Security Systems Service Technician

Job Description Job Description: Platinum Protection Systems LLC is seeking an Security Systems Service Technician to install, troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and commission commercial electronic security and low-voltage systems. This is not an entry-level cable-pulling position. The technician will work on sophisticated security systems in commercial, municipal, institutional, residential community, and industrial environments. Our projects frequently involve integration between access control, video surveillance, intercom, intrusion detection, networking, fiber optics, automatic doors, gates, elevators, and other building systems. The ideal candidate is a strong troubleshooter who understands that modern security systems are a combination of electrical, electronic, mechanical, network, software, and communications technologies. Technicians must be comfortable diagnosing problems rather than simply replacing equipment until a system works. Primary Responsibilities Service & TroubleshootingRespond to customer service calls involving access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, intercom, gate, network, and related security systems.Diagnose system failures using logical troubleshooting procedures and appropriate test equipment.Troubleshoot power supplies, batteries, relays, inputs, outputs, communications buses, network connectivity, field wiring, controllers, readers, locks, cameras, and peripheral devices.Identify whether a problem originates with the security system, network, door hardware, automatic door operator, elevator equipment, fire alarm interface, gate equipment, or another connected system.Repair or replace defective equipment and restore systems to proper operation.Perform preventative maintenance and system inspections.Document service findings, repairs, recommendations, and remaining deficiencies.Communicate clearly with customers regarding system problems and corrective actions. Access Control Systems Install, service, configure, and troubleshoot commercial access control systems, including:Avigilon ACMMercury Security controllers and interface boardsMP1501, MP1502, MP2500 and related Mercury hardwareMR52 and other downstream interface modulesCard readers and credential technologiesElectric strikesMagnetic locksElectrified mortise and cylindrical locksRequest-to-exit devicesDoor position switchesAutomatic door operator interfacesPower supplies and intelligent lock power controllersWireless locking systemsElevator access controlGate access controlIntercom-to-access-control integrations Technicians should understand concepts including:Normally open and normally closed circuitsSupervised inputsRelay logicFail-safe versus fail-secure lockingREX and door monitoringLock powerReader communicationsRS-485 communicationsOSDPWiegandController addressingNetworked access control architecture Video Surveillance Systems Install, configure, service, and troubleshoot IP video surveillance systems, including:Hanwha Vision camerasHanwha WAVE VMSAvigilon video systemsUniview cameras and recordersIP camerasNVRs and video serversPoE switchesVideo storage systems Responsibilities may include: Camera replacement and commissioningCamera aiming and focusingIP addressingFirmware updatesRecording troubleshootingVideo retention troubleshootingNetwork bandwidth troubleshootingPoE troubleshootingVMS configurationServer and storage troubleshootingCamera credential and communication troubleshooting Technicians should understand the relationship between cameras, switches, VLANs, servers, storage, recording software, and the customer's network infrastructure. Intercom & Entry Systems Install and service commercial IP intercom and entry systems, including systems such as: IP video intercom stationsDoor stationsIndoor answering stationsSIP-based systemsCloud-connected intercom systemsAccess-control-integrated door release Technicians should be comfortable troubleshooting network connectivity, SIP communications, relays, door release interfaces, audio/video issues, and remote/cloud communications. Intrusion & Alarm Systems Install, program, service, and troubleshoot commercial intrusion systems and related devices, including:DMPHoneywell/Resideo commercial alarm systemsDoor contactsMotion detectorsGlass-break detectorsPanic devicesAlarm communicationsCellular communicatorsRelay and integration interfaces Gates, Barrier Arms & Vehicle Access Service and integrate electronic security equipment associated with vehicle gates and parking systems, including:Barrier arm operatorsSlide and swing gate operatorsVehicle detection loopsSafety loopsPhotoelectric safety devicesGate access controlLong-range vehicle credentialsIntercom systemsGate operator/access control interfaces Technicians are not expected to be gate fabricators but must be capable of troubleshooting the electrical and control interfaces between the security system and gate equipment. Networking Modern security systems depend heavily on IP networking. Technicians must have a working understanding of:IPv4 addressingSubnet masksDefault gatewaysDHCPStatic IP addressingDNSTCP/UDPEthernetPoE / PoE+ / PoE++Managed network switchesVLANsTrunk and access portsBasic routingNetwork troubleshootingWeb-based device configurationNetwork cabling Technicians should be comfortable using tools such as:PingARPIP configuration utilitiesNetwork cable testersLaptop-based diagnostic utilitiesDevice web interfaces Advanced networking knowledge involving firewalls, routing, VPNs, managed switching, or enterprise network infrastructure is highly desirable. Fiber Optics Depending on experience, technicians may install and troubleshoot fiber-optic infrastructure supporting security systems. Experience with any of the following is highly desirable:Single-mode fiberMultimode fiberFusion splicingFiber terminationSFP/SFP+ modulesFiber patch panels and LIUsOptical power metersOTDR testingFiber loss troubleshooting1 Gb and 10 Gb fiber Ethernet Low-Voltage Installation Perform professional installation work including:Low-voltage cable installationCable terminationEquipment mountingSecurity panelsPower suppliesEnclosuresNetwork equipmentCard readersCamerasDoor devicesIntercom stationsRaceway and conduit coordinationEquipment labeling Work must be neat, organized, serviceable, and consistent with Platinum Protection Systems installation standards. Commissioning Technicians may be responsible for commissioning completed installations. This can include:Verifying device wiringConfiguring controllersAssigning IP addressesUpdating firmwareTesting locks and door operationTesting access credentialsTesting alarm inputsTesting REX devicesTesting door position monitoringTesting camerasConfirming recordingTesting intercom callsTesting gate operationConfirming network communicationVerifying battery backup operationCompleting system documentation Technicians must verify the complete operation of the system rather than simply confirming that individual devices power on. Documentation Accurate documentation is an important part of this position. Technicians are expected to:Complete service tickets with meaningful technical information.Document the actual cause of system failures.Record equipment that was replaced.Record programming or configuration changes.Identify additional deficiencies discovered while onsite.Maintain accurate device names and system information.Take appropriate photographs of completed work.Mark up drawings when field conditions differ from construction documents.Assist with as-built documentation.Record IP addresses and network information when applicable. Experience reading construction drawings, security drawings, riser diagrams, wiring diagrams, floor plans, equipment schedules, and AutoCAD drawings is highly desirable. Customer Interaction Our technicians regularly interact directly with customers, facility managers, IT departments, property managers, general contractors, electricians, door hardware contractors, elevator contractors, and other trades. Technicians must be able to:Communicate professionally with customers.Explain technical issues in understandable terms.Work with customer IT departments when network assistance is required.Coordinate troubleshooting with other trades.Maintain a professional appearance and attitude.Respect customer facilities and operational requirements.Recognize when additional work requires customer authorization. Technical Skills Strong candidates will have experience with several of the following:Commercial access controlMercury Security hardwareAvigilon ACMIP video surveillanceHanwha WAVEAvigilon videoUniviewIP intercom systemsAkuvoxDMP intrusion systemsHoneywell commercial intrusion systemsElectronic locking hardwareAutomatic door operator interfacesGate systemsElevator access controlTCP/IP networkingManaged network switchesFiber opticsFusion splicingOTDR testingWindows computers and serversSerial communicationsRS-485OSDPRelays and control circuitsLow-voltage power systems Experience with every system listed above is not required. Platinum is looking for technicians with strong technical fundamentals and the ability and willingness to learn additional systems. Required QualificationsExperience installing or servicing electronic security, access control, video surveillance, alarm, networking, or similar low-voltage systems.Strong electrical and electronic troubleshooting skills.Ability to use a digital multimeter.Working knowledge of low-voltage wiring.Basic understanding of IP networking.Ability to use a Windows laptop for system configuration and diagnostics.Ability to read wiring diagrams and technical documentation.Strong mechanical aptitude.Ability to independently troubleshoot technical problems.Professional communication skills.Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.Ability to safely use ladders and common installation tools.Ability to lift and carry equipment typically encountered during security system installation and service.Ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Preferred Qualifications Experience with one or more of the following is strongly preferred:Avigilon ACMMercury SecurityHanwha WAVEAvigilon videoAkuvoxDMPHoneywell commercial intrusionNetworkingManaged switchesFiber opticsFusion splicingOTDR testingAutomatic doorsGate operatorsElevator access controlEnterprise commercial security systems Manufacturer certifications are beneficial but are not required for a candidate with strong relevant experience. What We Are Looking For The most important qualification for this position is troubleshooting ability. A successful Platinum technician should be able to walk into a system they did not originally install, understand how it is supposed to operate, identify what is actually happening, isolate the problem, and determine the correct repair. We value technicians who:Want to understand why something failed.Can troubleshoot without immediately calling someone else for the answer.Are comfortable learning unfamiliar equipment.Pay attention to installation quality.Understand that documentation is part of completing the job.Can work effectively with IT professionals and other trades.Take ownership of service calls from diagnosis through resolution.Recognize when something doesn't look right and investigate it.Leave a customer's system and installation in better condition than they found it. Work Environment Work locations may include:Commercial buildingsMunicipal facilitiesHousing propertiesOffice buildingsIndustrial facilitiesParking garagesSchoolsMulti-building campusesMechanical and electrical roomsNetwork and telecommunications roomsExterior gates and parking areasConstruction sites The position may occasionally require work outside normal business hours for emergency service, system cutovers, customer operational requirements, or projects that cannot be completed during occupied hours. Some regional travel may be required depending on project and customer requirements. About Platinum Protection Systems Platinum Protection Systems LLC provides commercial electronic security integration, installation, service, and system design. Our work extends beyond individual security devices. We design, install, integrate, troubleshoot, and maintain complete systems involving access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, intercom, networking, fiber optics, gates, door hardware interfaces, and related technologies. Our technicians work on everything from individual service problems to large multi-building security systems and enterprise security infrastructure. We are looking for technicians interested in expanding their technical abilities and working with increasingly sophisticated security technology. Company Description: iPad Based Service App for Calls,