Senior Solution Architect - Physical Security Systems

Thales; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 280,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Thales in Jeddah is seeking a Senior Solution Architect for Physical Security Systems overseeing complex, multi-domain security projects for critical infrastructure and smart-city deployments.

The role requires 10–15 years in security architecture and a track record with VMS/PSIM platforms, AI analytics, and cloud-enabled solutions. It involves leading diverse teams, engaging senior stakeholders, and guiding pre-sales while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of experience in security architecture, systems integration, or technology strategy.
• Proven record delivering multi-domain security solutions for smart cities, airports, utilities, and critical infrastructure.
• Strong exposure to: Physical Security Systems; AI & Analytics Platforms; IoT/Edge Computing & Cloud Platforms; Command-and-Control/PSIM Platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead architectures for physical security, IoT, AI analytics, and cloud services.
• Define end-to-end security frameworks with VMS, ACS, PSIM/C2, data analytics, and IT/OT.
• Evaluate AI analytics, digital twins, edge computing, and sensor fusion in workflows.
• Ensure architecture aligns with HCIS 2017, NIST, ISO 27001, PDPL, GDPR.
• Shape technology strategy and future trends in security and smart-city domains.
• Develop roadmaps aligning tech with enterprise, government, and regulatory goals.
• Collaborate with R&D, partners, and vendors to integrate cyber-physical capabilities.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams from concept to implementation across design, security, ops.
• Engage executives to define requirements, demonstrate value, ensure outcomes.
• Support pre-sales with high-level architectures, compliance matrices, and value props.

Skills

Security architecture

Industrial security

AI analytics

IoT/Edge

Cloud platforms

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Electrical/Computer/Systems Eng

Tools

PSIM platforms

VMS

ACS

Data analytics tools

Job description

Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.

We have been present in Saudi Arabia for 40 years and with over 600 employees to date, we are growing rapidly. Together we are delivering our signalling, control and train protection systems for the North-South Railway (NSR), the longest system of it’s kind in the world. Together we are key suppliers of In-flight entertainment and connectivity systems as well as air traffic management solutions in Saudi. We are making Saudi Arabia a safer place by securing the country’s critical infrastructure and e-security solutions that secure the country’s electronic payment systems. Thales has been selected to supply major electronic systems for air defence and the Group also supplied communication and optronic systems for the Army, the Saudi Arabia National Guards and the Air Force.

Senior Solution Architect - Physical Security Systems

Location: Jeddah

Key Responsibilities

• Design and lead complex architectures combining physical security, IoT, AI/analytics, and cloud services across critical infrastructure and smart city projects.
• Define end-to-end security frameworks integrating VMS, ACS, PSIM/C2, data analytics, and IT/OT networks.
• Evaluate and integrate AI-driven analytics, digital twins, edge computing, and sensor fusion into security and operational workflows.
• Ensure architecture compliance with local and international standards (HCIS 2017, NIST, ISO 27001, PDPL, GDPR).

Strategic Innovation & Thought Leadership

• Act as a technology strategist capable of reading and shaping future trends in the security and smart-city domains.
• Develop roadmaps aligning emerging technologies with enterprise, government, and regulatory goals.
• Collaborate with internal R&D, partners, and ecosystem vendors to integrate cyber-physical convergence capabilities.

Project Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead multidisciplinary teams from concept to implementation across design, engineering, cybersecurity, and operations.
• Engage with executive-level stakeholders to define requirements, demonstrate value, and ensure technology alignment with business outcomes.
• Support pre-sales and bid teams with high-level solution architectures, compliance matrices, and value propositions.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• 10–15 years of experience in security architecture, systems integration, or technology strategy.
• Proven record delivering multi-domain security solutions for smart cities, airports, utilities, and critical infrastructure.
• Strong exposure to:
• Physical Security Systems
• AI & Analytics Platforms
• IoT/Edge Computing & Cloud Platforms
• Command-and-Control/PSIM Platforms
• Solid grasp of network architectures, APIs, and data integration standards.
• Strategic mindset; able to articulate the future of secure, connected infrastructure.
• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Electrical, Computer, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent).

Ideal Candidate Attributes

• Thinks beyond technology — connects systems to business, sustainability, and national vision outcomes.
• Strong cross-domain communication (bridges engineering, IT, and executive levels).
• Passionate about innovation, AI, and digital transformation.
• Capable of leading large, multi-vendor, multi-disciplinary environments.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working. Great journeys start here!