Head of Physical Security

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer, based in San Jose, CA, seeks a Director of Physical Security to lead global security strategy across facilities and operations, overseeing threat assessments, access control, surveillance, and incident response. Reporting to the Chief Infrastructure Officer, you will coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure secure aviation operations.

The role requires 10+ years in security, with CPP or PSP preferred, and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of corporate physical security experience, with leadership in aerospace, aviation, or manufacturing.
• Expertise in risk management, incident response, and emergency planning.
• Familiarity with CCTV, access control, alarms, and security tech.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a global physical security strategy aligned with objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Lead a team of security professionals and manage third-party providers.
• Conduct threat and risk assessments across facilities and operations.
• Oversee design and implementation of physical security systems (surveillance, access control, perimeter security).
• Collaborate with engineering, infrastructure, flight operations, and HR to embed security into activities.
• Develop emergency response and crisis management protocols and lead incidents.
• Coordinate with law enforcement and security agencies locally and internationally.
• Maintain executive-level reporting on security posture and risk mitigation.
• Promote security awareness through training and communications.

Skills

Security leadership

Threat assessment

Incident response

Emergency planning

Security tech

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Travel willingness

Education

CPP or PSP certification

Tools

CCTV

Access control

Alarms

Job description

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.

Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.

What You’ll Do:

Join Archer as the Director of Physical Security to lead the development, implementation, and management of a comprehensive global security strategy. In this critical role, you will be responsible for safeguarding personnel, facilities, and physical assets across all company sites, including manufacturing, testing, and operational facilities. You will oversee threat assessment, access control, surveillance, incident response, and crisis management. Reporting to the Chief Infrastructure Officer, you’ll deliver strategic planning, executive-level reporting, and coordination with cross-functional stakeholders to enable world-class security programs. We’re looking for dynamic, innovative leaders who thrive in complex global environments and are passionate about building the future of aviation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and execute a global physical security strategy aligned with corporate objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Lead a team of security professionals and manage third-party security providers.
• Conduct comprehensive threat and risk assessments across all facilities and operations.
• Oversee the design and implementation of physical security systems including surveillance, access control, perimeter security, and intrusion detection.
• Collaborate with engineering, infrastructure, flight operations, and HR teams to ensure security is integrated into all facets of company activities.
• Develop emergency response and crisis management protocols and lead incident response efforts.
• Coordinate closely with local, state, federal, and international law enforcement and security agencies.
• Develop and maintain executive-level reporting on security posture, incidents, and risk mitigation activities.
• Foster a culture of security awareness through training, communications, and engagement across the organization.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory standards, including aviation and industrial security requirements.

What You Need

• 10+ years of experience in corporate physical security, law enforcement, or military security operations, preferably with leadership experience in the aerospace, aviation, or manufacturing sectors.
• Demonstrated expertise in security risk management, incident response, and emergency planning.
• Strong knowledge of security technology systems (CCTV, access control, alarms).
• Experience working with global teams and managing security in diverse geographic locations.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Professional certifications such as CPP (Certified Protection Professional) or PSP (Physical Security Professional) are preferred.

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $200,000-$240,000 Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer’s People Team at [e-mail]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.

Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.

Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to [e-mail]. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.