Senior Systems Integration Engineer – Security Systems

ARA Career; Southern Pines (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

None

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) seeks a Senior Systems Integration Engineer for physical security projects including video surveillance and access control.

You will work with Program Managers, Installation Teams, and SMEs to deliver high‑quality security solutions. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of physical security components, system integrations, and experience delivering complex projects in commercial or government settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical, Computer or related field.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in security systems integration.
• Experience with access control, VMS, IP cameras, APIs and database management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the life cycle of a project from concept to retirement.
• Refine architectures, requirements, interfaces, and documentation.
• Develop tests and conduct factory acceptance testing.
• Support testing of security systems and BAS as needed.
• Provide technical recommendations to stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Lifecycle management

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems/ Electrical/ Computer Engineering or related

Tools

Access Control Systems

Video Management Systems

IP Cameras

APIs

Database management

ONVIF

OSDP

RTSP

H.264/H.265

RS-485

Networking concepts

Job description

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Senior Systems Integration Engineer – Security Systems

• Posted on November 4, 2026

Locations

Showing 1 location

• Travel Required : Yes
• Systems Development
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: SENIO010212

Description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) seeks an experienced Senior Systems Integration Engineer for the implementation and technical execution of assigned physical security projects, including video surveillance, access control, and alarm technologies. Leveraging strong industry knowledge and hands‑on technical expertise, this role works cross‑functionally with Program Managers, Installation Teams, and Principle Subject Matter Experts to refine, validate, and deliver high‑quality security solutions. This position requires a strong understanding of physical security system components and integrations to effectively drive projects, support field teams, and resolve complex technical challenges.

Senior Systems Integration Engineer – Security Systems Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Ability to obtain/maintain a Top-Secret clearance. Active Secret clearance required
• NOTE: This position requires residency within commuting distance of Southern Pines, North Carolina
• Travel: Occasional travel expected to be 3 to 5 days a month

Senior Systems Integration Engineer – Security Systems Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the life cycle of a project, from the initial concepts through development, operation, and retirement
• Use established Best Practices, principles and concepts, and management methods to assess and refine system architectures, requirements, interfaces, and technical documentation
• Develop test plans/procedures and conduct factory acceptance testing
• Develop and support testing on Access Control Systems, Video Management Systems, IP Cameras, system integrations, APIs, and database management
• Support testing on physical security and/or Building Automation Systems (BAS)
• Deliver and support developmental training as required.
• Support system integration, verification, validation, and developmental testing
• Conduct system analysis, troubleshooting, and root cause investigations
• Maintain configuration baselines and engineering documentation
• Review system designs, network architectures, and interface documentation
• Interface with government, industry, and external organizations to support engineering and integration efforts
• Provide technical recommendations and engineering support to stakeholders
• Travel to customer and partner facilities as required

Senior Systems Integration Engineer – Security Systems Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline preferred
• 10 years of experience required
• Experience engineering, integrating, testing, and troubleshooting physical security systems in commercial, government, or manufacturing facilities
• Experience with Access Control Systems, Video Management Systems, IP Cameras, system integrations, APIs, and database management
• Experience with physical security and/or Building Automation Systems (BAS)
• Knowledge of ONVIF, OSDP, RTSP, H.264/H.265, RS-485, and Layer 1–3 networking concepts
• Experience integrating systems with enterprise networks and third-party platforms
• Experience supporting Department of Defense or Federal programs preferred
• Experience working in Agile/SCRUM environments preferred

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,230 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience.

To find out more about what the Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits

Travel Required

Yes . Occasional travel expected to be 3 to 5 days a month

Preferred

Bachelors or better in Systems Engineering or related field.

Required

10 years: Relevant Work Experience

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.