Physical Security Specialist

Overview

Qualcomm is hiring a Physical Security Specialist for its Cork, Ireland site. The role sits within the Facilities & Security Group and focuses on safeguarding personnel, facilities, company property, and information systems through effective physical security operations, tools, and programs.

The position calls for someone with hands-on experience in physical security systems, strong computer literacy, and the ability to work across technical and operational teams. You should be comfortable handling surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, and related security processes while maintaining a service-oriented approach.

Key Responsibilities

In this position, you will help run and improve physical security systems and daily operations, support investigations and incident handling, and work with internal and external partners to build secure environments.

• Support the administration and technical upkeep of physical access control, video management, and intrusion detection systems, including procedures for monitoring, alarm handling, and maintenance.
• Carry out alarm checks, response reviews, and periodic audits to verify that systems and processes meet program standards.
• Help create, update, and enforce access-related policies and procedures that keep operations secure and efficient.
• Complete security surveys and facility threat reviews, document compliance gaps, and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist with compliance checks against government and industry requirements, including recording findings and proposed remediation steps.
• Provide security input for projects such as system installations, upgrades, and other operational improvements.
• Back broader security functions when needed, including incident response, oversight of contract security, and investigative support.
• Work closely with employees, contractors, integrators, and design teams to embed security requirements into facility design and construction work.
• Deliver security support in a way that balances control and safety with a positive employee and visitor experience.

Requirements

The role requires practical experience with physical security technology, good communication skills, and the flexibility to respond to issues outside normal hours or travel when required.

• At least 2 years of relevant experience supporting physical security systems and operations.
• An associate degree or above.
• Working knowledge of integrated physical security platforms, including PACS, VMS, IDS, and related technologies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Ability and willingness to handle after-hours alarm and security incidents when needed.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and outside partners.
• Full professional fluency in English, both written and spoken.
• Willingness to travel for periods of up to two weeks at a time.

Preferred Experience

These additional qualifications are advantageous for the role:

• Up to 5 years of relevant experience in physical security systems and practices.
• Fluency in German, French, or Spanish.
• Experience supporting or leading physical security projects such as deployments, upgrades, or multi-stakeholder coordination.
• Experience working with vendors and contractors, including performance review and service-quality management.
• Understanding of how access control, video surveillance, and alarm systems work together in an integrated environment.
• Exposure to system health monitoring, alarm/event response procedures, and operational performance management.
• Ability to assess security risk and contribute to decisions on controls, incident handling, and system performance.
• Experience with audits, reporting, testing, validation, and compliance documentation for physical security controls.
• Ability to improve processes and workflows by using better procedures and technology.

Education and Minimum Qualifications

Candidates may qualify through one of the following pathways:

• Bachelor's degree plus at least 1 year of security or related experience.
• Associate's degree plus at least 3 years of security or related experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent plus at least 5 years of security or related experience.
• A completed advanced degree in a relevant field may replace up to 1 year of work experience; a master's degree counts as 1 year.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to applicants who can demonstrate the required competencies and equivalent experience, even if they do not match the years of experience exactly. Qualcomm also considers applicants needing reasonable accommodation during the hiring process.

What Qualcomm Offers

• Salary, stock, and performance-linked bonus.
• Maternity and paternity leave.
• Employee stock purchase scheme.
• Matching pension scheme.
• Education assistance.
• Relocation and immigration support, where needed.
• Life, medical, income, and travel insurance.
• Subsidised memberships for physical and mental well-being.
• Bicycle purchase scheme.
• Employee-led clubs and activities such as running, football, chess, badminton, and more.

Workplace and Location

The role is based in Cork, County Cork, Ireland. Qualcomm describes Cork as a major economic hub with a strong international business presence, a diverse population, and broad travel connectivity through Cork Airport.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category.

Additional Notes

Employees are expected to follow all applicable company policies and security requirements related to confidential and proprietary information, where permitted by law. The company also states that staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit applications through its careers process. Requests related to job updates or resume inquiries will not be handled through the disability accommodation contact.