Information Technology Specialist I - Physical Security Engineer, City of Irvine, CA, US

This recruitment is open on a continuous basis until filled and will supplement an existing eligibility list that will expire on April 6, 2026. This is a continuous recruitment and interested applicants should submit their application as soon as possible. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.

The Information Technology team at the City of Irvine is seeking a proactive and knowledgeable Physical Security Engineer to join a high-performing team dedicated to safeguarding the City’s critical infrastructure and facilities. This role will be instrumental in the design, implementation, and maintenance of physical security systems, including access control, surveillance, public address, intrusion detection, and environmental monitoring technologies. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in physical security engineering, risk assessment, and system integration, with a focus on ensuring the safety, resilience, and regulatory compliance of municipal assets. This position requires excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, vendors, and public safety stakeholders.

Your Impact

• Design, implement, and maintain physical security systems including access control, video surveillance (CCTV), intrusion detection, public address, and environmental monitoring.
• Collaborate with facilities and public safety teams to ensure integrated and resilient security solutions.
• Manage vendor relationships and oversee installation, maintenance, and upgrades of security hardware and software.
• Monitor system performance, conduct audits, and respond to incidents to ensure continuous protection of critical infrastructure.
• Participate in investigations into physical security breaches and support incident response efforts.
• Maintain accurate documentation of system configurations, procedures, and incident reports.
• Provide training and guidance to staff on physical security solutions as necessary.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and trends in physical security to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
• Find additional information in the Information Technology Specialist I job description.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Computer Science or closely related field and four (4) years of general information technology experience performing technical and/or analytical tasks for computer systems or services in any of the functional areas or emerging information technology fields or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  
  

Highly Desired

• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in the design, implementation, and maintenance of physical security systems, including access control, video surveillance (CCTV), intrusion detection, and environmental monitoring, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  
  

Best Fit

• Strong understanding of physical security principles, technologies, and best practices.
• Experience with access control systems (e.g., Lenel, HID), video surveillance platforms (e.g., Milestone, Genetec, Avigilon), public address, and intrusion detection systems.
• Ability to interpret architectural and electrical drawings related to security system design.
• Experience managing security projects from design through implementation and ongoing support.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across departments and with external vendors.
• Knowledge of compliance requirements for public sector or municipal environments is a plus.
• Certifications such as PSP (Physical Security Professional), CPP (Certified Protection Professional), or similar are desirable.
  
  

Your Team

The Mission of the Employees of the City of Irvine is to create and maintain a community where people can live, work, and play in an environment that is safe, vibrant, and aesthetically pleasing. We are one team that exists to serve our community in the continual pursuit of a City that offers an exceptional quality of life. The City of Irvine’s five values of Humility , Innovation , Empathy , Passion , and Integrity reflect the interests and needs of the community, and the level of service they expect and desire. We are One Irvine through embrace of a team-oriented approach by living our values every day.

Administrative Services is committed to sound fiscal stewardship in maximizing the City’s ability to deliver high-quality services to the community. The department consists of six areas: Administration, Fiscal Services, Budget and Strategic Planning, Purchasing, Information Technology, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

Supplemental Information

The Process

The selection process will include an examination and conduct a background investigation prior to appointment which includes a Public Safety Polygraph exam. This recruitment may establish an eligibility list to fill future positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation.