Physical Security Research Engineer; Lab & Innovation

Help shape the future of physical security.

At ZBeta, our mission is bold: to be the most sought-after Security Partner in the world. Everything we do is driven by excellence, innovation, and a relentless focus on delivering real value to our clients.

At the center of this mission is the ZBeta Innovation Lab (LabZ), a dedicated research and testing environment where we invent, evaluate, and prove better ways to design, deploy, and manage physical security. LabZ is where data, technology, and human-centered design come together to influence not just our clients’ outcomes, but the future of the industry.

We’re looking for a Physical Security Research Engineer (PSRE) who wants to be hands-on, forward-thinking, and deeply influential in redefining what great security looks like.

This role is based in our state-of-the-art LabZ facility in Schiller Park, IL, and relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates who want to be part of our innovation hub.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS:

As a PSRE, you won’t just support projects—you’ll lead research, testing, and proof-of-concept efforts that directly inform client strategies, solution design, and industry best practices. You’ll work in a purpose-built lab environment, test cutting-edge technologies, and translate complex results into insights that drive smarter decisions.

If you love combining engineering rigor with curiosity, experimentation, and real-world impact, this role was built for you.

WHO YOU ARE:

You’re a strategic, hands-on engineer with a passion for physical security and continuous improvement. You thrive in fast-moving environments and bring structure, creativity, and discipline to everything you touch.

You’re known for being:

• Innovative and curious
• Detail-oriented and highly organized
• Data-driven and analytical
• Adaptable, resilient, and reliable
• Client-obsessed and collaborative

You’re excited by complex problems—and even more excited about solving them.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Lead research and testing in the LabZ environment

• Build, maintain, and evolve a real-world test and development environment that reflects client and industry standards
• Configure servers, applications, networks, and IoT-connected security devices
• Design and build (or manage the production of) custom testing rigs and apparatus
• Stay current on emerging technologies, platforms, and tools

Execute solution testing & proof of concepts

• Plan and lead hands-on testing of standalone and integrated physical security solutions
• Develop test concepts aligned to client challenges and industry needs
• Create test plans, execute testing, analyze results, and deliver clear, actionable research reports
• Evaluate server, application, and device-level performance in real-world scenarios

Drive research & insights

• Research security technologies, trends, and solution proposals
• Analyze documentation and data to form defensible conclusions and recommendations
• Partner with consultants and internal teams to gather requirements for PoCs and quarterly research initiatives

Help grow and mature the LabZ program

• Improve tools, processes, and standards used across LabZ research efforts
• Identify opportunities to increase efficiency, rigor, and impact of research deliverables
• Participate in and lead regular research reviews and project updates

WHAT YOU BRING:

Experience & education

• 5+ years in the physical security industry and technology
• 3+ years in a software or hardware engineering role
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Technical expertise

• Server, storage, and network architecture fundamentals
• Electrical systems, components, and circuits
• Security software platforms and network-connected devices
• Experience with Genetec and Lenel
  
  S2 strongly preferred

Skills that set you apart

• Strong technical documentation and technical writing abilities
• Excellent communicator with both technical and non-technical audiences
• Highly organized, detail-driven, and self-directed
• Comfortable leading work independently while collaborating across teams

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This role includes hands-on lab and equipment work, including lifting up to 50 lbs, climbing ladders or lifts, kneeling, crawling, and…