Engineering Manager Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois
Illinois engineering manager roles are concentrated in Chicago's tech and finance corridor, with major employers like Motorola Solutions, Discover Financial, United Airlines, and a dense cluster of mid-size software companies actively hiring. The state's deep talent pipeline from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern supports consistent demand for experienced engineering leaders who need visa sponsorship.
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About AWS Infrastructure Services
AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we're the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain — and we're looking for talented people who want to help.
You'll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You'll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you'll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
About the Role
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seeking a Manager, Physical Security Engineering to join its Data Center Design Engineering (DCDE) team within the Americas (AMER) region. This position supports Leased and Owned (Greenfield, Build-to-Suit, and Brownfield) commercial data center projects and is available in the following locations:
- Austin, Texas
- Seattle, Washington
- Herndon, Virginia
- Columbus, Ohio
Physical Security Engineering at AWS works to design safe, secure, resilient, and cost-effective data center facilities. As a Manager of Physical Security Engineering for Leased/Owned projects, you will lead a team of Physical Security Engineers (PSEs) responsible for delivering security designs across the full project lifecycle — from pre-design due diligence through construction administration and operational handoff — for AWS-owned and leased commercial data center campuses across the Americas region.
You will be part of a highly creative and efficient design team comprised of Architects, Engineers, and Designers tasked with solving problems and challenging the status quo. As both a subject matter expert and a people manager, you will set the technical direction for your team, drive accountability across multiple simultaneous fast-paced projects, and be responsible for developing and communicating security design requirements to internal and external project partners and stakeholders.
What You Will Do
As a Manager of Physical Security Engineering for Leased/Owned projects, you will work directly with AWS Security teams, Design Engineering leadership, Real Estate, Construction Management, and external design consultants to deliver world-class physical security across AWS's owned and leased data center portfolio. You will set the strategic direction for your team's engagement across the project lifecycle, ensure design quality and standards compliance, and build a high-performing team capable of delivering results at scale. You will bring deep knowledge of physical security principles and their practical application, including Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM), perimeter intrusion detection, video surveillance, and access control architecture, and translate that expertise into team guidance, design standards, and program improvements.
Key job responsibilities
People Management & Team Development
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team of Physical Security Engineers (PSEs) assigned to Leased/Owned commercial data center projects across the AMER region
- Define clear performance expectations aligned to the DE Security performance bar, conduct regular 1:1s, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback to drive above-bar performance across the team
- Own the Organization and Leadership Review (OLR) process for your team, including performance calibration, promotion decisions, and talent development planning
- Create an inclusive team culture that rewards ownership, rigor, innovation, and continuous improvement, consistent with Amazon Leadership Principles
- Oversee onboarding and new hire integration, ensuring PSEs are set up for success from day one with the right project assignments, shadowing opportunities, and resources.
Strategic Design Leadership & Technical Direction
- Set the technical direction and quality bar for security designs — including construction drawings and specifications — covering cameras, access control systems, intrusion detection, perimeter fencing, gates, sallyports, hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM), and Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS) across Greenfield, Build-to-Suit (BTS), and Brownfield data center projects
- Hold the team accountable for ensuring all security designs comply with the AWS Physical Security Standard (PSS) and Basis of Design (BOD) owner's requirements, and that non-compliant conditions are proactively managed through the appropriate SPEAR process.
- Establish and enforce QA/QC standards for consultant deliverable reviews at each design milestone (30%, 60%, 90%, 100%), ensuring the team delivers high-quality, timely feedback
- Represent DE Security at key design forums including Security Page Turn meetings, Security Workgroup meetings, PIDS reviews, and cross-discipline coordination meetings, stepping in to resolve escalated technical issues as needed
Pre-Design Strategy & Due Diligence Oversight
- Direct the team's engagement during the pre-design phase, ensuring PSEs provide meaningful physical security input during site selection, Due Diligence (DD), and test fit reviews for new campus acquisitions
- Review and approve security risk assessments and DD approval inputs, ensuring the team applies consistent risk evaluation criteria aligned to the DE Security Due Diligence Checklist
- Identify and escalate site-specific security risks — including standoff distances, neighboring facility risks, traffic patterns, sallyport configurations, and natural hazard considerations — that could impact project schedule, cost, or security posture.
Standards Ownership & Programmatic Leadership
- Own the team's contribution to the AWS Security Basis of Design (BOD), driving updates in coordination with the BOD Release Management Team, SPEAR internal security standards and audit teams, and relevant Security SMEs to ensure requirements remain current and performance-based
- Sponsor and oversee programmatic initiatives including Security BOD template updates, QAQC checklist improvements, and cross-discipline coordination tools, assigning initiative owners and holding the team accountable to delivery timelines
- Partner with SPEAR, DCESS, internal security standards, solutions, and audit teams, and other AWS security stakeholders to shape design standards, influence policy, and ensure the AMER Leased/Owned program reflects best-in-class security engineering practice.
Construction Administration & Project Delivery Accountability
- Hold the team accountable for PSE engagement during the construction administration phase, including oversight of RFI responses, product submittals, OAC meeting participation, and site visit execution
- Ensure PSEs complete required construction site visits and Field Observation Reports per program standards, and that Design Handoff to Security Program Managers (SPMs) is executed completely and on time
- Monitor project health across the portfolio, identify risks to cost, schedule, or security posture, and drive timely escalation and resolution
Senior Stakeholder Engagement & Escalation Management
- Serve as the primary escalation point and senior decision-maker for security design issues across Leased/Owned projects in the AMER region, partnering with DE Design Managers, TPMs, Construction Managers, and senior AWS leadership to resolve conflicts and drive alignment
- Represent DE Security at DE Finance Meetings, presenting the team's security construction scope, PIDS conditions, retaining wall details, sallyport configurations, and BOD deviations to AWS Finance leadership
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with Security Program Managers (SPMs), Cluster Security Managers (CSMs), Regional Security Managers (RSMs), and partner DE disciplines to ensure security is fully integrated into project delivery
Vendor Strategy & Procurement Oversight
- Own the team's engagement in the RFP process, ensuring security design scopes of work are complete, accurate, and reflective of known site complexities and AWS standards
- Oversee vendor bid evaluations, pricing negotiations, and scope comprehension reviews in coordination with the DE Design Manager and DCSP procurement team
- Drive accountability for vendor performance through annual Supplier Business Reviews (SBRs) and Security Vendor Feedback Surveys, using results to continuously improve the consultant management program
Travel
- Travel for site assessments, due diligence reviews, in-person design coordination meetings, team offsites, construction site visits, and senior stakeholder engagement. Anticipated travel not to exceed 25–30%, with occasional international travel as required.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field
- 12+ years of physical security design experience, including cameras, access control, intrusion detection, perimeter fencing, and related systems
- 5+ years of experience managing and developing engineering teams, including performance management, talent development, and organizational planning
- 3+ years of physical security design experience in data center, mission-critical, or large-scale commercial/industrial facilities
- Demonstrated experience managing external design consultants and vendor relationships at scale
- Proven track record of delivering complex, multi-project programs on time and within budget
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification from ASIS International
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification from ASIS International
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Registered Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent
- Experience with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles
- Familiarity with large-scale operator BOD or Security Standards
- Experience leading teams across Greenfield, Build-to-Suit (BTS), and Brownfield data center project delivery models
- Working knowledge of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) design, PIDS systems, and perimeter security architecture
- Proficiency with Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Autodesk REVIT, Autodesk Navisworks, or equivalent design review tools
- Ability to travel internationally
- Meets/exceeds Amazon's Leadership Principles requirements for this role
- Meets/exceeds Amazon's functional/technical depth and complexity for this role
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, CA, San Francisco - 172,800.00 - 233,700.00 USD annually
USA, OH, COLUMBUS - 150,200.00 - 203,300.00 USD annually
USA, VA, Herndon - 150,200.00 - 203,300.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Seattle - 150,200.00 - 203,300.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
About AWS Infrastructure Services
AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we're the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain — and we're looking for talented people who want to help.
You'll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You'll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you'll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
About the Role
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seeking a Manager, Physical Security Engineering to join its Data Center Design Engineering (DCDE) team within the Americas (AMER) region. This position supports Leased and Owned (Greenfield, Build-to-Suit, and Brownfield) commercial data center projects and is available in the following locations:
- Austin, Texas
- Seattle, Washington
- Herndon, Virginia
- Columbus, Ohio
Physical Security Engineering at AWS works to design safe, secure, resilient, and cost-effective data center facilities. As a Manager of Physical Security Engineering for Leased/Owned projects, you will lead a team of Physical Security Engineers (PSEs) responsible for delivering security designs across the full project lifecycle — from pre-design due diligence through construction administration and operational handoff — for AWS-owned and leased commercial data center campuses across the Americas region.
You will be part of a highly creative and efficient design team comprised of Architects, Engineers, and Designers tasked with solving problems and challenging the status quo. As both a subject matter expert and a people manager, you will set the technical direction for your team, drive accountability across multiple simultaneous fast-paced projects, and be responsible for developing and communicating security design requirements to internal and external project partners and stakeholders.
What You Will Do
As a Manager of Physical Security Engineering for Leased/Owned projects, you will work directly with AWS Security teams, Design Engineering leadership, Real Estate, Construction Management, and external design consultants to deliver world-class physical security across AWS's owned and leased data center portfolio. You will set the strategic direction for your team's engagement across the project lifecycle, ensure design quality and standards compliance, and build a high-performing team capable of delivering results at scale. You will bring deep knowledge of physical security principles and their practical application, including Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM), perimeter intrusion detection, video surveillance, and access control architecture, and translate that expertise into team guidance, design standards, and program improvements.
Key job responsibilities
People Management & Team Development
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team of Physical Security Engineers (PSEs) assigned to Leased/Owned commercial data center projects across the AMER region
- Define clear performance expectations aligned to the DE Security performance bar, conduct regular 1:1s, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback to drive above-bar performance across the team
- Own the Organization and Leadership Review (OLR) process for your team, including performance calibration, promotion decisions, and talent development planning
- Create an inclusive team culture that rewards ownership, rigor, innovation, and continuous improvement, consistent with Amazon Leadership Principles
- Oversee onboarding and new hire integration, ensuring PSEs are set up for success from day one with the right project assignments, shadowing opportunities, and resources.
Strategic Design Leadership & Technical Direction
- Set the technical direction and quality bar for security designs — including construction drawings and specifications — covering cameras, access control systems, intrusion detection, perimeter fencing, gates, sallyports, hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM), and Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS) across Greenfield, Build-to-Suit (BTS), and Brownfield data center projects
- Hold the team accountable for ensuring all security designs comply with the AWS Physical Security Standard (PSS) and Basis of Design (BOD) owner's requirements, and that non-compliant conditions are proactively managed through the appropriate SPEAR process.
- Establish and enforce QA/QC standards for consultant deliverable reviews at each design milestone (30%, 60%, 90%, 100%), ensuring the team delivers high-quality, timely feedback
- Represent DE Security at key design forums including Security Page Turn meetings, Security Workgroup meetings, PIDS reviews, and cross-discipline coordination meetings, stepping in to resolve escalated technical issues as needed
Pre-Design Strategy & Due Diligence Oversight
- Direct the team's engagement during the pre-design phase, ensuring PSEs provide meaningful physical security input during site selection, Due Diligence (DD), and test fit reviews for new campus acquisitions
- Review and approve security risk assessments and DD approval inputs, ensuring the team applies consistent risk evaluation criteria aligned to the DE Security Due Diligence Checklist
- Identify and escalate site-specific security risks — including standoff distances, neighboring facility risks, traffic patterns, sallyport configurations, and natural hazard considerations — that could impact project schedule, cost, or security posture.
Standards Ownership & Programmatic Leadership
- Own the team's contribution to the AWS Security Basis of Design (BOD), driving updates in coordination with the BOD Release Management Team, SPEAR internal security standards and audit teams, and relevant Security SMEs to ensure requirements remain current and performance-based
- Sponsor and oversee programmatic initiatives including Security BOD template updates, QAQC checklist improvements, and cross-discipline coordination tools, assigning initiative owners and holding the team accountable to delivery timelines
- Partner with SPEAR, DCESS, internal security standards, solutions, and audit teams, and other AWS security stakeholders to shape design standards, influence policy, and ensure the AMER Leased/Owned program reflects best-in-class security engineering practice.
Construction Administration & Project Delivery Accountability
- Hold the team accountable for PSE engagement during the construction administration phase, including oversight of RFI responses, product submittals, OAC meeting participation, and site visit execution
- Ensure PSEs complete required construction site visits and Field Observation Reports per program standards, and that Design Handoff to Security Program Managers (SPMs) is executed completely and on time
- Monitor project health across the portfolio, identify risks to cost, schedule, or security posture, and drive timely escalation and resolution
Senior Stakeholder Engagement & Escalation Management
- Serve as the primary escalation point and senior decision-maker for security design issues across Leased/Owned projects in the AMER region, partnering with DE Design Managers, TPMs, Construction Managers, and senior AWS leadership to resolve conflicts and drive alignment
- Represent DE Security at DE Finance Meetings, presenting the team's security construction scope, PIDS conditions, retaining wall details, sallyport configurations, and BOD deviations to AWS Finance leadership
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with Security Program Managers (SPMs), Cluster Security Managers (CSMs), Regional Security Managers (RSMs), and partner DE disciplines to ensure security is fully integrated into project delivery
Vendor Strategy & Procurement Oversight
- Own the team's engagement in the RFP process, ensuring security design scopes of work are complete, accurate, and reflective of known site complexities and AWS standards
- Oversee vendor bid evaluations, pricing negotiations, and scope comprehension reviews in coordination with the DE Design Manager and DCSP procurement team
- Drive accountability for vendor performance through annual Supplier Business Reviews (SBRs) and Security Vendor Feedback Surveys, using results to continuously improve the consultant management program
Travel
- Travel for site assessments, due diligence reviews, in-person design coordination meetings, team offsites, construction site visits, and senior stakeholder engagement. Anticipated travel not to exceed 25–30%, with occasional international travel as required.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field
- 12+ years of physical security design experience, including cameras, access control, intrusion detection, perimeter fencing, and related systems
- 5+ years of experience managing and developing engineering teams, including performance management, talent development, and organizational planning
- 3+ years of physical security design experience in data center, mission-critical, or large-scale commercial/industrial facilities
- Demonstrated experience managing external design consultants and vendor relationships at scale
- Proven track record of delivering complex, multi-project programs on time and within budget
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification from ASIS International
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification from ASIS International
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Registered Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent
- Experience with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles
- Familiarity with large-scale operator BOD or Security Standards
- Experience leading teams across Greenfield, Build-to-Suit (BTS), and Brownfield data center project delivery models
- Working knowledge of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) design, PIDS systems, and perimeter security architecture
- Proficiency with Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Autodesk REVIT, Autodesk Navisworks, or equivalent design review tools
- Ability to travel internationally
- Meets/exceeds Amazon's Leadership Principles requirements for this role
- Meets/exceeds Amazon's functional/technical depth and complexity for this role
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, CA, San Francisco - 172,800.00 - 233,700.00 USD annually
USA, OH, COLUMBUS - 150,200.00 - 203,300.00 USD annually
USA, VA, Herndon - 150,200.00 - 203,300.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Seattle - 150,200.00 - 203,300.00 USD annually
Engineering Manager Job Roles in Illinois
See all 221+ Engineering Manager Jobs in Illinois
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Search Engineering Manager Jobs in IllinoisEngineering Manager Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for engineering managers in Illinois?
Large employers with established immigration programs are the most consistent sponsors. In Illinois, that includes Motorola Solutions, Discover Financial, Allstate, United Airlines, and major consulting firms like Accenture and Deloitte with Chicago offices. Mid-size software and fintech companies in the Chicago Loop and River North neighborhoods also sponsor regularly, though their programs vary in scale and consistency.
Which visa types are most common for engineering manager roles in Illinois?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa category for engineering managers in Illinois, as the role typically requires a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, computer science, or a related field, satisfying the specialty occupation requirement. Candidates already holding L-1A visas through intracompany transfers are also well-positioned for engineering manager titles, given the managerial classification. O-1 visas apply in cases of demonstrated extraordinary ability.
Which cities in Illinois have the most engineering manager sponsorship jobs?
Chicago accounts for the overwhelming majority of engineering manager sponsorship activity in Illinois. The Loop, River North, and Fulton Market districts host the densest concentration of tech, finance, and consulting employers. Naperville and Downers Grove, in the western suburbs, have notable corporate campuses, including Nalco and several insurance and manufacturing firms, that occasionally hire engineering managers with sponsorship.
How to find engineering manager visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship eligibility, making it straightforward to browse engineering manager openings in Illinois without sorting through roles that don't sponsor. Because engineering manager positions in Illinois skew toward Chicago's finance and technology sectors, filtering by those industries on Migrate Mate helps narrow to employers with active immigration programs rather than one-off hires.
Are there any Illinois-specific considerations for engineering managers seeking visa sponsorship?
Illinois follows federal prevailing wage requirements for H-1B petitions, and engineering manager roles in Chicago typically fall under high wage levels given the seniority of the position. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern University feed a strong local talent pool, meaning sponsored candidates are often competing with a deep bench of local applicants. Employers in regulated industries like finance and insurance may also have longer internal approval processes before extending sponsorship.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored engineering manager jobs in Illinois?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.