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

About Us:

Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in rapidly expanding industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.

For more than 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where it really matters. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services and an industry-leading field organization, we elevate customer performance, turn goals into real-world results and help move society forward.

Johnson Controls helps create smarter, safer buildings through fire and security solutions that support people, property, and operations. In this role, you will lead assigned projects on site and help deliver reliable outcomes for customers through disciplined execution, clear communication, and strong financial management.

You'll join a team that values safety, accountability, and professional service while working on meaningful projects from planning through closeout.

As the on-site leader for assigned fire / security projects, you will plan, execute, and complete work across hardware design, system programming, installation coordination, system and network commissioning, and closeout. You will balance customer satisfaction with project financial results, coordinate subcontractors and internal team members, and ensure work is completed safely, ethically, and in compliance with applicable codes and legal requirements.

• Lead assigned fire / security projects from planning through closeout, ensuring scope, schedule, quality, and financial goals are met.
• Perform or delegate hardware design, system programming, installation coordination, commissioning, and project closeout tasks as needed.
• Manage project costs, billings, collections, profitability, and cash flow while maintaining a strong customer relationship.
• Actively pursue change orders and evaluate the impact of client bulletins, field directives, and scheduling changes on project scope.
• Coordinate communication with customers throughout all project phases and represent Johnson Controls professionally with contractors, consultants, and subcontractors.
• Provide work direction to subcontractors, technicians, designers, and administrators as required.
• Ensure warranty execution is completed properly at substantial completion and throughout the warranty period.
• Oversee material selection, ordering, budget, and delivery schedules for assigned projects.
• Complete project billings accurately and in a timely manner, and provide monthly forecasts of revenue, cost, and gross margin.
• Support site-specific owner / operator training and ensure documentation, manuals, and closeout materials are delivered.
• Attend job progress meetings as required and keep management informed of project status, risks, and changes.
• Ensure work performed complies with state, local, and Federal requirements, as well as safety standards and applicable fire and security codes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Own outcomes with accountability, safety, and integrityby keeping project execution disciplined, ethical, and compliant from start to finish.
• Stay close to the workby understanding customer needs, site conditions, contractual scope, and the practical impact of field changes before making decisions.
• Improve every dayby using clear problem-solving, timely change management, and accurate reporting to keep projects moving forward.
• Win as one teamby coordinating subcontractors, technicians, designers, administrators, and management around the same project goals.
• Use established standards for installation hardware design and software programming, and provide detailed information so customers and subcontractors understand the design and operation.
• Validate complete system functionality by supporting loading, device verification, commissioning, and troubleshooting with subcontractors and other trades.
• Maintain accurate as-built, commissioning, and closeout documentation so project records remain complete and usable.
• Communicate both technical and business-related issues clearly, including progress, billing status, revenue forecasts, and warranty requirements.
• Build long-term working relationships by responding professionally, following through on commitments, and supporting a positive customer experience.

• Electronics certification from an accredited technical school, equivalent military training, or comparable technical background.
• 10 years of experience in the fire / security industry managing a portfolio of projects.
• Relevant hands-on experience in system design and commissioning of fire / security systems.
• Certification or classroom training and experience with fiber and networks.
• Working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft programs and databases.
• Ability to act independently and coordinate the work of others on a job site.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills to represent the company to customers and other outside contacts.
• Ability to explain technical information to non-technical people.
• Knowledge of project accounting, costing principles, and contracting.

• Experience managing costs, billings, collections, and monthly revenue and margin forecasts for project portfolios.
• Experience coaching or mentoring fire / security technicians and systems designers on the job.
• Experience delivering site-specific training and preparing project manuals or closeout packages.

At Johnson Controls, you'll have the opportunity to lead important fire / security projects that help protect people and property while working with customers and teams who value quality, safety, and follow-through.

If you bring the technical depth and project leadership needed for this role, we encourage you to apply.

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $80-$115k (Salary to be determined by the education, experience,knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with marketdata.) This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflectsthe target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe yourbackground warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. Tosupport an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, includingartificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions areultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on theJohnson Controls Careers site at https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us

Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.