Lead Physical Security Hardware Specialist
Palo Alto · Palo Alto - 1450 · USD 125,000-175,000 · 1+ years experience · Posted Sep 25, 2026
At a glance
- Experience
- 1+ years experience
- Location
- Palo Alto · Palo Alto - 1450
- Salary
- USD 125,000-175,000 · Base salary
About the role
- Lead SpaceX's Security Systems and Technology Organization to protect life and property anywhere company assets are deployed.
- Manage the global physical security technology stack and hardware organization supporting all SpaceX sites and personnel worldwide.
- Build, mentor, and direct a high-performing global team of specialists while driving enterprise-wide projects and system reliability.
Responsibilities
- Lead the Security Systems and Technology Organization, providing strategic direction and organizational leadership for the entire hardware and systems function.
- Lead, mentor, train, and develop the global Security Hardware Specialist organization, including performance management, career progression, and knowledge transfer.
- Develop and communicate the overall security systems and technology strategy, roadmap, and change management plans, aligning with SpaceX business objectives.
- Drive end-to-end systems and hardware integration of access control, video management, intrusion detection, analytics, and related platforms with IT infrastructure, network security, facilities, HR systems, and other enterprise tools.
- Serve as Principal Administrator and License Manager for enterprise platforms (Genetec Security Center, Lenel, Avigilon, and equivalents); provision and integrate new servers/systems; coordinate closely with IT, INFOSEC, and Purchasing.
- Demonstrate and apply strong knowledge of Genetec platforms for unified access control, video surveillance, analytics, intrusion management, and related functions; evaluate and implement advanced capabilities.
- Set and enforce enterprise standards for equipment selection, configuration, installation, training, certifications, and best practices; evaluate measures of effectiveness for new equipment types and technologies.
- Ensure on-schedule completion of complex, multi-site projects with minimal supervision; standardize equipment, pricing, processes, and best practices.
- Lead vendor/contractor management for design, installations, large-scale facility security infrastructure, and special projects.
- Collaborate as senior representative on SCIF development, data centers, MDFs, and other high-priority security technology initiatives; maintain TS/SCI eligibility.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalency certification.
- 5+ years of experience managing enterprise-level physical security systems such as CCTV, access control, VMS, intrusion detection systems, fire and alarm systems, or alert systems.
- 1+ years of direct leadership responsibility across global sites.
- Must be willing to work all shifts, extended hours, and/or weekends as needed.
- Willingness to travel as needed (up to 35% or more) to support global sites and projects.
- Must be able to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Preferred qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (engineering, security management, information systems, or related)
- Strong expertise and certifications in Genetec Security Center, Lenel Access Control, and/or Avigilon systems
- Prior experience as principal system administrator or license manager for large-scale global deployments
- Proven track record managing complex multi-site security technology projects, vendor portfolios, enterprise standardization, organizational change, and large-scale technology transformations at global scale
- Experience with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
- Experience managing a portfolio of programs and projects, including owning enterprise programs in addition to site leadership responsibilities
- Experience with JIRA (or similar tools) to track work, issues, and project status
- 10+ years of progressive experience in physical security technology, systems engineering, or hardware in space exploration, aviation, military, or other high-reliability operating environments
Benefits
- Long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards
- Potential discretionary bonuses
- Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- Access to a 401(k) retirement plan
- Short and long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- 3 weeks of paid vacation
- 10 or more paid holidays per year
Workplace
- Requires willingness to travel up to 35% or more.
Skills
- Genetec Security Center
- Lenel
- Avigilon
- Access Control Systems
- CCTV
- VMS
- Intrusion Detection Systems
- JIRA
- Confluence
- SCIF Design
