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Physical Security Engineering Jobs in Columbia, SC

Security Analyst III

Columbia, SC · On-site

$94K - $118K/yr

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION Physical, virtual, & web application Firewall ... engineering (including firewall management, endpoint security, email security, identity and access ...

... engineering, and cybersecurity industries. We are seeking a Engineer 4 to join our Security and ... physical security system and IT solutions. * Must obtain a Security+ within 6-months. Desired ...

Lead Installer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$21.75 - $29.25/hr

Direct experience programming DVRs and security systems. * Prior experience servicing ATMs, physical security assets, or commercial banking environments. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

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Physical Security Engineering information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$12

$29

$51

How much do physical security engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for physical security engineering in Columbia, SC is $29.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $39.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is physical security engineering?

Physical security engineering is the discipline focused on designing, implementing, and maintaining systems and processes that protect physical assets, facilities, and personnel from threats such as unauthorized access, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. This field involves the integration of security technologies like surveillance cameras, access control systems, alarms, barriers, and secure facility layouts. Physical security engineers assess vulnerabilities, develop security plans, and ensure that all protective measures work together to reduce risks and ensure safety. They often collaborate with IT and cybersecurity professionals to provide comprehensive protection against both physical and digital threats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physical security engineer?

To thrive as a Physical Security Engineer, you need a solid background in security principles, risk assessment, and physical access control, often supported by a degree in engineering, security management, or related fields. Familiarity with security systems such as CCTV, intrusion detection, badge access platforms, and certifications like PSP (Physical Security Professional) are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help in designing secure environments and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities, implementing robust security solutions, and ensuring the safety of people and assets.

What are some common challenges faced by physical security engineers when implementing new security systems in existing facilities?

Physical Security Engineers often encounter challenges when retrofitting new security technologies into existing buildings, such as integrating modern access control systems with legacy infrastructure or addressing gaps in surveillance coverage. These projects require thorough site assessments, close coordination with facilities management, and creative problem-solving to ensure minimal disruption to daily operations. Additionally, engineers must stay current with evolving security threats and compliance standards, making adaptability and continuous learning crucial for success in this role.

What is the difference between Physical Security Engineering vs Security Systems Technician?

AspectPhysical Security EngineeringSecurity Systems Technician
CredentialsSecurity certifications, engineering degreesTechnical certifications, specialized training
Work EnvironmentDesigning security systems, planning security infrastructureInstalling, maintaining, and repairing security equipment
Employer & IndustrySecurity consulting firms, large organizationsSecurity installation companies, service providers
Search & Comparison IntentDesign and planning of security solutionsHands-on installation and troubleshooting

Physical Security Engineering focuses on designing and planning security systems, requiring engineering knowledge and certifications. Security Systems Technicians implement and maintain these systems through hands-on work. While both roles are essential in security infrastructure, they differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environment.

What job categories do people searching Physical Security Engineering jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Physical Security Engineering jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Physical Security Engineering jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Physical Security Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Physical Security Engineering job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,848 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Security Analyst III

Columbia, SC • On-site


State of South Carolina
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


$94K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Responsibilities Under limited supervision, Security Analyst III position is responsible for technical aspects of information security within the South Carolina Judicial Branch (SCJB), as well as for implementation of industry standard security controls that are applied consistently throughout our organization. Reports to and works closely with the Chief Information Security Office in the implementation of technical controls to safeguard the electronic data, communications, and physical and intangible assets within SCJB. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION Physical, virtual, & web application Firewall management.

Applies technical analysis of data security information and uses critical thinking and troubleshooting skills to resolve security incidents, as reported either by end users, other IT teams, or as evident from routine log analysis. Modifies firewall security rules to accommodate changing network environment while maintaining best practices in security. Manage VPN technology used by IT department and vendors.

Performs hardware & software upgrades to existing firewall devices and installs new firewall devices as needed for growth. Endpoint Security management. Uses SCJB-approved software on all SCJB workstations (local & remote) and Servers to analyze suspicious data traffic, such as, but not limited to, browsing malicious websites or downloading malicious files.

Acts on automatically generated reports to follow up on suspicious activity, running security scans or collaborating with the IT Help Desk for additional scans and user assistance as needed. Assist in running internet usage reports as requested by management to monitor appropriate usage of SCJB resources. Email Security monitoring.

Receives, investigates, and sends alerts upon reports of suspicious email by end users or email filtering system. Updates email filtering system as needed to prevent ingress of malicious email. Two Factor Authentication management.

Monitors and maintains health of the two factor authentication system for SCJB user accounts, to prevent unauthorized remote access to SCJB systems. Responds to escalations from IT Help Desk concerning any issues with system, such as access failures. Physical Security system monitoring.

Collaborates with Security Coordinator in HR, BPS officers, and General Services to troubleshoot technical issues with building access control and video system, utilizing contracted vendor for hands-on support. Coordinate changes, maintenance, and installation of new systems with affected personnel. Logging & Security Monitoring.

Uses internal enterprise logging system to investigate security issues and anomalies. Integrate new log sources, both on-prem and cloud, and maintain health of logging system. Responds to alerts provided by external security monitoring vendor, creating security incidents as needed to remediate any issues.

Security Awareness coordination. Assists with the setup and maintenance of our security awareness training portal. Assists with periodic security training assigned to staff, and works closely with IT Help Desk to investigate and resolve issues.

Designs and distributes Phishing Assessments on periodic basis to test employees security awareness. Data Encryption. Supports best practices of encrypting sensitive data over Email by management of Email DLP system.

Works in advisory capacity to Networking to ensure endpoint device encryption adheres to security best practice. Research, Test, and Implement new security systems. Will work with the Chief Information Security Officer in the design, creation, and testing of new security systems as approved by SCJB.

Works closely with other teams as needed to coordinate testing, installation, and communication. Produces documentation on newly-developed security systems that is useful for the average computer user, where such systems require interaction with the user. Conducts vulnerability scans for existing and new systems introduced by IT Development teams or contracted vendors.

Works closely with vendors related to all supported security systems. Performs other duties as assigned by management in order to meet the needs of the organization. Minimum and Additional Requirements Bachelor's in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field.

Seven (7) or more years of combined documented experience in progressively sophisticated roles in networking, information security engineering (including firewall management, endpoint security, email security, identity and access control, security threat analysis); OR an associate degree and 10+ of combined document experience in progressively sophisticated roles in networking, information security engineering (including firewall management, endpoint security, email security, identity and access control, security threat analysis). Strong, diverse technical background in networking and troubleshooting. Must hold two (2) or more industry standard security certifications, such as: CompTIA Security +, SANS/GIAC GISF, GSEC, CISSP.

Preferred Qualifications Vendor specific certifications such as Cisco CCNA, Checkpoint CCSA, etc. Experience with Cisco Firepower, Check Point version R80 or higher, Linux or UNIX based platforms, Tenable vulnerability scanning, web application firewalls & bot prevention. Experience working in Hybrid environment, and with multiple physical or virtual site locations is a plus.

Experience with Microsoft Cloud security controls, logging, and identity management desired. Experience with Zero Trust Network Access technology a plus. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics Security operations experience with firewalls, IDS/IPS, log monitoring, SIEM platforms, and related operating systems.

Fluent in understanding and working with TCP/IP protocol and networking principles such as switching and routing, as well as web technologies. Experience with Cisco and Checkpoint networking and security technology. Hands-on experience with a vulnerability scanner such as Tenable, Nmap, and Qualys.

Hands-on experience with network packet analyzers such as Wireshark. Experience with Active Directory, NTFS permissions, LDAP, and RADIUS solutions. Familiarity with Linux-based operating systems.

Experience with system hardening procedures for Windows, Linux and Unix OS. Experience with advising on patch management best practice to mitigate vulnerabilities. Ability to work in a team environment and establish effective working relationships with vendors, management, staff and users.

Ability to handle multiple engagements with overlapping deadlines. Ability to stay current on security issues through research, training, and industry conferences. Additional Comments The South Carolina Judicial Branch offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that include: Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children; State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs (Temporary positions have option to enroll); 15 days paid annual (vacation) leave per year; 15 days paid sick leave per year; Option to designate 10 days of earned paid sick leave per year as family sick leave; 13 paid state holidays; Workers' Compensation Benefits.


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About State of South Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of South Carolina is not a typical corporation, but the governing body of the US state of South Carolina, located in the capital city of Columbia. Its industry focuses on public administration, providing key essential services to ensure the efficient functioning of the state. These services range from public safety and environment protection to education, healthcare, and economic development. The state was founded in 1788, grounded in democratic principles meant to support the overall well-being of its citizenry. Its core values revolve around service, integrity, accountability, and transparency. The mission of the State of South Carolina is to improve the quality of life for all its people, with a focus on education advancement, economic growth, and improved healthcare.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, SC, US

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