Head of Technical Security Systems & Design

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

About the Role

Cadence is seeking a highly skilled and technically proficient Head of Technical Security Systems & Design to lead the global strategy, engineering, deployment, and lifecycle management of all physical security technologies-including CCTV, access control, alarms, emergency systems, and security infrastructure for new and existing sites.

This leader will serve as the global technical authority for security systems architecture, partnering closely with IT, Workplace, Real Estate, Facilities, Engineering, and external integrators to ensure all systems are resilient, scalable, future-proof, and aligned with Cadence's expanding global footprint.

The role combines technical design, program ownership, vendor management, project leadership, engineering standards, and cross-functional partnership. The ideal candidate brings deep domain expertise, strong engineering instincts, and the ability to lead complex installations across multiple regions.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Strategy & Architecture

• Own the global technical vision for all physical security systems, including access control, CCTV, intercoms, alarms, visitor systems, server infrastructure, and emergency communications.
• Create and maintain global engineering standards, system design guides, device specifications, and installation playbooks.
• Evaluate and select enterprise-grade security technology platforms with a bias toward scalability, automation, analytics, and AI-enabled capabilities.
• Lead long-term technical roadmap planning, including upgrades, migrations, deprecations, and integration into corporate IT ecosystems.

• Design security system layouts for new offices, labs, R&D areas, high-security spaces, executive floors, and specialized environments.
• Produce or oversee technical drawings, device maps, integration diagrams, server/storage requirements, and system architecture documentation.
• Define cabling pathways, power requirements, networking needs, and hardware specifications in partnership with IT and Workplace teams.
• Ensure all systems meet reliability, redundancy, cybersecurity, and data-retention requirements.

• Lead all physical security technology projects-from concept to implementation-across multiple regions.
• Manage integrators, electrical contractors, hardware suppliers, and service partners, including RFPs, SOWs, SLAs, and performance evaluation.
• Oversee installation quality, commissioning, system testing, and acceptance processes.
• Ensure all projects meet timelines, scope, budget, and global standards.

• Partner with IT on network architecture, server/storage (on-prem or cloud), system integrations, and cybersecurity controls.
• Work with Real Estate and Facilities on early design phases, ensuring security requirements are built into construction planning.
• Collaborate with Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) to ensure technical systems meet monitoring and analytics needs.
• Integrate with Engineering, HR, Legal, Workplace, and Business Continuity for system dependencies, audits, and compliance requirements.

• Own lifecycle management, preventive maintenance schedules, and system health monitoring.
• Establish processes for patching, firmware updates, system redundancy, and failover protocols.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure systems function optimally, support investigations, and meet global compliance standards.
• Drive modernization through automation, remote monitoring tools, AI-based camera analytics, and streamlined workflows.

• Maintain system inventory, device registries, network diagrams, and configuration documentation.
• Establish global governance frameworks, installation requirements, and commissioning protocols.
• Support CAPEX/OPEX planning, budgeting, and long-term resource forecasting.

• 10+ years of experience designing, deploying, and managing enterprise-level physical security systems (CCTV, access control, alarms, intercoms).
• Deep technical expertise with leading platforms such as Lenel, CCure, Genetec, Avigilon, Milestone, OpenPath, HID, S2, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of networking, servers, storage, VMS architectures, PoE systems, cabling, and cybersecurity principles.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale construction projects, office buildouts, R&D facilities, or high-security environments.
• Experience managing integrators, technical contractors, and complex vendor landscapes.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead multiple parallel initiatives across regions.
• Ability to interpret architectural/engineering drawings and create technical design documentation.
• Excellent collaboration skills with IT, Workplace, Real Estate, contractors, and cross-functional partners.

• Experience in semiconductor, high-tech, biotech, manufacturing, or other IP-sensitive industries.
• Certifications: PSP, CPP, RCDD, CTS, CCNA, PMP, or equivalent technical/project credentials.
• Experience in developing global standards or leading multinational technical deployments.
• Familiarity with cloud-based security technologies and AI-enabled analytics.

• Set the global technical standard for all physical security systems.
• Build the infrastructure required to protect high-value IP, R&D environments, and global engineering operations.
• Lead complex buildouts in partnership with IT, Workplace, Real Estate, and Global Security.
• Future-proof Cadence's physical security technology stack as the company continues to grow worldwide.