Senior Physical Security Technician

Socket.dev; Tennessee; On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

East Tennessee State University seeks a Senior Physical Security Technician to serve as the university's lead technical specialist for physical security infrastructure, focusing on locksmithing, electronic access control, door hardware, and key management systems. The role involves installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, programming, repair, and system management with high autonomy.

The incumbent leads and mentors staff, ensuring compliance with security standards and coordinating work to

Qualifications

• High school diploma and four (4) years of locksmithing, electronic hardware and related access control systems, facilities maintenance, or a closely related field.
• Possess or complete and pass within one year of hire the Tennessee Locksmith Certification Class or Equivalent Certification. OR
• An equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical specialist for physical security infrastructure, providing advanced locksmithing and access control expertise.
• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, program, repair, and manage security systems with independent judgment.
• Provide technical guidance, training, quality control oversight, and coordination for other technicians.

Skills

Locksmithing

Electronic access control

Key management

Electrical wiring

Carpentry

Troubleshooting

Team leadership

Education

High school diploma

Tennessee Locksmith Certification or equivalent

Tools

Locksmithing tools

Electronic access devices

Job description

Job Summary

The Senior Physical Security Technician serves as the university's lead technical specialist for physical security infrastructure, providing advanced expertise in commercial locksmithing, electronic access control systems, door hardware, key management systems, and related security technologies. The position performs highly skilled installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, programming, repair, and system management functions that require extensive technical knowledge, independent judgment, and the ability to resolve complex operational issues affecting the security of university facilities.

This position helps support the Lock Shop Supervisor and is responsible for critical campus-wide security assets and regularly exercises discretion in determining appropriate corrective actions, security configurations, access permissions, and repair methodologies. The incumbent functions as a lead worker, providing technical guidance, training, quality control oversight, and work coordination for other technicians while supporting departmental objectives and ensuring compliance with university security standards. Work requires a high degree of accountability, specialized technical expertise, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of a variety of locking systems, such as mortise locks, cylindrical handles, panic bars with latching devices or vertical rods, and electronic access control integrated devices.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of installing, repairing, and maintaining locks and related hardware.
• Knowledge of the use of common hand tools, machine tools, and tools common to the locksmithing trade.
• Knowledge of low voltage wiring, power supplies, and electronic devices including readers, electrified panic bars, electric strikes, and hardware integration.
• Knowledge of all aspects of rough-in and finish carpentry.
• Knowledge of university practices and regulations for the dispensing and recovery of keys.
• Knowledge of the university keying system to provide individual keying needs and not compromise a department's need for security.
• Ability to apply problem-solving skills by evaluating locking and related electronic systems
• and the skill to manipulate, repair, rebuild, or reinstall them.
• Ability to identify problem areas and implement a proper security solution.
• Skill to train and mentor staff on keying and re-keying locks to fit a particular key or set of keys on conventional cores, interchangeable, or master ring cylinders. Ability to train staff to use code books and the skill to code-cut keys for a particular bidding on the cutting machines.
• Ability to lead staff in testing and troubleshooting electronic door device problems and the skill to repair wiring or verbally communicate problems for contractor repairs.
• Ability to maintain key records so as not to lose track of keys for security purposes.
• Ability to make decisions on the job or work order to prevent security risks.
• Ability and skills in carpentry to fix or repair doors or hardware issues that may not be lock-related, such as sagging, shimming, or adjustments to frames.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma and four (4) years of locksmithing, electronic hardware and related access control systems, facilities maintenance, or a closely related field.
• Possess or complete and pass within one year of hire the Tennessee Locksmith Certification Class or Equivalent Certification. OR
• An equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or related large institutional environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Job Family – Facilities Services Trades Specialist 3
• Market Range – 6 (Salary Schedules)
• For information on benefits, please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/.
• Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check

ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.