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ESS Design Engineer – Secret Clearance | Charleston, SC


Job Location:

Charleston, SC - USA

Hourly Salary: USD 38 - 52
Posted: 30 July 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 10 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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 youll work alongside top talent worldwide tackling some of todays 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 Youll Do
As anESS 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 manufacturers 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.
What Youll 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 asrequiredfor 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 andmaintainattention 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.

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 teamboth 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 youre driven by mission technology and teamworkwe 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 welcomeboth employees and non-employees may qualify for a bonus.
Apply today and help shape the future of secure cloud computing for national security.

About Cambridge International Systems
At Cambridge we recognize innovation and agility grow through teamwork. By working collaboratively listening proactively and engaging across functions we create solutions that build on the best ideas our employees bring to the table. We are committed to one another to persevere in order to get the job done and to do so with integrity every time. Learn more at .

We are an equal opportunity employer. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to any protected status under applicable law or other similar factors that are not job-related. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for employment. Selected applicants may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with federal state and local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position please contact our Recruiting Team at emailprotected.

Required Experience:

Manager


About Company

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For more than 25 years, Cambridge has been fighting bad actors in both the cyber and physical worlds. We have worked in some of the most challenging domains imaginable including critical infrastructure, illicit trafficking, border security, flight mission assurance, banking and threat ... View more

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