Research & Development (R&D) Associate

About the Role:

The Research & Development (R&D) Associate will help identify, evaluate, test, and introduce new technologies that advance SentriForce’s video surveillance, monitoring, and security solutions. This hands-on role combines technology research, product testing, problem solving, and business analysis to determine how emerging technologies can be applied in real-world environments. Working across Sales, Operations, Monitoring, and other teams, the R&D Associate will help turn promising technologies into practical, scalable solutions that improve SentriForce’s products, services, and competitive position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research emerging hardware, software, AI, analytics, cloud, connectivity, surveillance, and other technologies relevant to SentriForce’s business.
• Evaluate and test cameras, components, software platforms, AI applications, analytics tools, and other potential solutions.
• Assess performance, reliability, scalability, cybersecurity, integration capabilities, operational impact, and overall business value.
• Develop and execute testing plans, document results, and provide clear recommendations based on technical and business findings.
• Conduct costbenefit and ROI analyses to support technology and product decisions.
• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, Monitoring, and other teams to identify needs, validate requirements, and evaluate potential solutions.
• Conduct with proofofconcept testing, pilot programs, system integration, and deployment of new technologies.
• Work with technology vendors and manufacturers to coordinate demonstrations, product evaluations, trials, and testing.
• Monitor industry trends, competitor offerings, and technological advancements to identify new opportunities.
• Present findings, recommendations, and project updates to management and key stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Security Technology, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent education, technical training, and relevant experience will be considered.
• Experience in technology research, product testing, systems integration, surveillance/security technology, or a related technical environment preferred.
• Experience with construction technology or temporary/remote security deployments is a plus but not required.
• Handson experience assembling, wiring, configuring, testing, and troubleshooting physical technology systems.
• Experience with lowvoltage wiring, Ethernet/Cat5e/Cat6 cabling, PoE devices, cameras, network equipment, power supplies, electronic components, and basic electrical test equipment is strongly preferred.

Technical Knowledge:

Familiarity with some combination of IP cameras and video surveillance systems, VMS platforms, networking (TCP/IP, PoE, cellular and wireless connectivity), cloud platforms, APIs and integrations, AI/computer vision and video analytics, edge computing, servers and storage, cybersecurity fundamentals, and IoT/remote monitoring technologies.

Key Competencies:

• Technical Aptitude & Curiosity: Able to quickly learn and evaluate new hardware, software, platforms, and technical concepts.
• Candidates should be comfortable building and modifying prototypes, diagnosing physical hardware and connectivity issues, and working with equipment in both lab and field environments.
• Analytical & ProblemSolving Skills: Able to research alternatives, test assumptions, analyze results, and develop practical recommendations.
• HandsOn Technical Ability: Comfortable configuring, testing, and troubleshooting hardware and software.
• Business Acumen: Understands how cost, scalability, operational impact, customer value, and ROI factor into technology decisions.
• Communication & Collaboration: Able to clearly communicate technical findings to technical and nontechnical audiences and work effectively across departments.
• Organization & Ownership: Detailoriented, selfmotivated, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple evaluations and projects.

Compensation & Benefits:

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Compensation Package:

• Salary

Schedule:

• 4 days a week with 10 hour shifts

License/Certification:

• None

Ability to Relocate:

• Houston, Texas

Work Location: Houston, Texas (in person)

Culture Fit: At our company, we value individuals who are analytical, detail-oriented, and process-driven. We are looking for someone who is comfortable working independently, but also capable of leading a team to drive results.