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Physical Security Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Work as a member of the security engineering team and cross functionally to help promote hybrid on ... physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion or spiritual belief, sexual ...

New

... cloud engineering teams to implement security controls across hybrid environments. -Develop ... Physical Requirements * This position requires the physical capabilities to work in an office ...

Security Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

... cloud engineering teams to implement security controls across hybrid environments. -Develop ... Physical Requirements * This position requires the physical capabilities to work in an office ...

Through our crypto solutions for financial institutions, businesses, governments and developers, we ... As the Physical Security Systems Specialist, you will lead all aspects of Ripple's Global Security ...

Senior Offensive Security Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$114K - $156K/yr

... physical access testing of product hardware, field devices, PLC/IPC interfaces, device ... security, cloud security, IoT security, software engineering, or related technical field.

Senior Offensive Security Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$114K - $156K/yr

... physical access testing of product hardware, field devices, PLC/IPC interfaces, device ... security, cloud security, IoT security, software engineering, or related technical field.

... or physical, is properly protected. You will engineer, maintain and implement security controls, audit configurations in a hybrid compute environment, generally ensuring we are reducing risk ...

Senior Security Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$174K - $236K/yr

Position Overview As a Security Engineer (Pre-Sales) at Vectra.ai, you will blend deep technical ... the financial, physical, mental and overall health of our employees and their families.

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Showing results 1-20

Physical Security Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$63.4K

$157.5K

$211.9K

How much do physical security engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for physical security engineer in Chicago, IL is $157,503.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $147,400.00 and $163,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physical security engineer?

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 does a physical security engineer do?

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 as a physical security engineer?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Physical Security Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Physical Security Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Physical Security Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Physical Security Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Physical Security Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $157,503 per year, or $75.7 per hour.

Senior Physical Security Engineer

Kirkland & Ellis LLP.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

About Kirkland & Ellis
At Kirkland & Ellis, we don't just meet the standard for legal excellence - we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 24 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers' commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.
What You'll Do
The Senior Physical Security Engineer is responsible for the technical implementation, configuration, testing, and ongoing support of integrated physical security systems across multiple office locations. This role supports access control, video surveillance, visitor management systems, and related security technologies, ensuring systems are reliable, secure, and aligned with firmwide standards.
Working closely with Physical Security Managers, IT, Operations, Real Estate teams, and third-party vendors, the Sr. Physical Security Engineer plays a key role in office expansion projects, system upgrades, and day-to-day technical support of security infrastructure.
This role supports a global environment and may occasionally require flexible hours to coordinate with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Key Responsibilities
  • Configure, program, test, and commission physical security hardware and software systems
  • Provide technical support and troubleshooting for access control, video surveillance, and related security systems
  • Serve as a technical resource and escalation point for local Physical Security Managers, IT, and Operations teams
  • Support office buildouts and expansion projects by attending project meetings, reviewing drawings, and coordinating with vendors, integrators, and consultants
  • Partner with internal and external teams during system installations, upgrades, and maintenance activities
  • Proactively maintain security systems by supporting software updates, coordinating hardware repairs or replacements, and scheduling service activities
  • Ensure compliance with established security standards and assist with maintaining system documentation, configurations, as-built drawings, and equipment inventories
  • Support new physical security initiatives and projects as assigned

What You'll Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Security, Information Technology, or a related field or
  • Minimum of 4 years of equivalent hands-on experience supporting physical security systems in a corporate environment

Technical Skills
  • Strong understanding of physical security systems and supporting IT infrastructure
  • Hands-on experience with system configuration, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance
  • Experience with access control and video surveillance platforms (Software House / Johnson Controls preferred)
  • Basic troubleshooting experience in Windows Server environments, including reviewing application logs and identifying network-related issues
  • Familiarity with service ticketing systems (ServiceNow or similar)
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
  • Experience editing PDF documents using tools such as Adobe Acrobat or Bluebeam Revu

Preferred Certifications
  • Software House CCURE 9000 Advanced Integrator Certification
  • Genetec Security Center Enterprise Technical Certification (or similar)

Skills & Competencies
  • Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Proven problem-solving

Compensation
The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.
Compensation Range:
Chicago: $100,000 - $138,000
How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."
Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.
Equal Employment Opportunity
All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. #LI-Remote #LI-MK1