Physical Security Application Engineer

The Physical Security Application Engineer operates within the Design & Engineering function, reporting to the Head of Design & Engineering in North's Public Services sector. This is a technical role combining deep platform expertise, hands‑on commissioning capability, and design authority responsibilities across a portfolio of projects. The successful candidate will bring demonstrable hands‑on experience across multiple enterprise security platforms, and will be expected to commission, configure, and technically lead deployments across the full range of platforms North delivers. They will be recognised internally as the primary technical reference for enterprise security platforms, and will operate as a trusted advisor to clients and project teams from requirements definition through to system handover.

The role spans both direct delivery and technical leadership depending on project scale. On smaller or single‑site projects the postholder will lead commissioning personally on site. On larger, more complex programmes they will direct and oversee commissioning teams, maintaining technical authority throughout. In both cases, they are the definitive go‑to for platform knowledge, configuration standards, and commissioning quality across the business.

Client & Requirements Engagement

• Work closely with clients and stakeholders to capture operational, functional, and technical requirements across the project lifecycle.
• Provide trusted advisory services, helping clients shape their security technology strategy and understand the implications of design and platform decisions.
• Support bids, tenders, and professional services engagements with credible technical input.
• Operate consultatively across all phases of an engagement, not just at the point of delivery.

Solution Architecture & Design

• Develop High‑Level Designs (HLDs) and system architectures during bid and solution stages.
• Produce Stage 4 detailed designs and Low‑Level Designs (LLDs) suitable for installation and delivery.
• Design complex, multi‑system integrated solutions (CCTV, Access Control, analytics, networks, and supporting infrastructure).
• Ensure designs incorporate resilience, scalability, cybersecurity, and compliance requirements.

Design Authority & Governance

• Act as Design Authority across assigned projects, ensuring all deliverables align to approved designs.
• Provide technical oversight throughout installation, testing, and commissioning phases.
• Govern design changes through structured review and approval processes.

Commissioning & Technical Handover

• Own and deliver commissioning activities across enterprise security platforms on projects.
• Produce plans ahead of on‑site activity, covering device configuration, platform build and bring‑up, licensing validation, integration verification, and functional testing against design.
• Lead commissioning delivery directly on site where required, and direct and oversee engineering teams.
• Resolve technical issues during commissioning, maintaining alignment with approved design throughout.
• Manage the transition to operational handover, including as‑built records, commissioning sign‑off documentation, and client‑facing close‑out deliverables.
• Develop and maintain commissioning standards, configuration baselines, and reusable templates for enterprise platforms across the business.

Testing & Assurance

• Define and develop FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) plans and reports.
• Define and develop SAT (Site Acceptance Test) plans and reports.
• Define and develop SIT (System Integration Test) plans and reports.
• Ensure all solutions meet documented operational and performance requirements.

Delivery Collaboration

• Serve as the internal technical authority for enterprise security platforms across the business, acting as the primary point of escalation for platform‑related questions and issues.
• Provide platform guidance to project managers, engineers, and account teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Maintain deep working knowledge across multiple enterprise platforms including architecture, licensing models, integration capabilities, and commissioning requirements.
• Monitor vendor technical bulletins, software releases, and roadmap developments, and advise the business on relevant implications.

Multi‑Disciplinary Design Leadership

• Act as Lead Designer on complex projects.
• Coordinate and integrate designs across multiple disciplines: Networks & IT infrastructure, MEP systems, Fire systems, Building/construction elements.

Subject Matter Expertise

• Operate as a technical SME for security platforms such as Genetec, Milestone and Gallagher.
• Maintain strong awareness of industry trends, standards, and emerging technologies.

Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience designing, architecting, and commissioning physical security systems in enterprise or public sector environments.
• Hands‑on delivery across enterprise VMS and access control platforms (e.g. Genetec, Milestone, Gallagher), with relevant certifications preferred.
• Strong knowledge of CCTV, access control, IP networking, and infrastructure.
• Experience producing HLDs, LLDs, and full system architecture documentation.
• Familiar with FAT, SAT, and SIT testing processes.
• Solid understanding of Windows Server, enterprise IT environments, and domain infrastructure.
• Working knowledge of integration technologies and security system protocols.
• Networking knowledge to CCNA level or equivalent.