design concepts (architecture options, resilience models, failure modes,coverage principles) aligned to the site's criticality.- Define interface requirements with OT/IT, building systems, fire systems and operationalprocesses.2) Detailed design and engineering delivery- Produce design packs: single line diagrams, schematics, panel designs, cable schedules, device layouts, containment requirements, integration interface documents, network topologies (asrequired).- Select appropriate technologies and grades of equipment aligned with environment, threat, maintainability and lifecycle cost.- Engineer power budgets, UPS autonomy, segregation, EMC considerations, and environmental suitability (IP ratings, temperature, corrosion).- Ensure designs support safe installation and maintainability (access for servicing, sparesstrategy, configuration control).3) Compliance, assurance and governance- Design in accordance with relevant standards, client governance and site rules (including safety, electrical, security and information assurance requirements).- Participate in design reviews, HAZID/HAZOP or equivalent safety/security assurance activities where applicable.- Maintain traceability: requirements ? design ? test ? as-built manage design change control.4) Cyber-physical security alignment- Work with cybersecurity/architecture teams to ensure secure-by-design principles fornetworked security systems (segmentation, hardening assumptions, credential management, logging, patching constraints).- Produce documentation to support risk acceptance and operational security processes (account management, secure maintenance, audit trails).5) Testing, commissioning and handover- Define test strategies: FAT/SAT, integrated testing, performance validation, resilience/failover tests, alarm response verification.- Support commissioning, resolve defects, verify as-built compliance, and produce handover documentation and training inputs.- Ensure operational readiness: SOPs input, maintenance regimes, spares, and configuration backups.6) Stakeholder and supplier management- Specify and evaluate supplier solutions review technical submissions, RFIs, deviations and value engineering proposals.- Provide technical support to procurement and contract teams (scope clarity, acceptance criteria, warranties, support arrangements).Deliverables- User/Operational Requirements (input or authored sections) and System RequirementsSpecification- Security System Architecture and integration/interface control documents (ICDs)- Drawings: GA/device layouts, wiring diagrams, schematics, cabinet layouts, network diagrams- Schedules: equipment lists, I/O schedules, cable schedules, power/UPS calculations- Test documentation: FAT/SAT scripts, test evidence requirements, commissioning plans- As-built pack, O&M manuals review, training materials input, configuration baselinesSkills and competenciesTechnical- Strong electrical engineering fundamentals: power distribution, protection, earthing/bonding, cable design, fault finding principles.- Solid understanding of physical security technologies (ACS, IDS, VSS, perimeter detection) and integration patterns.- Knowledge of resilience engineering (redundancy, autonomy, graceful degradation, failsecure/fail-safe behaviour).- Competence in drawings and engineering documentation control (CAD and documentmanagement practices).- Familiarity with networking concepts relevant to ESS (IP addressing, VLANs, PoE budgets,bandwidth/storage sizing, time synchronisation).Experience (typical)- 3-8+ years in security systems engineering/design or related building services/controls with significant ESS exposure.- Experience delivering projects through full lifecycle: concept to handover.- Experience working under strict governance (design gates, audits, regulated change control)and within live operational sites.TPBN1_UKTJ