Global Data Center Physical Security Architect

OpenAI; United States; On-site; USD 205,000 - 335,000; Full time

Job summary

OpenAI is seeking a Data Center Physical Security Systems Engineer to define and deliver the physical security technology architecture that protects the infrastructure powering advanced AI systems.

As OpenAI’s global compute footprint expands, this role partners with infrastructure engineering, hardware operations, networking, and regional teams to design scalable security architectures across diverse data center environments.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in physical security technology, security engineering, systems engineering, OT / IC security, or adjacent cyber-physical infrastructure domains.
• 15+ years of experience in physical security systems architecture, infrastructure security engineering, or security technology design.
• Experience building or hardening systems in hyperscale infrastructure, critical infrastructure, large-scale data centers, or complex cyber-physical environments.
• Experience designing physical security systems across multi-site or global infrastructure environments.
• Experience moving from architecture into implementation: prototyping, integrating, commissioning, validating, and resolving hard field issues.
• Experience partnering with engineering, construction, networking, cybersecurity, SOC/GSOC, compliance, procurement, and provider teams.
• Strong judgment about where direct execution is required versus where a scalable partner or platform model is the right answer.
• Strong ability to translate complex architecture decisions into operational security outcomes.
• Certified in enterprise access control systems, video management systems and CCTV analytics, identity-driven access management, integrated security monitoring, physical security infrastructure management; CPP, PMP, CSPM, CompTIA Security+, CISSP are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Define and design the physical security technology architecture strategy for AI data center environments, establishing scalable and resilient security system designs aligned with OpenAI’s infrastructure risk profile.
• Define enterprise architecture standards and technical patterns for physical security capabilities, including access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, identity-based access, integrated monitoring, and emerging security technologies.
• Lead the architecture and governance of physical security systems and supporting platforms.
• Define security standards and requirements across diverse infrastructure deployment models.
• Define standards for secure deployment, operational resilience, maintenance, and lifecycle management of security technologies.
• Partner with Security Operations, Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Compliance, Legal, Procurement, and external providers to ensure physical security systems are integrated, operationally effective, and capable of supporting enterprise risk management objectives.
• Provide technical leadership, design governance, and continuous improvement through architecture reviews, technology evaluations, deployment oversight, and the evolution of standards, reference architectures, and best practices across global AI infrastructure deployments.

Job description

OpenAI is seeking a Data Center Physical Security Systems Engineer to define and deliver the physical security technology architecture that protects the infrastructure powering advanced AI systems.

As OpenAI’s global compute footprint expands, this role partners with infrastructure engineering, hardware operations, networking, and regional teams to design scalable security architectures across diverse data center environments.