ESS Design Engineer - Secret Clearance | Charleston, SC

Job Description

Job Description

ESS Design Engineer – Secret Clearance | Charleston, SC
Cambridge International Systems, Inc.

Join a dynamic global team united by shared values: commitment, integrity, and perseverance . At Cambridge, you’ll work alongside top talent worldwide, tackling some of today’s most complex and critical challenges in defense and security.

We are currently seeking a ESS Design Engineer to support operations in Charleston, SC, with an opportunity to travel to locations such as Italy, Bahrain, and the UK . This is a full-time, CONUS position requiring an active DoD Secret clearance . 

This position may be subject to the Service Contract Labor Standards Act (SCLS)/Service Contract Act (SCA).

The hourly pay range for this position is $38.46 to $52.88 per hour . Pay within this range will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

What You’ll Do
As an  ESS Design Engineer , you will play a critical role in design, installation, testing, and implementation of Electronic Security Systems (ESS), ensuring solutions meet customer requirements, government standards, and industry best practices from initial concept through final deployment., that serve U.S. government missions. This role falls under Field Service Engineer within our compensation framework.   This position reports to the Systems Engineer Lead. You will:

• Participate in site surveys and gathering of data to obtain site-specific information necessary for design and installation efforts 

• Provide support to the design of electronic security system and subsystem solutions from initial concept to final product based on customer work requirements.  

• Generate material lists for design efforts.  

• Participate in periodic design reviews as dictated by customer/ contract requirements 

• Perform PITCO (Pre-Installation, Testing and Check Out) activities in our engineering facility.  

• Leverage manufacturer’s literature and technical support during solution development 

• Utilize controlled documentation and government standards, application guides, and industry best practices to support the design and installation process 

• Assist with the scope definition, specification, and budgetary write-ups for proposal capture personnel for ESS efforts.  

• Performs physical installation activities in unusual locations including climbing in and out of equipment and working outdoors. 
• Installs, repairs, and services electronic equipment, such as computers, radar, missile control, avionics, and communications, in field installations.

W hat You’ll Bring
Required Qualifications:
Must be proficient in using different technologies such as computers and other tools and systems pertinent to the position.

• Education & Experience:
  • HS Diploma
  • 8 years of hands-on experience
• Technical Expertise:
  • Strong Working knowledge and/or certification with electronic security manufacturers such as Lenel, AMAG, DMP, Software House, FLIR, Hirsch, MDI, Bosch, Pelco, Genetec, HID, and Axis.  
  • Working knowledge and /or certification with operating systems commonly used for ACS, IDS, and CCTV systems
  • Installation, testing, and troubleshooting of electronic security system components and supporting hardware; examples include the following: 
  • Security appliances/processors and field sensors (e.g. motion/vibration, contact, buried line, fiber optic, radar, microwave, thermal, etc.) 
  • Access control: workstations with credentialing software, door controllers, card readers 
  • CCTV: cameras, video management servers, network video recorders 
  • Battery backup controllers 
  • Ability to manage multiple, simultaneous workloads effectively, including adapting to changes, planning, organizing, and prioritizing work 
  • Ability to read and interpret project ICD (Interface Control Document) drawings and electrical schematics 
• Clearance:
  • Must have a current and active DoD Secret security clearance.

Preferred (Nice to Have):

• Hands on experience deploying and testing Physical Security Systems 

• 8 plus years’ experience in security systems installation 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Must possess a DoD Secret security clearance 

• HS diploma or equivalent  

• Must be proficient in using different technologies such as computers and other tools and systems pertinent to the position. 

Travel Requirements

• Up to 70% travel, both CONUS and OCONUS by motor vehicle and/or air travel may be required; some overnight stays possible.
• Must have an active passport to support OCONUS travel.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Periods of prolonged sitting and/or standing, including desk-based computer work. 

• Travel between work locations, including company offices, customer sites, and government installations.  

• Occasional extended work hours, including evenings or weekends, as needed.  

• Transport and use of work equipment, such as laptops and job-related tools, during site visits.  

• Work is performed in a secure facility where personal electronic devices (including Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled devices) may be restricted.  

• Work may be performed in industrial or potentially hazardous environments, including around heavy machinery and moving equipment.  

• Regular exposure to outdoor conditions and varying weather.  

• Physical activities may include bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials, consistent with established one-person lift guidelines.  

• Use of tools, equipment, and machinery as required for the role.  

• Work at elevated heights using ladders, scaffolding, boom lifts, or scissor lifts.  

• Communication with team members, customers, and stakeholders through verbal and written methods.  

• Ability to manage competing priorities, work under deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.  

• Interaction with others in dynamic environments, including situations requiring problem-solving and conflict resolution.  

• Compliance with applicable medical or travel requirements for certain assignments, including domestic or international travel, as required by governing authorities. 

• Compliance with vaccination and medical requirements for TDY/OCONUS roles as per Vaccine Recommendations by AOR | Health.mil. 

Background & Security

• Employment is contingent upon successful background investigation
• Alcohol and Drug screening may be required for federal contract compliance

Benefits & Perks
We believe in investing in our team—both professionally and personally:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, accident, and critical illness insurance
• 401(k) immediate vesting and match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Generous tuition & training support
• Relocation assistance
• Sign-on and performance-based bonuses
• Employee referral program
• Access to Tickets at Work, EAP, wellness initiatives, and more

Join Us
If you're driven by mission, technology, and teamwork—we want to hear from you. Cambridge is growing, and this position is just one of many opportunities on our global team. Know someone perfect for the role? Referrals are welcome—both employees and non-employees may qualify for a bonus.