Security Systems Engineering Manager / Design Manager

Johnson Controls, Inc.; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligible

Benefits on first day

Job summary

Johnson Controls Federal Systems seeks a Security Systems Engineering Manager to lead a multi-disciplined team on complex federal projects, delivering integrated ESS solutions while ensuring compliance with federal standards.

The role is based in Huntsville, AL with options in Charleston, SC or the DC Metro area. You will drive technical approaches, manage resources, and advance digital innovation to optimize system performance and lifecycle costs.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in application engineering for security systems (access controls, IDS, CCTV, etc).
• 5+ years in progressive leadership roles in construction, building technologies or related engineering fields.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Visio, Revit and engineering design programs.
• Proven track record leading technical teams on complex engineering projects.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience developing digital-first solutions, leveraging data for decision making.
• Proficiency in cost estimation, proposal development, and compliance with federal contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor diverse engineering teams delivering ESS solutions for federal sites.
• Shape the technical approach for multi-million dollar proposals and programs.
• Champion the use of digital tools, automation, and data analytics to optimize performance and lifecycle costs.
• Implement processes and standards to improve productivity and customer satisfaction across regions.
• Support design teams with engineering drawings and packages across various security systems.
• Oversee schedules, resources, and on-time delivery of engineering deliverables with project managers.
• Build strong customer relationships and tailor solutions to meet operational and security objectives.
• Identify and implement new technologies to improve system performance and cybersecurity resilience.
• Ensure designs align with FAR, DoD standards, and security protocols.
• Conduct monthly manpower reviews to align workload with staffing capacity.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Visio

Revit

Job description

At Johnson Controls Federal Systems (JCFS), we don’t just design systems, we help protect missions, modernize military installations, and make federal facilities smarter, more resilient, and mission-ready. As a trusted partner to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies, we combine engineering expertise with innovative building technologies to create environments where critical operations can thrive.

We are seeking a Security Systems Engineering Manager / Design Engineering Manager to lead our talented team of multi-disciplined engineers on complex projects serving the U.S. Federal Government. This role blends technical leadership, digital innovation, and operational excellence while keeping a clear focus on our customers’ missions.

Location: Huntsville, AL, Charleston, SC, or Washington D.C. Metro (DMV) area. Huntsville, AL preferred.

Salary range: $120,000 - $150,000. Negotiable based on experience

Bonus Eligible: Yes

Benefits: Eligible for benefits on first day of employment

Vacation: 3 weeks of paid vacation, 5 sick days, 3 floating holidays, and 10 standard holidays per calendar year (6.5 weeks in total)

Travel Required: 15-30% if based in Huntsville, AL. 30-35% if not based in Huntsville, AL

As a Security Systems Engineering Manager, you will:

• Lead and Inspire: Supervise, mentor, and develop diverse engineering teams delivering integrated and electronic security (ESS) solutions for a broad range of federal government sites and projects.
• Shape Solutions: Leads the technical approach for multi-million dollar proposals and programs, ensuring innovative, cost-effective, and compliant engineering solutions.
• Be a Digital Innovator: Champion the use of advanced digital tools, automation platforms, and data analytics to create forward-looking, customer-centric solutions that optimize system performance and reduce lifecycle costs.
• Drive Quality and Efficiency: Implement processes, standards, and continuous improvement measures that enhance productivity and customer satisfaction across all regions.
• Technical Expertise: Support design teams with engineering drawings and packages working with a variety of industry systems, including, but not limited to, Softwarehouse, Lenel, Genetech, Milestone, and others ensuring compliance with federal specifications and protocols.
• Project Ownership: Oversee schedules, allocate resources, and ensure on-time delivery of all engineering deliverables. Partner with project managers to support forecasting, cost control, and billing.
• Customer Engagement: Build and maintain strong customer relationships, analyze requirements, and provide tailored solutions that meet operational, security, and environmental objectives.
• Innovation Mindset: Identify and implement new technologies and engineering methods to improve system performance, reliability, and cybersecurity resilience.
• Federal Compliance: Ensure all designs, documentation, and processes align with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), applicable DoD standards, and security protocols.
• Resource Planning: Conduct monthly manpower reviews to align workload with staffing capacity across regional teams.

Required Qualifications:

• 8+ years in application engineering, with a focus on commercial or industrial scale Integrated or Electronic Security Systems (access controls, Intrusion Detection Systems, CCTV cameras, etc).
• 5+ years in progressive leadership roles in construction, building technologies, or related engineering fields.
• Proficiency with engineering standards and design programs; AutoCAD, Visio, Revit, etc
• Proven track record of leading technical teams and managing complex engineering projects.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to develop digital-first solutions, leverage data for decision making, and proactively anticipate customer needs.
• Proficiency in engineering cost estimation, proposal development, and compliance with federal contract requirements.
• The ability to obtain and maintain required government security clearances and/or badges as required to perform site duties. (This involves a background/character, criminal history, employment, and credit check.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience delivering solutions for Federal Government customers, incorporating federal specifications, FAR compliance, and DoD cybersecurity standards.
• Recognized expertise in hardware/software integration and application engineering.
• Knowledge of accounting principles, cost control, and project financial management.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering preferred, or equivalent related experience

Who We Are

At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we’re more than 100,000 strong across the globe, driven by one purpose: creating smarter buildings, resilient infrastructure, and a safer world. As part of our Federal Systems team, you’ll be at the heart of solutions that enable U.S. military and government missions-solutions you can take pride in.

We invest in our people with industry-leading benefits, professional development, and a culture built on inclusion, respect, and collaboration. Here your work has impact-every single day.

Accolades

• Named to FORTUNE’s “Most Admired Companies” List
• Corporate Knights Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World
• Named to Forbes Net Zero Leaders list
• CDP 2023 Climate Change 'A List'
• Ranked 67 on the Drucker Institute’s list of best-managed companies in America
• Forbes Best Employers for Diversity list.
• Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity
• Ethisphere 2024 World's Most Ethical Companies list for the 17th time
• Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women in 2024
• Named to Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces for Veterans 2024 / 2025 listing
• Named to Forbes America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2024
• Named one of the top military friendly employers by military.com.

Johnson Controls is an equal employment opportunity 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. For more information, please view EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require accommodation during the application process, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com/careers