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Physical Security Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Technician Physical Security Systems

Nashville, TN · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In this hands-on, entry-level role, you'll assist with the installation of commercial physical security systems -- access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, and low-voltage cabling ...

Principal Security Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will partner with Physical Security, IT, Cybersecurity, Facilities, Data Center Operations, project teams, and vendors to deliver secure, scalable, and reliable solutions. Responsibilities ...

Principal Security Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will partner with Physical Security, IT, Cybersecurity, Facilities, Data Center Operations, project teams, and vendors to deliver secure, scalable, and reliable solutions. Responsibilities ...

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Security Guard - Armed & Unarmed

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in security practices and a commitment to maintaining a secure environment through physical presence, law enforcement coordination, and thorough ...

Lead Security Officer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17.50 - $21.25/hr

Conduct physical security assessments and penetration testing of SpaceX facilities, including buildings, data centers, and other critical infrastructure. * Develop and execute complex threat ...

Lead Security Officer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17.50 - $21.25/hr

Conduct physical security assessments and penetration testing of SpaceX facilities, including buildings, data centers, and other critical infrastructure. * Develop and execute complex threat ...

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Physical Security information

See Tennessee salary details

$12

$28

$50

How much do physical security jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for physical security in Tennessee is $28.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $38.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in physical security roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in physical security roles often encounter challenges such as adapting to evolving security threats, managing access control effectively, and coordinating with multiple departments during emergencies. Staying updated on the latest security technologies and protocols is crucial to mitigate risks. Building strong communication skills and participating in regular training exercises can help address these challenges, while fostering close collaboration with IT, facilities, and emergency response teams enhances overall security preparedness.

What does physical security do?

Physical security involves protecting people, property, and assets from unauthorized access, theft, vandalism, and harm. It includes measures such as security personnel, access controls, surveillance systems, and safety protocols to maintain a secure environment. Security professionals often monitor premises, enforce security policies, and respond to incidents to ensure safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a physical security role, and why are they important?

Success in Physical Security requires knowledge of security protocols, risk assessment, and often a background in criminal justice or security-related certifications. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control software, and alarm monitoring technology is commonly expected. Strong observational skills, integrity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for identifying threats and collaborating with team members. These abilities are vital to protect people, property, and sensitive information from physical threats and breaches.

What is physical security?

Physical security refers to the measures and protocols put in place to protect people, property, and physical assets from unauthorized access, theft, vandalism, or other physical threats. This can include barriers like locks, fences, security guards, surveillance cameras, and access control systems. Physical security is crucial for preventing loss, ensuring safety, and supporting overall organizational security strategies. It often works in tandem with cybersecurity to provide comprehensive protection for companies and individuals.

What is the difference between Physical Security vs Security Guard?

AspectPhysical SecuritySecurity Guard
CertificationsSecurity certifications, sometimes specialized in physical securitySecurity guard licenses, state-specific
Work EnvironmentBuildings, facilities, event venues, often involves access controlPatrols, monitoring entrances, responding to incidents
Employer & IndustryCorporations, government, private security firmsSecurity companies, retail, corporate sites
Job FocusPreventing unauthorized access, safeguarding assetsMonitoring premises, maintaining safety, deterring threats

Physical Security encompasses a broad range of measures and roles aimed at protecting assets and facilities, often involving specialized systems and protocols. Security Guards are a key component of physical security, primarily responsible for patrolling, monitoring, and responding to security incidents. While both roles overlap, physical security professionals may also include security system installation and risk assessment, whereas security guards focus on on-site presence and immediate threat response.

What are physical security jobs?

Physical security jobs focus on providing security for people or facilities. The duties and responsibilities of someone who works in physical security include working to monitor surveillance equipment or guard a place or person. People in this profession are called security guards or security agents. Security consultants may review current security measures and practices and recommend a new alarm system or other security measures and strategies. A security engineer may design or plan a complete security system meant to protect and secure a building or area. A director of physical security oversees all security operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physical Security jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Physical Security jobs in Tennessee are:

What job categories do people searching Physical Security jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Physical Security jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Physical Security jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Physical Security job openings:

Infographic showing various Physical Security job openings in Tennessee 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, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,696 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Physical Security Specialist - (Contract Position)

Embraer

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Embraer rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Physical Security Specialist will provide technical and administrative support to the Lead Physical Security Specialist and the Chief Security Officer of North America for security projects related to the safety and security of employees, guests, customers, contractors, facilities and assets. This position is located in Nashville, Tennessee and may provide support to other North American sites as directed. The role serves as the primary security representative for the Nashville facility and combines physical security responsibilities with front desk security reception and visitor coordination duties. The individual will professionally welcome and process visitors, customers, vendors and guests while ensuring compliance with all security requirements.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Performs visitor control support including processing incoming and outgoing visitor requests and verifying visitor identification.
  • Serves as the primary security reception and visitor management focal point for the Nashville facility.
  • Greets employees, customers, vendors and guests in a professional manner while enforcing security requirements.
  • Manages visitor badging, access authorizations and visitor management systems.
  • Provides technical planning, analysis and assistance in support of security projects.
  • Coordinates with facilities, infrastructure, HR, Legal and IT counterparts.
  • Develops and maintains physical security plans and procedures.
  • Conducts physical security assessments and surveys and recommends corrective actions.
  • Maintains access control systems, CCTV systems and security technology.
  • Reviews card access logs and security camera recordings.
  • Ensures operability and integrity of all physical security systems.
  • Oversees contract security personnel and daily security operations.
  • Prepares and maintains Post Orders and Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Responds to incidents and conducts preliminary investigations.
  • Coordinates with local law enforcement, fire departments and emergency responders.
  • Participates in emergency preparedness, crisis management and business continuity activities.
  • Maintains security databases, reports, correspondence and records.
  • Creates and processes invoices and procurement requests as required.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred but not required.

Experience:
  • 3-5 years of specialized experience in physical security, law enforcement, military, aviation or corporate security.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Experience with physical security, access control, CCTV, investigations, facility protection, transportation security, emergency response and risk mitigation.
  • Excellent communication, organization, analytical and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong Microsoft Office proficiency.
  • High degree of confidentiality and professionalism.

WORKING CONDITIONS / ENVIRONMENT / SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to work in a safe professional manner adhering to OSHA, EPA, State and Federal regulations to include TSA and Airport security requirements.
  • Employees may be required to work non-traditional business hours to support incidents, visitors, customer events and emergencies.
  • Travel up to 25% may be required.
  • Ability to pass enhanced background screening for Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) management required.

GENERAL COMMITMENT FOR ALL EMPLOYEES
  • Commitment to company values and compliance with department norms, policies, directives and procedures.
  • Incorporates Lean and P3E processes into daily activities.
  • Strives for continuous improvement.
  • Protects confidential and proprietary information.
  • Satisfies work schedule requirements.
  • The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employee Performs other duties as assigned.

Embraer is an equal opportunity employer

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