Physical Security Systems Engineer
sfmoma· Operations - Security
About this role
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We cannot imagine life without art; it inspires and connects us every day. Now more than ever, these connections matter and are aligned with our values.
Inclusive: We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue.
Passionate: We believe working with art is more than a job or trusteeship - it's a way of life.
Brave: We are committed to approaching our work with courage and a sense of adventure, always ready to explore new perspectives.
Empathic: We aim to act like a person, not an institution.
SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose—where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.
Schedule: Full Time, 35 hours/week, fully onsite
The Physical Security Systems Engineer is a technical operations role responsible for the day-to-day operation, troubleshooting, deployment, and maintenance of the Museum's physical security systems, including multisite access control, video management and camera surveillance, visitor management systems, and associated integrated devices. This role ensures the continuous, reliable operation of the Museum's physical security technology in support of the safety of staff, visitors, and the protection of the Museum's collection and property.
The Engineer partners closely with the Director of Security and with the Security Operation Center (SOC) Security Supervisor to align physical security systems with Museum-wide program standards and policy, and to support related budgetary, procurement, and legal processes. The role also partners with Information Technology, which provides network infrastructure, connectivity, data storage, and backup support for physical security systems.
Responsibilities & Duties
- Provide oversight of the day-to-day technical operations of the Museum’s physical security and safety operations including Regional Security Operations Centers (RSOC), staff and guest services desk (reception), security console at remote storage location.
- Partner with the Onsite Security Supervisor and SOC/SOC staff on technical troubleshooting, system configuration, and real-time incident response — including monitoring, analysis, detection, and escalation of security risks and threats — providing technical guidance without supervisory authority over SOC personnel.
- Train physical security teams to perform technical functions within the RSOC according to Museum standards and cultural property protection best practices.
- Develop and deliver end-user training for Museum staff on security system protocols and building safety and security devices, including onboarding and refresher sessions.
- Develop and maintain documented SOPs specifically related to SOC operations and emergency response procedures.
- Produce quarterly risk and vulnerability assessments and gather metrics to report on security program performance.
- Serve as liaison for physical security systems internally and externally, partnering with stakeholders across the Museum and IT engineering to keep security initiatives aligned with business and technology strategy.
- Support the Director of Security with program analysis, development and implementation plans for security programs, policies, guidelines, and methodologies.
- Guide the implementation of security technology strategies and solutions that improve the ability of the team to prevent, detect, and respond to incidents.
- Manage the multi-year roadmap for security technology initiatives and systems including maintaining SSAs, software upgrade schedule, and hardware and equipment refresh in close collaboration with IT and Facilities Engineering.
- Support integration between access control and video management systems and other adjacent platforms (e.g. Elevator Management System).
- Recommend and integrate security upgrades and set hardware and software configuration standards to maintain regulatory compliance and industry standards and to keep pace with evolving technology and the Museum's changing needs.
- Provide front-end system administration, configuration, troubleshooting, and issue resolution.
- Monitor safety, security, and related network databases and equipment, working with Museum technology services to sustain hardware and software performance and keep critical systems protected from cyber security risks, backed up and redundant for emergency response.
- Maintain documentation of physical security systems data and program content, and inventory of materials, supplies, and equipment for all security systems.
- Lead or assist in security system planning and coordination related to renovation or expansion projects.
- Present complex technical concepts to non-technical partners in order to promote the value proposition of integrating security into every critical business process.
- Work with internal partners to understand their needs, scope appropriately scaled security solutions, and deliver them on schedule.
- Participate in exhibition project meetings to assess security implications and inform outcomes, and work with Installation and Exhibition Design teams to plan and execute the placement of security devices.
- Coordinate equipment delivery, installation activities, and life cycle asset management.
- Respond to and support emergency situations as an active member of the emergency response team.
- Support the SOC incident response process, providing advanced analysis, facilitating escalations, and serving as a communications conduit to management and staff.
- Enforce SFMOMA policies, procedures, and compliance requirements in accordance with city, state, and federal regulations.
- Administer applicable sections of the Museum's Hazardous Materials Business Plan.
- Participate in regularly scheduled training programs.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of operating plans and processes that support regulatory compliance and best practices.
- Assist staff and visitors in the event of an evacuation.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Management and Administration
Technical Systems and Services
Technical Project Management
Environmental Health and Safety
Qualifications & Skills
- BA/BS in Security Management, Facilities Management, Information Systems, or related field or equivalent military experience/background. Professional certifications in Security (ASIS) and IFCPP or similar security training preferred. Certification(s) as an Administrator for an Access Control System or Video Management System.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience operating or managing a 24/7 security environment with a multi-campus security program.
- Emergency manage and response experience.
- Experience in deploying complicated security solutions in Access Control, Video Management, Biometrics, Intrusion Detection, Fire Life & Safety and Visitor Management Systems.
- Experience working in a Security Operations Center, Security Support Center, or similar.
- Demonstrated experience with technical programs, technical project management and systems design related to essential duties.
- Working knowledge of IP networking and endpoint device operations as they relate to physical security systems (access control, video management, and visitor management).
- Broad knowledge of Security Operations Center Technology and Access Control Systems.
- Team player with proven ability to work collaboratively within dynamic organizations as well as build relationships with external constituencies.
- Technical proficiency with standard suite of workplace applications (Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) as well as applications and platforms related to space and resource scheduling.
- Capacity to quickly master new tools and platforms as technologies evolve.
- Excellent communication with attention to diplomacy and tact.
- Exceptional organizational and task management ability is essential.
- Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure, respond to changing demands, and prioritize. Capacity to anticipate needs and problems and respond proactively.
- Strong work ethic. Ability to work independently and reliably.
- Commitment to quality of service. Ability to work in a dynamic, culturally diverse community.
Working Conditions
- SFMOMA’s real estate portfolio includes the Museum, SFMOMA Garage, and a tenant occupied offsite storage location.
- Combination of sedentary and active work.
- Must have an active/daily presence in the public spaces of the museum, in order to be able to inspect work visually and have face-to-face communication with front line staff and visitors, with or without accommodation.
Job posting open date: 9/9/26
All jobs posted will remain open for at least five business days.
We encourage both internal and external candidates to apply within the initial open posting period as the application close date may or may not be extended beyond that initial period. Applications will not be accepted after a posting has been closed.
Location: San Francisco, 151 3rd Street.
Benefits: PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Pet Insurance, Life and AD&D Coverage, Disability Insurance, Mental Health and Wellness Benefits, Discount Programs, Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, SFMOMA Membership, and more
At SFMOMA, we do not believe that any applicant can, or should, meet every qualification listed in a job posting. We are committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and professional paths who are inspired to join a mission-driven, community-oriented organization grounded in inclusivity, passion, bravery, and empathy.
If this describes you, we encourage you to apply.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
SFMOMA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. No person shall be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, genetic information, ancestry/national origin, marital status, disability, medical condition, HIV status, sexual orientation, veteran/military status, and any other category protected by federal or state law.
You may request reasonable accommodation if you are unable to or are limited in your ability to access job postings or provide additional information asked in the job posting.
You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting the People Team at talent@sfmoma.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Physical Security Systems Engineer role at sfmoma?
The listed salary for this Physical Security Systems Engineer position at sfmoma is USD 100K–128K. This is an Full Time role.
Where is the Physical Security Systems Engineer position at sfmoma located?
This Physical Security Systems Engineer role at sfmoma is based in San Francisco, CA, South San Francisco, CA. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Physical Security Systems Engineer role at sfmoma full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full Time position. It is posted as a Physical Security Systems Engineer role in the Operations - Security department at sfmoma.
Which team or department does the Physical Security Systems Engineer at sfmoma belong to?
This Physical Security Systems Engineer position is part of the Operations - Security department at sfmoma. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Physical Security Systems Engineer position at sfmoma?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to sfmoma's official application portal hosted on lever where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Physical Security Systems Engineer job at sfmoma posted?
This Physical Security Systems Engineer position at sfmoma was posted on Sep 8, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Physical Security Systems Engineer
sfmoma · 💰 USD 100K–128K
You'll be redirected to sfmoma's official application page on Lever.