Physical Security Engineer

CloudHQ, LLC; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with match

Paid holidays & PTO

Development opportunities

Job summary

CloudHQ, LLC is seeking a Physical Security Engineer to join our Data Center Operations team in Ashburn, VA. The role focuses on day-to-day security operations, system availability, and safety across large-scale data centers.

The ideal candidate will lead security program activities, support SSAE18 and ISO 27001 audits, and coordinate with vendors while ensuring robust access control, video surveillance, and emergency response plans. This position requires travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of facility physical security and security systems architecture.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and access control software.
• Strong written and oral communication; technical writing skills.
• Excellent customer service and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage emergencies, incidents, and security operations in data centers.
• Experience managing personnel and budgets in a high-reliability environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop operating strategies and maintenance programs for security systems.
• Create standards and templates for future security implementations.
• Support audits (SSAE18, ISO 27001) and compliance.
• Improve security reporting and analytics.
• Write procedures for security system use and maintenance.
• Coordinate work with outsourced vendors and manage security budgets.
• Maintain as-built documentation and participate in drills and investigations.
• Establish relationships with emergency responders and tenants.

Skills

Facility security

Security systems

MS Office

Access control

Technical writing

Customer service

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor’s degree

ASIS PSP Certification

Security certifications

Tools

AC vendor certs

Video surveillance certs

Job description

Description

Who We Are

Our purpose at CloudHQ is to provide flexible, efficient and resilient data center solutions to businesses of all sizes. Our growing organization was founded by the pioneer of data center REITs. CloudHQ has state-of-the-art data center sites located in two Northern Virginia locations, as well as London, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, and Sao Paulo, and we anticipate exponential growth over the next several years both in the US and abroad.

What The Role Entails

The Physical Security Engineer (PSE) position is part of the CloudHQ Data Center Operations team. The PSE shall report to the Security Program Manager and provide support and management for the day-to-day security operations of CloudHQ’s large scale data centers, while ensuring that the highest levels of security, plant safety and tenant availability are maintained.

What You Will Get to Do

• Developing operating strategies and maintenance programs to ensure continuous availability and functionality of critical security systems (e.g. access control, network video, visitor management).
• Developing standards and templates for future security implementations.
• Supporting internal and external Audits (e.g. SSAE18 compliance, ISO 27001, etc.)
• Improve automated internal and external security reports.
• Writing procedures for the use of security systems.
• Coordination and inspection of services and projects performed by outsourced vendors.
• Managing costs and budgets associated with the security infrastructure and associated operations.
• Maintaining an environment where diligence to policies and proven processes are a baseline requirement.
• Ensure best security and safety practices and standards are adopted and enforced.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for innovation and efficiencies.
• Establish and cultivate working relationships with key contacts internally and externally (e.g. emergency responders, fire, law enforcement, tenants, etc.)
• Be available to respond to all emergencies (e.g. medical, fire, intrusions, and other threats)
• Knowledge and familiarization with all emergency response plans and evacuation procedures, which includes participation in fire evacuation drills.
• Achieve and maintain manufacturer technical certifications for relevant security systems.
• Maintain as-built documentation for all systems.
• Assist with tours, incident response and investigations.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of facility physical security, security systems architecture, and industry best practices.
• Proficiency in popular Microsoft office suite applications, access control systems and related software.
• Advanced oral and written communication and technical writing skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to identify key issues, analyze data and use technical and organizational expertise to develop creative and innovative solutions.
• Identify trends and articulate implications that will have an impact on data center operations.
• Actively solicit feedback to ensure all activities and deliverables meet or exceed expectations.
• Ability to handle typical emergency and crisis situations efficiently and effectively.
• Travel between company facilities as needed.
• Occasional domestic and limited international travel may be required.
• Availability to respond to urgent business needs outside normal business hours.
• Extended work hours may be required during peak periods or emergencies.
• Must be able to travel independently to company facilities and other business locations as required.
• Valid driver's license and ability to maintain an acceptable driving record required.

Our Ideal Candidate Will Also Possess

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited University in a related field or equivalent professional experience in lieu of a degree.
• ASIS PSP Certification.
• Technical certifications from access control and video surveillance manufacturers.
• Three or more years of security or law enforcement management and security systems in a high reliability data center environment or equivalent.
• Three or more years of experience managing personnel.
• Participation in security related organizations (i.e. International Association of Chiefs of Police, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, American Society of Industrial Security, or similar organizations).

What We Offer

CloudHQ’s people and culture are the most enriching aspects that make us a great place to work. We are strengthened by industry experts who bring extensive knowledge, skill, and experience; leaders who bring vision, innovation and commitment to our people; and an expanding team of individuals who believe in that vision and bring their best to support their customers and team. Our employees enjoy competitive compensation and rewarding incentives, comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability), 401(k) with match, 12 paid holidays, generous PTO, development opportunities, and the ability to closely impact and contribute to the growth of an exceptional organization.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CloudHQ is an equal-employee-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or other legally protected status.