Lead Security Officer

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 38,572 - 52,348; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX seeks a Lead Security Officer to lead elite security assessments, threat simulations, and risk mitigation across facilities and assets. You will blend tactical training with analytic threat work, making fast, safety‑driven decisions in high‑pressure settings.

You will design security protocols, train teams, and coordinate with cross‑functional partners to ensure robust protection and readiness for evolving threats.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 5+ years of experience in military, law enforcement, overseas security contracting, or advanced corporate security.
• 1+ years of experience with executive protection, mobile asset protection, or emergency response team experience.
• Bachelor's degree in security management or related field (preferred).
• Familiarity with access control, surveillance, and alarm systems.
• Experience with exercise design and execution, including tabletop exercises.

Responsibilities

• Red Team Operations: assess facilities, test defenses, and identify vulnerabilities.
• Special Operations: provide rapid response to incidents and contain threats.
• Threat Assessment and Analysis: research threats and develop threat profiles.
• Decision‑Making in High‑Stress Environments: make split‑second, safety‑driven decisions.
• Training and Exercises: design and run security training and drills.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Decision making under pressure

Communication skills

Leadership

Physical fitness

Education

Bachelor's degree in security management

High school diploma

Tools

Windows / Microsoft Office

Job description

LEAD SECURITY OFFICER

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

The Lead Security Officer is an elite security professional who performs advanced physical security assessments and threat simulations to test the defenses of SpaceX facilities and assets. Your expertise will help identify vulnerabilities and improve the overall security posture of the organization. This role requires a unique blend of physical security expertise, tactical training, and analytical skills, with the ability to make split‑second decisions in high‑stress environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Red Team Operations
  • Conduct physical security assessments and penetration testing of SpaceX facilities, including buildings, data centers, and other critical infrastructure.
  • Develop and execute complex threat scenarios to test the effectiveness of security measures, including access control, surveillance, and alarm systems.
  • Collaborate with security teams to identify vulnerabilities and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Special Operations
  • Provide rapid response capabilities to support security incidents, including but not limited to, intrusions, breaches, or other high‑risk situations.
  • Work closely with security personnel to contain and resolve incidents, ensuring the safety of personnel and assets.
  • Develop and maintain security protocols, procedures, and training programs to ensure readiness and effectiveness.
• Threat Assessment and Analysis
  • Conduct research and analysis to identify potential threats to SpaceX facilities and assets, including insider threats, terrorism, and cyber‑physical attacks.
  • Develop and maintain threat profiles, including adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
  • Collaborate with intelligence teams to stay informed about emerging threats and trends.
• Decision‑Making in High‑Stress Environments
  • Make split‑second decisions in high‑stress environments, prioritizing the safety of personnel and assets.
  • Apply analytical and critical thinking skills to rapidly assess situations and develop effective response strategies.
  • Maintain a calm and focused demeanor in high‑pressure situations, ensuring effective communication and coordination with team members.
• Training and Exercises
  • Develop and conduct training exercises for security personnel, including scenario‑based training, tabletop exercises, and live‑fire drills. Design and execute complex security exercises to test response procedures, including SWAT deployments and incident response.
  • Evaluate exercise outcomes and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Additional Duties
  • Maintain a high level of physical fitness and proficiency in tactical skills, including firearms, hand‑to‑hand combat, and tactical driving.
  • Stay up‑to‑date with industry best practices, emerging threats, and advances in security technology.
  • Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including security, engineering, and facilities management, to ensure a holistic approach to security.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 5+ years of experience in the military, law enforcement, overseas security contracting, or advanced corporate security realm.
• 1+ years of experience with executive protection, mobile asset protection, or emergency response team experience.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Completed training in SWAT operations, including tactical response and crisis management, or military special operations.
• Proficiency in firearms, defensive tactics, and tactical driving.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as security management, criminology, or international relations.
• Experience in red teaming, penetration testing, or threat assessment.
• Combat medic, EMT-B, or paramedic related experience.
• Advanced medical emergency training (TCCC/TECC/Combat Lifesaver).
• Familiarity with security protocols, including access control, surveillance, and alarm systems.
• Knowledge of threat intelligence, including insider threats, terrorism, and cyber‑physical attacks.
• Experience with exercise design and execution, including scenario‑based training and tabletop exercises.
• Computer based proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment with minimal supervision.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Availability to work any schedule needed, to include overtime, nights, weekends and rotating.
• Position is subject to enhanced pre‑employment screening, including a background check, psychological test, bi‑annual physical fitness test, and a drug and alcohol test.
• Position is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• Ability and willingness to occasionally stand in a static position for extended periods.
• Willingness to travel up to 15% of time in support of SpaceX Security requirements should the need arise.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Possess or be eligible for a valid state security officer license.
• Eligible for a US Government security clearance.
• Ability to effectively execute duties in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range:

Level 3: $31.00/hour + $2.00/hour lead differential

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock or long‑term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affiant Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].