Security Engineering Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Security Engineering Design Manager

Company: Ethos Engineering Ltd.

Location: Dublin, Ireland & Birmingham, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Security Engineering & Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-03-16

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (8+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (with travel to Dublin and Birmingham)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic development and execution of physical security design solutions for critical infrastructure, with a strong focus on data centres.

• Oversee and mentor a team of security engineering design professionals, fostering technical excellence and adherence to stringent industry standards.

• Drive the definition and implementation of security design standards, methodologies, and best practices across multiple projects and sectors.

• Play a pivotal role in business development, client engagement, and the growth of security engineering services.

• Ensure the high-quality, timely delivery of security systems design, coordinating multidisciplinary teams across engineering, IT, and construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is hybrid, requiring presence in both Dublin and Birmingham offices, indicating a need for strong remote collaboration skills alongside on-site leadership and client-facing capabilities. The emphasis on data centres and critical infrastructure suggests a need for deep technical expertise in high-security environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the physical security design process from concept to completion for data centre and critical infrastructure projects.

• Manage and mentor the security engineering design team, including performance reviews, professional development, and workload allocation.

• Develop and enforce technical security design standards, specifications, and best practices aligned with industry regulations (EN, ISO, BS) and client requirements.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (engineering, IT, construction, project management) to ensure integrated and effective security solutions.

• Conduct and oversee risk assessments, threat modeling, and security strategy development for project proposals and ongoing designs.

• Support business development initiatives by contributing to client proposals, technical bids, and service offering enhancements.

• Engage directly with senior stakeholders, clients, and project leadership to present design concepts, address concerns, and ensure alignment.

• Manage multiple projects and design teams concurrently, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery of security design packages.

• Stay abreast of emerging physical security technologies, industry trends, and regulatory changes to maintain a competitive edge in design solutions.

• Ensure seamless integration of physical security systems with IT, network infrastructure, and security command and control platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, team management, project delivery, and business development, common in senior operations and engineering management roles. The need to support business growth and client relationships indicates a significant commercial aspect to the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Technology, Security Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in security engineering design, with a significant portion focused on data centres, critical infrastructure, or similar high-security environments (e.g., commercial, healthcare, pharmaceutical).

• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing engineering or design teams, demonstrating strong leadership and mentorship capabilities.

Required Skills:

• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of modern physical security systems including access control, video surveillance (CCTV/VMS), intrusion detection, perimeter protection, and security command and control platforms.

• Standards & Regulations: Strong understanding and practical application of EN, ISO, and BS security standards, along with relevant industry regulations.

• Team Leadership & Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and manage engineering design teams, foster collaboration, and drive performance.

• Project Delivery: Experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously, ensuring quality, budget, and schedule adherence.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders, clients, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Design Methodology: Ability to define and implement robust security design standards, methodologies, and best practices.

• Business Acumen: Commercial awareness and experience supporting project proposals, technical bids, and business development efforts.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing security solutions specifically for high-security data centre environments.

• Familiarity with risk assessments, threat modeling, and security strategy development processes.

• Experience with the integration of physical security systems with IT and network infrastructure.

• Experience supporting business growth, client relationship management, and service development within a consultancy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of technical depth in physical security systems and leadership experience points towards a role that requires both hands-on design oversight and strategic management. The preference for specific certifications and experience in data centres indicates a highly specialized and sought-after skill set.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a portfolio demonstrating successful leadership of physical security design projects, particularly within data centres and critical infrastructure.

• Include case studies detailing the implementation of access control, CCTV, intrusion detection, and integrated security command and control systems.

• Evidence of defining and implementing technical standards, design methodologies, and best practices for security engineering teams.

• Examples of successfully coordinating multidisciplinary teams (engineering, IT, construction) on complex projects.

Process Documentation:

• Documented experience in developing and refining security design processes, including workflow optimization for efficiency and quality.

• Examples of creating and maintaining design standards, specifications, and templates for security systems.

• Evidence of establishing procedures for risk assessment, threat modeling, and security strategy development.

• Case studies illustrating the process of integrating physical security systems with IT and network infrastructure.

• Documentation showing experience in supporting business development processes, including proposal development and technical bid preparation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role, the portfolio should emphasize leadership in process development and team execution rather than solely individual contributions. Demonstrating the ability to standardize and optimize design processes for a team is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Dublin, Ireland: Based on industry benchmarks for a Security Engineering Design Manager with 8+ years of experience in a senior leadership role within a specialized engineering consultancy, the estimated salary range is €80,000 - €110,000 per annum. This accounts for the high cost of living in Dublin and the specialized nature of data centre security engineering.

• Birmingham, United Kingdom: For a similar role in Birmingham, the estimated salary range is £70,000 - £95,000 per annum. This reflects the UK market, with adjustments for regional cost of living and demand for critical infrastructure security expertise.

Benefits:

• Work-Life Balance Focused:

  • Flexible Fridays and a 9-day fortnight working schedule (enjoy every second Friday off).
  • Flexible working times to accommodate personal needs.

• Health & Wellness:

  • 25 days of annual leave (holidays).
  • Pension Scheme (details to be provided).
  • Paid Statutory Leaves.

• Professional Development:

  • Regular training programs and mentoring.
  • Further college support for continued education.
  • Support for Chartership and professional accreditations.
  • Professional subscription fees paid by the company.

• Financial & Commuting Support:

  • Coverage for working travel out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Travel tax scheme or bike-to-work scheme options.

• Company Culture:

  • Opportunities to work with experienced engineers in a forward-thinking consultancy.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are 40 hours per week.

• The company offers a 9-day fortnight and flexible working times, providing significant flexibility within the standard work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges are estimates based on industry data for comparable roles in Dublin and Birmingham, considering experience level, sector specialization (critical infrastructure/data centres), and management responsibilities. The significant emphasis on flexible working and professional development is a key differentiator for Ethos Engineering.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consultancy, specializing in critical infrastructure, data centres, and high-security environments. Ethos Engineering Ltd. positions itself as a technology-driven consultancy focused on technical excellence and client satisfaction.

Company Size: Ethos Engineering Ltd. is part of a larger group, with the provided LinkedIn data indicating a company size of 51-200 employees. This suggests a dynamic, mid-sized organization with potential for both established processes and agile decision-making.

Founded: The company was founded in 2014, indicating a decade of experience and growth, establishing a solid track record and expertise in its specialized fields.

Team Structure:

• The Security Engineering Design team is likely structured with a manager overseeing a group of security engineers and designers.

• Reporting structure will place the Manager under a Director or Head of Engineering/Security, with direct reports being the security design professionals.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using data from risk assessments, threat modeling, and performance metrics to inform security designs.

• Standards-Based Development: Adherence to EN, ISO, and BS standards is fundamental, ensuring compliance and best practices.

• Integrated Solutions: Focus on designing security systems that integrate seamlessly with IT infrastructure and operational technology.

• Collaborative Approach: Encouraging teamwork and knowledge sharing across disciplines to achieve optimal project outcomes.

Company Website: https://careers.ethoseng.ie

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on critical infrastructure and data centres, combined with its relatively young age (founded 2014), suggests a modern, growth-oriented culture that values innovation and technical expertise. The "EPIC" values (likely Excellence, People, Integrity, Collaboration) and the vision "Be the company people want to work with, and for" signal a strong emphasis on employee experience and client relationships.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into senior management within the security engineering domain. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in physical security design and proven leadership capabilities. The "Manager" title implies responsibility for team performance, strategic input, and project oversight, moving beyond individual contributor or team lead roles.

Reporting Structure: The Security Engineering Design Manager will report to a higher-level director or head of department, likely within the engineering or project delivery division. They will, in turn, manage a team of security engineers and designers. This structure facilitates clear lines of communication and accountability.

Operations Impact: The Security Engineering Design Manager has a direct and substantial impact on:

• Project Success: Ensuring that security designs are robust, compliant, and effectively implemented, which is critical for the integrity and safety of data centres and critical infrastructure.

• Client Satisfaction: Delivering high-quality, tailored security solutions that meet client needs and build long-term relationships.

• Business Growth: Contributing to business development, winning new projects, and expanding the company's service offerings in security engineering.

• Team Development: Cultivating a high-performing team of security professionals, thereby enhancing the company's overall capability and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential progression to Senior Manager, Director of Security Engineering, or Head of Security Services roles, with increased strategic responsibility and team oversight.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific high-security sectors like data centres, critical infrastructure, or government facilities, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.

• Broader Management: Transitioning into broader project management or operational leadership roles within the engineering consultancy.

• Business Development: Focusing more heavily on client acquisition, strategic partnerships, and expanding the company's market presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned for individuals looking to leverage their technical security design expertise into a leadership capacity, with clear pathways for further career progression within a specialized engineering consultancy. The hybrid nature and dual-location requirement suggest a need for adaptability and strong organizational skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, meaning it involves a combination of working from the company's offices in Dublin and Birmingham, and potentially from a remote location. This structure is designed to offer flexibility while maintaining team cohesion and client accessibility.

Office Location(s):

• Dublin, Ireland: Specific office address provided as Ethos Engineering, Dublin, D18 DH76, indicating a physical presence in the capital.

• Birmingham, United Kingdom: While a specific street address isn't given, the listing confirms a Birmingham presence, likely a well-established office to support UK operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and company culture emphasize teamwork. Expect opportunities for in-person collaboration with design teams, project managers, and other engineering disciplines within the Dublin and Birmingham offices.

• Technology Enabled: Access to modern design software, communication platforms, and IT infrastructure is expected to support efficient hybrid working and project delivery.

• Client Interaction: The role requires regular engagement with clients, both in person at project sites or client offices, and virtually.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work week is 40 hours.

• Key Benefit: A 9-day fortnight and flexible working times are offered, allowing for significant autonomy in managing one's schedule and achieving work-life balance. This means employees typically work a compressed schedule over two weeks, enjoying every second Friday off.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and the "9-day fortnight" are significant aspects of the work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with travel between Dublin and Birmingham and managing their work effectively across different locations and schedules.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess suitability against the core requirements, particularly years of experience, leadership, and technical domain knowledge.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience in security engineering design, team leadership, project management, and your understanding of data centre/critical infrastructure security. This stage will also assess cultural fit and alignment with company values (EPIC).

3. Technical/Panel Interview: This stage may involve a panel of senior engineers, project managers, or subject matter experts. Expect technical questions about security systems, design standards, risk assessment methodologies, and problem-solving scenarios. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.

4. Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present a selection of your key projects, highlighting your leadership role, design approach, impact, and lessons learned. This is crucial for demonstrating your capabilities.

5. Final Interview/Offer: A final conversation, potentially with senior leadership, to discuss terms, answer any remaining questions, and extend an offer if successful.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Leadership: As a manager role, emphasize your leadership in driving design initiatives, mentoring teams, and implementing standards.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the scope, your specific role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., improved security posture, cost savings, project delivery timeline).

• Showcase Technical Breadth & Depth: Include examples covering various physical security systems (access control, CCTV, IDS, perimeter) and their integration, with a focus on data centre/critical infrastructure applications.

• Demonstrate Process & Standards: Present how you've defined, implemented, or improved design processes, standards, and methodologies.

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Include examples of how you've managed client expectations, communicated complex technical information, and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams.

• Industry Compliance: Highlight projects where adherence to EN, ISO, and BS standards was critical.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss hypothetical scenarios: "How would you design security for a new hyperscale data centre campus?" or "How would you address a security vulnerability in an existing critical infrastructure facility?"

• Practice articulating your approach to team management, conflict resolution within a team, and performance improvement strategies for engineers.

• Prepare to discuss your understanding of current trends in physical security technology and how they might apply to Ethos's clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be thorough, assessing technical acumen, leadership potential, and cultural fit. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases leadership in process and project delivery is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD, Revit, or similar for creating detailed security system designs, schematics, and layouts.

• BIM Software: Potentially Revit for Building Information Modeling integration of security designs.

• Project Management Software: Tools like MS Project, Asana, Jira, or similar for managing project timelines, tasks, and team workloads.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or similar for communication and virtual meetings, essential for a hybrid work model.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Risk Assessment Tools: Software or methodologies for conducting threat modeling and risk assessments.

• Reporting & Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or similar for creating client presentations, proposals, and internal reports.

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, proficiency in Excel or basic data analysis techniques may be required for performance tracking and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience interacting with or understanding how security designs integrate with client CRM or security management platforms.

• Documentation Management Systems: SharePoint, Google Drive, or other cloud-based systems for storing and sharing design documents, standards, and project information.

• Security System Manufacturer Software: Familiarity with the backend software and configuration interfaces of major access control, CCTV, and intrusion detection system providers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires proficiency in design software and project management tools. Given the focus on data centres and critical infrastructure, familiarity with BIM and integrated security management platforms is highly probable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence (EPIC): A commitment to delivering the highest quality of security design, technical expertise, and client service. This translates to meticulous design work, adherence to standards, and continuous improvement.

• People (EPIC): Valuing employees through flexible work arrangements, professional development, and supportive team dynamics. This means fostering a culture where individuals feel respected, empowered, and engaged.

• Integrity (EPIC): Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, colleagues, and projects. This involves honesty, transparency, and a commitment to doing what is right, especially in high-security contexts.

• Collaboration (EPIC): Working effectively across multidisciplinary teams and with clients to achieve shared goals. This encourages open communication, knowledge sharing, and a team-oriented approach to problem-solving.

• Efficiency: A drive to optimize processes, deliver projects on time and within budget, and leverage technology to enhance productivity.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working seamlessly with engineering, IT, and construction teams to ensure holistic security solutions.

• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open dialogue and regular updates to keep all stakeholders informed and aligned.

• Feedback Culture: Creating an environment where constructive feedback on designs and processes is welcomed and utilized for continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the exchange of best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights among team members and across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "EPIC" values and the company vision suggest a culture that is both professionally demanding and employee-centric. Candidates should demonstrate how they embody these values in their work and leadership style.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Depth with Management: Effectively transitioning from a hands-on technical expert to a leader who empowers and guides a team, while still maintaining a grasp of complex technical details.

• Managing Hybrid Teams & Dual Locations: Ensuring cohesive team performance, consistent communication, and effective collaboration across different office locations (Dublin and Birmingham) and remote work arrangements.

• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with advancements in physical security technology, cybersecurity threats, and integration complexities in fast-paced environments like data centres.

• Client Demands & Project Complexity: Managing high expectations from clients in critical sectors, often involving complex projects with stringent security, regulatory, and operational requirements.

• Business Development Integration: Successfully balancing project delivery responsibilities with the need to contribute to business growth, client acquisition, and service development.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Security Certifications: Support and potential funding for achieving or maintaining advanced certifications like CISSP, CISM, CPP, PSP, or specialized data centre security qualifications.

• Leadership Training: Opportunities for formal leadership development programs, management training, and mentorship from senior executives.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Participation in key security and data centre industry events to stay current with trends, network, and gain insights.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining broader understanding of IT infrastructure, construction project management, and operational technology through collaboration and potential project involvement.

• Mentorship Programs: Being part of or leading mentorship initiatives within the company, fostering talent and knowledge transfer.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges that are directly tied to growth. Overcoming these challenges will provide ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the specialized field of critical infrastructure security engineering.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operational Strategy: "How would you approach developing and implementing new security design standards for our data centre clients, considering both emerging threats and cost-effectiveness?" (Focus on process, standards, and client value).

• Team Management & Leadership: "Describe a time you had to manage a team through a challenging project or a period of significant change. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on leadership style, problem-solving, and team performance).

• Technical Problem-Solving: "Imagine a client needs to upgrade their legacy access control system in a live data centre environment with minimal downtime. What would be your initial steps and considerations?" (Focus on practical application of technical knowledge and risk mitigation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Ethos Engineering and our focus on critical infrastructure? How do your values align with our EPIC values?" (Demonstrate research and cultural fit).

• "How do you foster collaboration within a hybrid team spread across different locations?" (Address the hybrid work model and team dynamics).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear structure: Project Overview -> Your Role & Responsibilities -> Challenges Faced -> Design Solution & Implementation -> Key Outcomes & Impact -> Lessons Learned.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in guiding the team, making critical design decisions, managing stakeholders, and ensuring project success. Don't just describe the system; describe your leadership in its design.

• Showcase Technical Acumen: Be prepared to discuss the technical details of the systems you've designed, the rationale behind your choices, and how they meet specific security requirements and standards.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to illustrate the impact of your designs (e.g., reduction in security incidents, compliance achieved, project delivery timeframes, budget adherence).

• Tailor to the Role: Select projects that are most relevant to data centres, critical infrastructure, and complex security system integrations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely test your ability to think strategically, manage teams effectively, and apply deep technical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Your portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to demonstrate all these facets.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Security Engineering Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Ethos Engineering careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that prominently features your leadership in physical security design for data centres and critical infrastructure. Ensure case studies clearly articulate your management of multidisciplinary teams, implementation of standards (EN, ISO, BS), and quantifiable project outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 8+ years of experience in security engineering design, proven team leadership, and expertise in access control, CCTV, intrusion detection, and integrated security platforms. Use keywords from the job description, such as "data centres," "critical infrastructure," "technical standards," and "stakeholder management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your approach to hybrid team management, your understanding of security design methodologies, and your business development contributions. Prepare to walk through 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, focusing on your leadership role and project impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Ethos Engineering, its "EPIC" values, its vision, and its recent projects. Understand its market position in engineering consultancy for critical infrastructure and demonstrate how your skills and values align with the company's mission.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. While designed to be comprehensive, specific details regarding salary, benefits, and exact interview processes should be verified directly with Ethos Engineering Ltd. during the application or interview stages.