At a Glance
- Tasks: Design cutting-edge physical security systems for mission-critical projects and collaborate with diverse engineering teams.
- Company: Join Ethos, a forward-thinking consultancy leading global data centre and energy infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, 25 days holiday, and support for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities and a focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in security design while enjoying a supportive and innovative work culture.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant engineering field and experience in designing security systems for high-security facilities.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
About the Role
The Senior Physical Security Design Engineer is a senior technical role within the Smart Buildings team, responsible for the delivery of high-quality physical security designs across mission-critical, data centre and complex infrastructure projects.
Working alongside the Physical Security Technical Design Lead and multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will take ownership of the technical development of security designs from concept through detailed design, ensuring solutions are compliant, coordinated and aligned with client requirements, industry standards and operational objectives.
The successful candidate will act as a technical authority for physical security systems, supporting project delivery through design development, technical reviews, coordination with other engineering disciplines and mentoring of junior engineers.
This role requires extensive experience in designing integrated physical security systems within complex-built environments, particularly data centres and other critical infrastructure.
Responsibilities
- Lead the technical design and coordination of integrated physical security systems including CCTV, Access Control, Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS), Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Intercom and Security Management Systems.
- Produce and review security design documentation including design reports, technical specifications, equipment schedules, calculations, schematics, layouts and detailed construction drawings.
- Develop security strategies and engineering solutions that satisfy client operational requirements while complying with relevant standards, legislation and project objectives.
- Coordinate physical security designs with ICT, Electrical, Mechanical, Architectural, Civil and Structural disciplines to ensure fully integrated design solutions.
- Participate in technical workshops with clients, operators, architects, contractors and specialist vendors to develop and validate security design requirements.
- Undertake technical assessments including Threat, Vulnerability and Risk Assessments (TVRA), security zoning studies, design risk assessments and engineering option appraisals.
- Review vendor proposals, technical submissions and contractor deliverables to ensure compliance with project specifications and design intent.
- Prepare equipment schedules, cable schedules, device layouts and system architecture diagrams suitable for construction and procurement.
- Ensure designs comply with relevant British, European and International Standards together with applicable client design standards and regulatory requirements.
- Undertake design coordination reviews using BIM/Revit, Bluebeam and other digital engineering tools.
- Carry out design QA/QC reviews and technical assurance activities in accordance with the company's Quality Management System.
- Support commissioning planning, witness testing and technical issue resolution during construction and project delivery.
- Provide technical mentoring and guidance to graduate and junior engineers, supporting continuous professional development within the team.
- Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, industry trends and best practice in physical security design, particularly within hyperscale and colocation data centre environments.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives through the development of design standards, templates, technical guidance documents and lessons learned.
About You
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Electronic, Electrical, Building Services, Security Engineering or a related discipline.
- Experience designing physical security systems for data centres, critical infrastructure or other high-security facilities.
- Proven delivery of RIBA Stages 2–5 (or equivalent) physical security designs.
- Experience producing specifications, reports, schematics, layouts and coordinated design documentation.
- Experience working within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Knowledge of BIM workflows and proficiency in Auto CAD, Revit, Bluebeam and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver high-quality work to programme.
Strong knowledge of integrated security systems, including
- CCTV
- Electronic Access Control
- Perimeter & Intrusion Detection Systems
- Intercom Systems
- Security Management Systems (SMS/PSIM)
- Technical Expertise
- Understanding of physical security design for mission-critical facilities.
- Knowledge of relevant EN, ISO, BS and IEC standards.
- Familiarity with security risk management, Defence in Depth and layered security principles.
- Understanding of IP networking, security system resilience, cybersecurity interfaces and structured cabling.
- Professional Skills
- Strong technical writing, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to translate client requirements into practical engineering solutions.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management and multidisciplinary coordination skills.
- Highly organised, detail-oriented and capable of managing competing priorities.
- Committed to engineering quality and continuous improvement.
- Collaborative, proactive and accountable.
- Commercially aware with the ability to mentor junior engineers and perform effectively under pressure.
Desirable
- Experience on hyperscale or colocation data centre projects.
- Knowledge of Autodesk Revit, BIM 360/ACC and digital engineering platforms.
- Professional membership or certification (e. g. PSP, ASIS, CPNI, CPP, Security Institute, BICSI).
- Chartered Engineer or working towards chartership.
- Experience with Smart Buildings, Digital Twin or operational technology integration.
Why Join us?
At Ethos, we’re dedicated to fostering an environment that encourages both technical excellence and personal wellbeing .
We offer
- Flexible Fridays and a
- 9-day fortnight working schedule
— enjoy every second Friday off to maintain work–life balance.
- A culture that values flexibility, learning, and teamwork , with clear progression pathways and support toward professional accreditation .
- Opportunities to work alongside some of the most experienced engineers in the industry, within a forward-thinking, technology-driven consultancy.
Benefits
- Flexible working times
- 25 Days holidays
- Pension Scheme
- Working travel out-of-pocket expenses
- Travel tax scheme or bike-to-work scheme
- Regular training/mentoring / further college support
- Support for Chartership
- Subsidised Health Insurance Allowance
- A Professional Subscription Fee paid by the company
- Paid Statutory Leaves
- Healthcare check-ups and flu vaccinations
- Gym / Fitness membership
- Heavily subsidised social committee (5 a side, golf society, climbing club and regular social events)
Company Description
Ethos is a team of collaborative and creative consultant engineers & professionals, leading data centre and energy infrastructure projects globally.
Our Charter
- We believe in strong human relationships
- We believe clear leadership lights the path
- We believe sustainability is non-negotiable
- We believe a can-do mindset can move mountains
- We believe in a relentless focus on delivery
Our Tagline
- Performance Made Possible
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Physical Security Design Engineer in Birmingham employer: Ethos Engineering
Ethos Engineering is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in the fast-paced environment of data centre projects. With flexible working options and a strong commitment to professional development, employees are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to mission-critical projects. Located in Birmingham, the company fosters a supportive atmosphere where experienced engineers can mentor the next generation, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Physical Security Design Engineer in Birmingham
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Senior Physical Security Design Engineer role you’re after at Ethos Engineering.
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Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Ethos Engineering a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Ethos Engineering.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Physical Security Design Engineer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Physical Security Design Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Ethos Engineering a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Ethos Engineering specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ethos Engineering
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Ethos Engineering, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Ethos Engineering want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
