Systems Engineer, Electronic Security Systems (ESS)

Overview

Chenega Security International is seeking a dedicated and technically proficient Systems Engineer to join our team at the Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA).Are you ready to bridge the gap between high-level security strategy and cutting-edge technical execution? As our new Systems Integration Specialist, you will lead the charge in integrating Electronic Security Systems (ESS) with Physical Security Information Management (PSIM), transforming customer needs into robust technical requirements. You’ll be the watchdog of our C2 systems, proactively hunting down deficiencies and tackling critical issues—like slashing perimeter nuisance alarms—to ensure peak performance. Finally, you’ll serve as a vital advisor to government stakeholders, providing expert oversight on contractor designs to ensure mission success.

Responsibilities

What You'll Get To Do:

• Serve as the subject matter expert and primary administrator for the enterprise Command and Control (C2) system, ensuring the operational readiness, performance, and reliability of the Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) platform for 24/7 security operations.
• Manage the full lifecycle of agency’s PSIM and integration of more than 15 Electronic Security Systems (ESS), including video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, and other critical security technologies.
• Manage the development, implementation, and refinement of a complex framework of over 100 business logic rules and automated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within the PSIM to correlate disparate sensor data, streamline alarm management, and provide operators with actionable intelligence.
• Proactively monitor the health and performance of all integrations; perform diagnostics, oversee contractor-led repairs, and manage the escalation process to ensure adherence to contractual Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Validate and approve software/firmware updates provided by government contractors and manage the coordination of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance outages for security assets across the National Capital Region.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison between security leadership and key partners, including the Joint Service Provider (JSP), other IT providers, and external stakeholders to ensure clear communication on all matters related to C2 and ESS operations.
• Collaborate with Security Operations Center staff and subsystem owners to identify emerging operational requirements, gather feedback, and translate needs into detailed functional and technical specifications for future system enhancements.
• Lead the technical planning and execution of projects involving new subsystem integrations, platform upgrades, and the deployment of enhanced C2 capabilities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.)

• Must have an active secret clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in the electronic security industry with a focus on systems integration.
• Demonstrated experience administering and maintaining enterprise-level security platforms (e.g., PSIM, enterprise Access Control or Video Management Systems).
• Strong technical knowledge of core security subsystems, including Access Control Systems (ACS), Video Management Systems (VMS), and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS).
• Proven ability to translate operational needs from non-technical stakeholders into detailed functional and technical requirements.
• Solid understanding of networking principles (TCP/IP, VLANs, Firewalls) as they apply to integrated security systems.

Desired Qualifications:

• 8+ years of progressive experience managing complex, integrated security platforms.
• Direct, hands-on administrative and development experience with an enterprise-level PSIM platform (e.g., Qognify Situator, Genetec Security Center/Mission Control, Everbridge).
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell) or database management (SQL) for the purpose of automation and reporting.
• Industry certifications such as ASIS Physical Security Professional (PSP) or Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Vendor-specific certifications for major VMS, ACS, or PSIM platforms.
• Experience leading technical projects from conception and design through implementation and commissioning.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Bosch Video Management System 
• Knowledge of AMAG Symmetry or Software House CCURE desired 
• Knowledge of video management, intrusion detection, and access control systems 
• Knowledge of Microsoft applications and programs. 
• Excellent writing and speaking skills are essential. 
• Ability to manage installation and maintenance schedules to complete work to acceptable standards within the time allotted 
• Ability to troubleshoot electronic security systems 
• Ability to work collaboratively in a combined industry/government group 

Physical Demands: (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee may use repeated motions that include the arms, wrists, hands and/or fingers. The employee is occasionally required to walk, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Work Environment: (The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.)

• The employee will normally work in a temperature-controlled office environment, with frequent exposure to electronic office equipment.
• During visits to areas of operations, may be exposed to extreme cold or hot weather conditions. Is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and loud noise.