Security Systems Engineer - Research & Testing

Physical Security Research Engineer (PSRE)

At ZBeta we endeavor to be the most sought-after Security Partner in the world. This drives every decision we make, and the most effective way to realize this goal is through garnering a reputation for excellence and innovation in everything we do. The ZBeta Innovation Lab (LabZ) initiative is a specialized team and program with the mission of inventing, developing, testing, and analyzing better ways, both big and small, to do physical security – for us, for our clients, and for the industry. LabZ seeks to optimize the value of physical security to the client's business mission, to optimize the value of the solutions we recommend, design, deliver, and manage, and to continuously identify opportunities to perform at a higher level. The LabZ program helps ensure that ZBeta and its approach are always data-driven, technology-led, and human-centered.

You are a forward-thinking strategic partner with a passion for the physical security mission and for building programs, optimizing operations, and delivering integrated solutions. You excel in fast-paced settings where your leadership abilities can catalyze meaningful action and tangible progress towards objectives. You thrive in a workplace culture that is:

• Innovative
• Excellence Focused
• Reliable
• Detail Oriented
• Adaptable
• Highly Organized
• Client Obsessed
• Curious
• Resilient

Does this sound like you? If so, join us in our mission to redefine security standards and make a lasting difference in our community.

The Physical Security Research Engineer (PSRE) is a critical resource of the ZBeta LabZ team and will conduct research and proof of concept (PoC) testing at the LabZ facility for clients and internal teams. The PSRE assists in requirements gathering, testing, and report production in the ZBeta LabZ program and leads, develops, manages, and completes key LabZ efforts for the testing and analysis of stand-alone and integrated physical security technology solutions. The PSRE is familiar with security software applications, integrations, and network-connected devices and engages both internally and externally, working collaboratively with other LabZ engineering resources and with project and production team members.

The PSRE will help grow, mature, and optimize the LabZ program by contributing to the tools and processes LabZ uses to effectively evaluate physical security products against real-world design requirements and generate research reports.

This is an in-office position at the ZBeta LabZ location in Schiller Park, IL. Relocation assistance provided.

Core competencies:

• Growth Minded: High self-awareness of strengths and areas for development with a curiosity and appetite for change and innovation
• Data-Driven: Strong analytical skills, with the ability to work effectively with data and think critically
• Collaborative: Ability to solicit and understand multiple perspectives and maximize the application of team talent and experience
• Evaluative: Ability to evaluate outputs rigorously to ensure consistent excellence in delivery
• Tactical: Ability to recognize current priorities, manage changes and risks, and efficiently clear roadblocks and resolve issues

Position responsibilities:

The essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

ZBeta Lab Environment

• In partnership with ZBeta LabZ team, maintain a ZBeta test/dev environment of technology solutions that represent both client and industry standards.
• Work with ZBeta IT to build appropriate server environments and remote access abilities for LabZ platforms.
• Load, configure, and update Lab environment software applications, and wire, connect, and configure test hardware, devices, and technologies.
• Design and build (or manage the production of) custom testing apparatus, devices, and mechanisms.
• Maintain current knowledge of and training in key applications and products.

Solution Testing

• Work with ZBeta LabZ team and client resources to plan, implement, and conduct hands-on testing of physical security products, applications and functions, and integrated solutions.
• Lead the development of testing concepts to address client and industry needs, challenges, & opportunities.
• Manage and execute testing scope related to server, application, and IoT elements.
• Create test plans and testing requirement documentation, record and analyze testing results, and document outcomes and conclusions in testing reports.

Research & Requirements Gathering

• Conduct studies and analysis of technology categories, trends, solution proposals, and industry approaches.
• Research, collect, and analyze relevant documentation and data to reach meaningful conclusions, form opinions of value propositions, generate ideas for solutions and approach improvement, and categorize study topics in terms of potential application and impact to client and industry needs and expectations.
• Work with consultants to gather requirements for client proof of concept tests and internal teams for quarterly research projects.

Research Program Development

• Assist in the development and ongoing management of process, approach, and standards for the research performed in the ZBeta LabZ program.
• Identify opportunities and initiatives for improvements in the efficiency and thoroughness of ZBeta LabZ research deliverables.
• Hold regular research update meetings to review, improve, and manage the status of ongoing projects and deliverables.

Requirements:

Experience:

• 5+ years of physical security industry and technology experience. 3+ years of experience in a software or hardware engineering role.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related technical field, or equivalent work experience

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of and working familiarity with server and network storage solutions, operating systems architecture and key considerations, and network architecture models and principles.
• Professional knowledge of and training in the principles of electrical systems, components, and circuits.

Skills:

• Highly proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, OneNote and Visio
• Proficiency in project management tools, such as MS Project, SharePoint and QuickBase
• Training and manufacturer certification in multiple industry-leading platforms and equipment components, with particular emphasis on software applications and network-connected security devices. Genetec and LenelS2 experience a plus.

Abilities:

• Demonstrated excellence in communication and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to communicate and present complex information to technical and non-technical stakeholders, both verbally and in written form
• Strong technical documentation, technical writing, and data analysis and interpretation skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and highly organized, with the ability to prioritize and balance workloads
• Team player with the ability to establish collaborative working relationships across all levels of the organization
• Self-directed problem solver who takes the initiative to start projects, work unsupervised, complete tasks independently, solve roadblocks, and address issues before they become problems

Physical Demands:

• Lifting and Carrying: Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 lbs or more, including cameras, control panels, and tools.
• Climbing and Crawling: Must be able to climb ladders, scaffolding, and operate a high lift to install and maintain equipment
• Manual Dexterity: Requires good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for handling tools, wiring components, and making precise adjustments to security systems
• Kneeling, Squatting, and Crawling: Must be comfortable kneeling, squatting, or crawling to install or troubleshoot security equipment.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications
• Our excellent benefits package includes 100% paid premiums on health, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and significant work schedule and workplace flexibility.
• Diverse and supportive culture

What's Important to Know: