Des Moines, IA -OR- Cedar Rapids, IA -OR- Kansas City, MO Why Basepoint Building Automations Basepoint was built on the belief that the best companies are owned by the people who show up every day to do the work. As an employee-owned building automation company, we approach every project with a long-term mindset, shared accountability, and pride in doing the work right. Our people are owners, which means higher standards, stronger teamwork, and a long-term mindset. When you join Basepoint, you're not just taking a job – you're helping build something you own.
What We Have to Offer:
- Paid Time Off
- 9 Paid Holidays
- Generous Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
- 401k Retirement Plan
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Spending Accounts – HSA, FSA, DCFSA
- Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
Job Summary The Senior Engineer, Security Solutions leads the technical design and integration of complex security systems automation and controls solutions, including access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, and their integration with building automation systems. This role translates project requirements into secure, reliable, maintainable solutions, reviews engineering deliverables, and resolves challenging design and installation issues. Working with project teams and field personnel, the senior engineer provides technical guidance, mentors engineers, supports project handoffs, and advances engineering standards and continuous improvement while balancing security, performance, budget, and client requirements. Core Values In Action
- Confident: Apply advanced security systems and controls expertise to lead complex designs and explain technical decisions clearly. Exercise sound judgment, recognize when additional expertise is needed, and help engineers and field teams build confidence in their work.
- Committed: Take ownership of technical quality, accurate submittals, and clear project handoffs. Address security and design risks early, follow through on commitments, and guide teams toward solutions that meet client requirements and project budgets.
- Compassionate: Listen to the needs and challenges of clients, engineers, technicians, and programmers. Provide constructive guidance without judgment, welcome questions, and mentor others with patience and respect.
- Innovative: Develop practical solutions to complex security automation and systems integration challenges. Evaluate emerging security technologies and alternatives for obsolete components, and turn field feedback into stronger engineering standards and deliverables.
- One: Unite sales representatives, project managers, engineers, technicians, and programmers around shared project goals. Promote clear handoffs, collaborative problem-solving, and knowledge sharing that strengthens the entire team.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- No direct supervisory responsibilities. Provides technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and project teams.
Essential Duties
- Lead the interpretation of construction drawings, specifications, security requirements, sequences of operation, and project scope to develop complex security automation and controls systems that meet design intent.
- Incorporate access control panels, readers, door hardware, cameras, intrusion sensors, relays, and controllers to secure and monitor facilities; design or validate system architecture and component compatibility.
- Serve as a technical resource for resolving complex discrepancies among security design intent, controller and device capabilities, network and communication protocols, and system configurations.
- Partner with sales representatives and project managers to assess technical feasibility, clarify scope, identify design risks, and align security solutions with project goals, budgets, and client requirements.
- Support or initiate improvements to engineering standards, templates, design practices, and quality review processes; mentor engineers and share technical knowledge across the department.
- Prepare and review detailed security systems submittals, including system diagrams, controller and panel details, device schedules, door and end-device wiring diagrams, control panel layouts, third-party system integration, and network risers.
- Coordinate or assist with technical reviews, respond to complex requests for information, and lead technical orientation and project handoffs to installation and programming teams.
- Maintain and review accurate design records and as-built documentation to support commissioning, long-term maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Evaluate security technology trends, emerging technologies, cybersecurity considerations, parts obsolescence, and best practices; recommend practical updates to designs and engineering standards.
- Conduct site visits to assess complex design requirements, support troubleshooting and resolution of installation issues, and validate security system performance against project requirements.
- Gather feedback from technicians and programmers, investigate recurring issues, and incorporate lessons learned into clearer, more accurate engineering deliverables.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical, systems, or controls engineering, or substantial relevant security systems or controls design experience.
- Advanced technical skills, including proficiency in CAD or Visio and the ability to interpret complex architectural and electrical blueprints, specifications, and security sequences of operation.
- Demonstrated experience independently leading the design and integration of complex security systems automation and controls projects, with hands-on system design and programming experience and a focus on reliability, cybersecurity, and maintainability.
- Strong working knowledge of access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection systems, low-voltage wiring, networking and communication protocols such as OSDP, BACnet, Modbus, and TCP/IP, relay logic, and integration with building automation systems; ability to troubleshoot complex equipment and third-party integration issues.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to job sites as needed.
- Demonstrated ability to review engineering deliverables, mentor engineers, communicate technical decisions to varied audiences, and collaborate effectively with project managers, clients, technicians, and programmers.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to travel regularly between multiple client and office locations.
- Capability to walk through various work environments including offices, warehouses, and field location.
- Capability to lift and carry materials up to 15 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to work in various environmental conditions including outdoor settings when visiting job sites.
- Capability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and through digital platforms.
