Pre-Sales Design Engineer – Physical Security

Communication Innovators; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Communication Innovators in Des Moines, IA is seeking a Pre-Sales Design Engineer to design, develop, and present integrated physical security solutions. You will work with sales representatives, customers, manufacturers, and project delivery teams to ensure proposed systems are practical, scalable, and accurately specified.

The ideal candidate has experience with IP video surveillance, access control, and platforms such as Genetec Security Center or Axis, plus strong design, documentation, and

Qualifications

• Experience in electronic security and systems integration.
• Ability to interpret floor plans and network diagrams.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop physical security solutions including IP video and access control.
• Prepare design packages, BOMs, and technical specifications.
• Collaborate with sales to translate requirements into system designs.
• Support proposals, pricing, and technical documentation.
• Present solutions to customers and provide post-sale handoff.

Skills

Electronic security

System design

Customer engagement

Proposal development

Networking fundamentals

Written and verbal communication

Time management

Tools

Genetec Security Center

Axis network cameras

AutoCAD

Bluebeam Revu

Milestone XProtect

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Pre-Sales Design Engineer – Physical Security

Full Time Des Moines, IA, US

Job Description: Pre-Sales Design Engineer – Physical Security

Position Overview

We are seeking a technically skilled and detail-oriented Pre-Sales Design Engineer to support our sales team in designing, developing, and presenting integrated physical security solutions. This role will work closely with sales representatives, customers, manufacturers, and project delivery teams to develop solutions that meet customer requirements, budget expectations, and applicable industry standards.

The ideal candidate will have experience designing video surveillance, access control, and other electronic security systems, with working knowledge of platforms such as Genetec Security Center, Axis Communications, or equivalent physical security technologies.

This position combines technical expertise, solution design, customer engagement, and sales support to ensure proposed systems are practical, scalable, and accurately specified.

Key Responsibilities

System Design and Engineering

Design and develop physical security solutions, including IP video surveillance, access control, and integrated security management systems.

• Perform camera coverage assessments and recommend appropriate camera types, lenses, resolutions, and mounting locations based on customer requirements.
• Develop equipment lists, bills of materials (BOMs), technical specifications, and preliminary installation requirements.
• Evaluate network infrastructure, bandwidth, storage requirements, server specifications, and system scalability for proposed solutions.
• Ensure designs align with customer requirements, project scope, manufacturer recommendations, and applicable codes and standards.

Pre-Sales and Customer Support

• Collaborate with account managers and sales representatives to identify customer needs and develop appropriate technical solutions.
• Participate in customer discovery meetings, site surveys, and technical consultations.
• Translate customer requirements into system designs, proposals, and clearly defined scopes of work.
• Assist with proposal development, equipment pricing, labor estimates, and technical documentation.
• Present proposed solutions to customers and explain system functionality, design decisions, and technical benefits.
• Provide technical support during the sales process, including responses to requests for proposals (RFPs), requests for information (RFIs), and customer questionnaires.

Technology and Manufacturer Coordination

• Work with manufacturers, distributors, and technology partners to validate product selections and confirm system compatibility.
• Stay current with emerging physical security technologies, product capabilities, and industry trends.
• Assist in identifying opportunities to integrate video surveillance, access control, intercoms, intrusion systems, and other security technologies.
• Coordinate with project managers, installation teams, and service personnel to ensure designs can be implemented effectively.

Documentation and Project Handoff

• Prepare clear and accurate design packages for estimating, project management, installation, and commissioning teams.
• Document design assumptions, exclusions, customer requirements, and project-specific considerations.
• Support design reviews and address technical questions throughout the sales and project handoff process.
• Assist with troubleshooting design-related issues and recommend solutions when project requirements change.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in electronic security, physical security systems, systems integration, security engineering, or a related technical field.
• Working knowledge of IP video surveillance systems, access control systems, and associated networking fundamentals.
• Ability to interpret floor plans, architectural drawings, reflected ceiling plans, and network diagrams.
• Experience developing equipment lists, bills of materials, system layouts, and technical proposals.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple opportunities and meet deadlines in a sales-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Genetec Security Center, including Security Center Omnicast and Synergis, or comparable VMS and access control platforms.
• Experience with Axis network cameras, encoders, accessories, and device configuration.

Familiarity with alternative platforms such as Milestone XProtect, Avigilon, Hanwha Vision, or comparable solutions.

Experience with Bluebeam Revu, AutoCAD, or similar design and drawing tools.

• Knowledge of video storage calculations, camera field of view, retention requirements, and server sizing.
• Experience conducting site surveys and developing preliminary installation labor estimates.
• Technical design and solution development
• Customer-focused problem solving
• Attention to detail and design accuracy
• Collaboration with sales and operations teams
• Effective communication and presentation skills
• Commercial awareness and practical system design
• Ability to balance customer requirements, technical performance, and project budgets

Measures of Success

Success in this role will be measured by the quality and accuracy of system designs, responsiveness to sales opportunities, completeness of proposals and design documentation, effective collaboration with sales and operations teams, and the successful transition of awarded projects to implementation.

This role primarily supports pre-sales engineering and solution design activities, with customer meetings and occasional on-site overnight visits for surveys, assessments, and technical consultations as required.