ESS Design Engineer – Secret Clearance | Hybrid

Cambridge International Systems Inc; Charleston (SC); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, life

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

Bonuses

Job summary

Cambridge International Systems, Inc. in Charleston, SC, seeks an ESS Design Engineer with an active DoD Secret clearance to design, install, test and deploy electronic security systems for U.S. government missions.

This full-time, hybrid role may require up to 70% travel, including CONUS/OCONUS destinations such as Djibouti and Italy. The position supports site surveys, design reviews, and documentation to ensure secure, compliant deployments.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma is required and 8 years of hands-on experience.
• Must have DoD Secret security clearance.
• Proficient with electronic security manufacturers and related systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, install, test, and implement electronic security systems to meet government standards.
• Perform site surveys and gather data for design and installation.
• Generate material lists and participate in design reviews as required by contract.
• Conduct PITCO activities and leverage manufacturer literature for solution development.
• Ensure documentation adheres to government standards and ICD drawings.

Skills

Technical aptitude

Education

HS Diploma

Tools

Lenel

AMAG

DMP

Software House

FLIR

Hirsch

MDI

Bosch

Pelco

Genetec

HID

Axis

Job description

ESS Design Engineer– Secret Clearance |Hybrid

Cambridge International Systems, Inc.

Join a dynamic global team united by shared values: commitment, integrity, and perseverance. At Cambridge, you’ll work alongside top talent worldwide, tackling some of today’s most complex and critical challenges in defense and security.

We are currently seeking a ESS Design Engineer to support operations in Charleston, SC, with an opportunity to travel to locations such as Djibouti and Italy. This is a full-time, CONUS/OCONUS position requiring an active DoD Secret clearance.

This position may be subject to the Service Contract Labor Standards Act (SCLS)/Service Contract Act (SCA).

The base salary range for this role is $90,000.00 to $110,000.00 annually, depending on geographic location and experience. The final offer will be based on relevant experience, skills, internal equity, and market data.

What You’ll Do

As an ESS Design Engineer, you will play a critical role in design, installation, testing, and implementation of Electronic Security Systems (ESS), ensuring solutions meet customer requirements, government standards, and industry best practices from initial concept through final deployment, that serve U.S. government missions. This role falls under Field Service Engineer within our compensation framework. This role falls under Design Engineer within our compensation framework. This position reports to Director – Engineering, Logistics & Implementations

You will:

• Participate in site surveys and gathering of data to obtain site-specific information necessary for design and installation efforts
• Provide support to the design of electronic security system and subsystem solutions from initial concept to final product based on customer work requirements.
• Generate material lists for design efforts.
• Participate in periodic design reviews as dictated by customer/ contract requirements
• Perform PITCO (Pre-Installation, Testing and Check Out) activities in our engineering facility.
• Leverage manufacturer’s literature and technical support during solution development
• Utilize controlled documentation and government standards, application guides, and industry best practices to support the design and installation process
• Assist with the scope definition, specification, and budgetary write-ups for proposal capture personnel for ESS efforts.
• Performs physical installation activities in unusual locations including climbing in and out of equipment and working outdoors.
• Installs, repairs, and services electronic equipment, such as computers, radar, missile control, avionics, and communications, in field installations.

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications:

Must be proficient in using different technologies such as computers and other tools and systems pertinent to the positio n.

Education & Experience:

• HS Diploma
• 8 years of hands‑on experience

Technical Expertise:

• Strong Working knowledge and/or certification with electronic security manufacturers such as Lenel, AMAG, DMP, Software House, FLIR, Hirsch, MDI, Bosch, Pelco, Genetec, HID, and Axis.
• Working knowledge and /or certification with operating systems commonly used for ACS, IDS, and CCTV systems
• Installation, testing, and troubleshooting of electronic security system components and supporting hardware; examples include the following:
• Security appliances/processors and field sensors (e.g. motion/vibration, contact, buried line, fiber optic, radar, microwave, thermal, etc.)
• Access control: workstations with credentialing software, door controllers, card readers
• CCTV: cameras, video management servers, network video recorders
• Battery backup controllers
• Ability to manage multiple, simultaneous workloads effectively, including adapting to changes, planning, organizing, and prioritizing work
• Ability to read and interpret project ICD (Interface Control Document) drawings and electrical schematics

Clearance:

• Must have a current and active DoD Secret security clearance.

Preferred (Nice to Have):

• Hands on experience deploying and testing Physical Security Systems
• 8 plus years’ experience in security systems installation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must possess a DoD Secret security clearance
• HS diploma or equivalent
• Must be proficient in using different technologies such as computers and other tools and systems pertinent to the position.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 70% travel, both CONUS and OCONUS by motor vehicle and/or air travel may be required; some overnight stays possible.
• Must have an active passport to support OCONUS travel.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Periods of prolonged sitting and/or standing, including desk-based computer work.
• Travel between work locations, including company offices, customer sites, and government installations.
• Occasional extended work hours, including evenings or weekends, as needed.
• Transport and use of work equipment, such as laptops and job‑related tools, during site visits.
• Work is performed in a secure facility where personal electronic devices (including Bluetooth‑ or Wi‑Fi‑enabled devices) may be restricted.
• Work may be performed in industrial or potentially hazardous environments, including around heavy machinery and moving equipment.
• Regular exposure to outdoor conditions and varying weather.
• Physical activities may include bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials, consistent with established one‑person lift guidelines.
• Use of tools, equipment, and machinery as required for the role.
• Work at elevated heights using ladders, scaffolding, boom lifts, or scissor lifts.
• Communication with team members, customers, and stakeholders through verbal and written methods.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work under deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
• Interaction with others in dynamic environments, including situations requiring problem‑solving and conflict resolution.
• Compliance with applicable medical or travel requirements for certain assignments, including domestic or international travel, as required by governing authorities.
• Compliance with vaccination and medical requirements for TDY/OCONUS roles as per Vaccine Recommendations by AOR | Health.mil.

Background & Security

• Employment is contingent upon successful background investigation
• Alcohol and Drug screening may be required for federal contract compliance

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, dental, vision, life, accident, and critical illness insurance
• 401(k) immediate vesting and match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Generous tuition & training support
• Relocation assistance
• Sign‑on and performance‑based bonuses
• Employee referral program
• Access to Tickets at Work, EAP, wellness initiatives, and more

Cambridge International Systems is committed to investing in our employees and their future by providing them with competitive compensation, career development opportunities and comfortable working conditions. Available to part‑time and temporary employees are the benefits below:

• Referral bonuses
• Performance‑based bonuses
• Community involvement & outreach
• Wellness program
• Employee referral program
• Access to Tickets at Work, EAP, wellness initiatives, and more

Join Us

If you're driven by mission, technology, and teamwork—we want to hear from you. Cambridge is growing, and this position is just one of many opportunities on our global team. Know someone perfect for the role? Referrals are welcome—both employees and non‑employees may qualify for a bonus.

Apply today and help shape the future of secure cloud computing for national security.

About Cambridge International Systems

At Cambridge, we believe innovation and agility thrive when people work together. Our culture is built on teamwork, collaboration, and a commitment to listening, learning, and bringing out the best ideas in every employee. We empower our people to take on challenges, persevere to get the job done, and lead with integrity in everything we do.

Our commitment to our employees and workplace culture has been recognized through the DAV Patriot Small Employer of the Year Award in 2026 and the Cigna Healthy Workforce Gold Designation in 2025. These recognitions reflect our ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where employees are valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. At Cambridge, we are proud to foster an environment where people can grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.

Learn more at www.cbridgeinc.com.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to any protected status under applicable law or other similar factors that are not job‑related. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for employment. Selected applicants may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with federal, state, and local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact our Recruiting Team at [e-mail].