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Physical Security Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... programming, system startup, and servicing of a variety of security systems is strongly desired ... integrated physical and cybersecurity solutions and cutting-edge IT services, that elevate ...

Salary: Job Summary: The Security Engineer is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and ... Physical Job Requirements * Ability to work in an office environment with prolonged periods of ...

The Security Engineer is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating security threats ... Physical Job Requirements * Ability to work in an office environment with prolonged periods of ...

The Security Engineer is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating security threats ... Physical Job Requirements * Ability to work in an office environment with prolonged periods of ...

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Physical Security Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$61K

$151.5K

$203.7K

How much do physical security engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for physical security engineer in Virginia is $151,463.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,800.00 and $157,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical daily tasks for a Physical Security Engineer?

A Physical Security Engineer often spends their days conducting site assessments, designing and specifying security systems such as access control and surveillance, and coordinating installation projects with vendors and contractors. They frequently collaborate with IT and facilities teams to ensure seamless integration of security technologies and compliance with organizational policies. Regular responsibilities also include troubleshooting system issues, maintaining documentation, and staying updated on the latest threats and security advancements. This role requires balancing hands-on technical work with project management and strong communication across multiple departments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Physical Security Engineer position, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Physical Security Engineer, a solid background in security system design, risk assessment, and knowledge of physical access controls is essential, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree or technical certifications. Familiarity with tools such as AutoCAD, security management platforms, and certifications like CPP (Certified Protection Professional) or PSP (Physical Security Professional) is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top candidates apart in this field. These competencies ensure the successful implementation of security solutions that protect assets and personnel in various environments.

What is a Physical Security Engineer job?

A Physical Security Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining physical security systems to protect people, assets, and facilities. They assess risks, develop security infrastructure, and integrate technologies like access control, surveillance, and intrusion detection systems. These engineers work closely with security teams, architects, and IT professionals to ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards. Their role involves evaluating threats, troubleshooting security issues, and optimizing security protocols to mitigate risks effectively.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physical Security Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Physical Security Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Physical Security Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Physical Security Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Physical Security Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Physical Security Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Physical Security Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,463 per year, or $72.8 per hour.
Senior Physical Security Engineer

Senior Physical Security Engineer

M.C. Dean, Inc

Arlington, VA • On-site

$131K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


M.C. Dean rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

216th of 369 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
We are seeking a Sr. Physical Security Engineer to join our Security and Electronic Systems (SES) business Unit. As part of (SES) Strategic Business Unit you will be part of a team that designs, engineers, integrates, operates and maintains electronic security services inclusive of intrusion detection, access control, biometric authentication, video surveillance, audio visual, it systems, perimeter defense and command and control systems for federal, local and commercial customers across high-growth markets.
Responsibilities
  • Analyze system performance and recommend improvements
  • Provide support to the system administration and engineering team using advanced knowledge of networking principals and system administration skills to troubleshoot systems and operating systems
  • Communicate with customers, manufacturers, vendors and system administrators
  • Train system users and other system support personnel
  • Analyze and modify preventive maintenance checklists for system changes
  • Troubleshoot system performance issues and implement corrective actions
  • Organize and prepare detailed documentation of system performance, including service request records and analysis
  • Perform desktop hardware and operating system set-up, imaging software loading, and antivirus updates
  • Conduct in depth research and evaluate the research of Technical Specialists in order to evaluate existing and future systems
  • Provide on site system support post deployment Read and interpret engineering drawings
  • Understand SOP and SOW documentation
  • Ensure test lab equipment is maintained Interface with engineering team to ensure design efficiency
  • Interface with internal and external customers demonstrating excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Conduct research and development of entire systems and analyze all interoperability and constructability scenarios
  • Read blue prints, schematics and statements of work (SOW).
  • Coordinate with field personnel and/or engineering team to discuss any potential installation issues
  • Answer support calls to help field personnel and system administrators with any installation issues encountered on the job site
  • Conduct research and development on new system manufacturers (i.e. access control, intrusion detection and closed circuit television systems).
  • Performs research, selection, modification, design, maintenance, and/or the development of Technical Security equipment and systems.
  • Independently and as part of a team, reviews, analyzes, and resolves difficult and complex technical security problems.
  • Resolves or recommends solutions to overlapping and conflicting security requirements by utilizing knowledge, skills, and abilities, including the ability to interpret various directives, rules, and regulations.
  • May act as a subject matter expert, requiring formal and independent learning and the ability to translate this expertise into recommendations in specific circumstances.
  • Communicates orally with customers and groups on technical security related issues.
  • Writes reports to document mission events, research findings, procedures, and other technical security related issues.

Qualifications
Clearance/Citizen Type: Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and may meet eligibility requirements, including U.S. Citizenship, for access to classified information; ACTIVE SECRET Clearance is REQUIRED
Position / Candidate Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree with 7+ years experience or
  • Master's Degree with 5+ years experience
  • System administrator experience in performing triage on system problems, resolving the system problems, analyzing system data to prevent problems, and implementing new workstations and system extensions
  • Vendor certifications for electronic systems preferred
  • Reliable attendance at customer site during work hours required by customer
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes occasional nights and weekends
  • Ability to travel CONUS and OCONUS
  • Position requires expertise in VMS/CCTV systems (Bosch, Milestone, and Genetec)
  • Position requires working knowledge of Electrical Security Systems, including: ACS, PSIM, PIDS, IDS
  • Position requires system architecture/design experience
  • Position requires the ability to obtain IAT Level II Certification

We offer an excellent benefits package including:
  • A competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Military Reserve pay offset
  • Paid maternity leave

What we offer:
  • A collaborative team inspired by the way engineering and innovation enhance customer outcomes, improve lives, and change the world for the better. We are driven by our core values of agility, expertise, and trust.
  • An opportunity to lead and build a business with the support of an industry-leading firm that has been in business for 75 years.
  • Investment in your skills and expertise through a combination of professional and technical training programs, including leadership training and tuition reimbursement.
  • Open and transparent communication with senior leadership as well as local office management.

Abilities:
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person.

Pay Range
USD $125,120.00 - USD $187,680.00 /Yr.

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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