Security Systems Engineering Manager / Design Manager

At Johnson Controls Federal Systems (JCFS), we don’t just design systems, we help protect missions, modernize military installations, and make federal facilities smarter, more resilient, and mission-ready. As a trusted partner to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies, we combine engineering expertise with innovative building technologies to create environments where critical operations can thrive.
We are seeking a Security Systems Engineering Manager / Design Engineering Manager to lead our talented team of multi-disciplined engineers on complex projects serving the U.S. Federal Government. This role blends technical leadership, digital innovation, and operational excellence while keeping a clear focus on our customers’ missions.
Location: Huntsville, AL, Charleston, SC, or Washington D.C. Metro (DMV) area. Huntsville, AL preferred.
Salary range: $120,000 - $150,000. Negotiable based on experience
Bonus Eligible: Yes
Benefits: Eligible for benefits on first day of employment
Vacation: 3 weeks of paid vacation, 5 sick days, 3 floating holidays, and 10 standard holidays per calendar year (6.5 weeks in total)
Travel Required: 15-30% if based in Huntsville, AL. 30-35% if not based in Huntsville, AL
As a Security Systems Engineering Manager, you will:
• Lead and Inspire: Supervise, mentor, and develop diverse engineering teams delivering integrated and electronic security (ESS) solutions for a broad range of federal government sites and projects.
• Shape Solutions: Leads the technical approach for multi-million dollar proposals and programs, ensuring innovative, cost-effective, and compliant engineering solutions.
• Be a Digital Innovator: Champion the use of advanced digital tools, automation platforms, and data analytics to create forward-looking, customer-centric solutions that optimize system performance and reduce lifecycle costs.
• Drive Quality and Efficiency: Implement processes, standards, and continuous improvement measures that enhance productivity and customer satisfaction across all regions.
• Technical Expertise: Support design teams with engineering drawings and packages working with a variety of industry systems, including, but not limited to, Softwarehouse, Lenel, Genetech, Milestone, and others ensuring compliance with federal specifications and protocols.
• Project Ownership: Oversee schedules, allocate resources, and ensure on-time delivery of all engineering deliverables. Partner with project managers to support forecasting, cost control, and billing.
• Customer Engagement: Build and maintain strong customer relationships, analyze requirements, and provide tailored solutions that meet operational, security, and environmental objectives.
• Innovation Mindset: Identify and implement new technologies and engineering methods to improve system performance, reliability, and cybersecurity resilience.
• Federal Compliance: Ensure all designs, documentation, and processes align with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), applicable DoD standards, and security protocols.
• Resource Planning: Conduct monthly manpower reviews to align workload with staffing capacity across regional teams.
Required Qualifications:
• 8+ years in application engineering, with a focus on commercial or industrial scale Integrated or Electronic Security Systems (access controls, Intrusion Detection Systems, CCTV cameras, etc).
• 5+ years in progressive leadership roles in construction, building technologies, or related engineering fields.
• Proficiency with engineering standards and design programs; AutoCAD, Visio, Revit, etc
• Proven track record of leading technical teams and managing complex engineering projects.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to develop digital-first solutions, leverage data for decision making, and proactively anticipate customer needs.
• Proficiency in engineering cost estimation, proposal development, and compliance with federal contract requirements.
• The ability to obtain and maintain required government security clearances and/or badges as required to perform site duties. (This involves a background/character, criminal history, employment, and credit check.)
Preferred Qualifications:
• Prior experience delivering solutions for Federal Government customers, incorporating federal specifications, FAR compliance, and DoD cybersecurity standards.
• Recognized expertise in hardware/software integration and application engineering.
• Knowledge of accounting principles, cost control, and project financial management.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering preferred, or equivalent related experience
Who We Are
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we’re more than 100,000 strong across the globe, driven by one purpose: creating smarter buildings, resilient infrastructure, and a safer world. As part of our Federal Systems team, you’ll be at the heart of solutions that enable U.S. military and government missions-solutions you can take pride in.
We invest in our people with industry-leading benefits, professional development, and a culture built on inclusion, respect, and collaboration. Here your work has impact-every single day.
To learn more about who we are and what we do, please check out our Take a Journey video.
Recently, Johnson Controls has been recognized by several organizations for leadership in Environment, Sustainability and Governance, as well as innovations in smart building platforms:
• Named to FORTUNE’s “Most Admired Companies” List
• Corporate Knights Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World
• Named to Forbes Net Zero Leaders list
• CDP 2023 Climate Change 'A List'
• Ranked 67 on the Drucker Institute’s list of best-managed companies in America
• Forbes Best Employers for Diversity list.
• Newsweek  America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity
• Ethisphere 2024 World's Most Ethical Companies list for the 17th time
• Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women in 2024
• Named to Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces for Veterans 2024 / 2025 listing
• Named to Forbes America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2024
• Named one of the top military friendly employers by military.com.
Johnson Controls is an equal employment opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information, please view EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require accommodation during the application process, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com/careers
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