Physical Security Specialist

SpaceX; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Physical Security Specialist in Washington, DC to provide advanced protective and operational support across SpaceX facilities and executive movements. The role requires independent decision making in high-threat environments and flexible scheduling based on threat trends.

Responsibilities include executive protection, reconnaissance, leading small teams, risk assessments, and collaboration with law enforcement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 8+ years in military, law enforcement, overseas security contracting, or advanced corporate security.
• 2+ years in executive protection or mobile asset protection.

Responsibilities

• Conduct executive protection operations and provide close protection for senior leadership.
• Perform reconnaissance and counter-surveillance in support of movements and threat mitigation.
• Lead small teams while working independently with limited oversight.
• Plan and execute security for large-scale company events.
• Assess risks and develop mitigation strategies for assets and personnel.
• Maintain proficiency in protective tactics, surveillance detection, and mobile operations.
• Coordinate with law enforcement and key stakeholders; respond to incidents with sound judgment.
• Operate small vehicles, drones, and watercraft as required.

Skills

Executive protection

Reconnaissance

Counter-surveillance

Risk assessment

Team leadership

Emergency medical

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced certifications (Peace Officer / SWAT)

HR218 firearms certification

Medical emergency training (TECC/TCCC)

Security clearance eligibility

Job description

PHYSICAL SECURITY SPECIALIST

Physical Security Specialists are highly experienced and adaptable security professionals who operate with significant autonomy in dynamic, high‑threat environments. This position is responsible for providing advanced protective and operational support across SpaceX facilities and executive movements. Specialists are expected to operate as an individual or small team, make independent decisions in the field, and deliver executive‑level protection while conducting reconnaissance, counter‑surveillance, and border proximity security operations. This position requires a flexible schedule driven by threat trends and company commitments rather than fixed shifts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct executive protection operations and provide close protection for senior leadership as required
• Perform reconnaissance and counter‑surveillance in support of executive movements and threat mitigation
• Lead small teams during operations while also demonstrating the ability to work independently and make sound decisions with limited oversight
• Support the planning and execution of security for large‑scale company events
• Conduct advanced risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for critical assets and personnel
• Maintain proficiency in advanced protective tactics, surveillance detection, mobile operations and emergency medicine
• Serve as a liaison with law enforcement agencies and key stakeholders
• Respond to and manage incidents with professionalism and sound judgment
• Operate small utility vehicles, drones and watercraft

Basic Qualifications

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

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree
• Certified Peace Officer
• Advanced Unit Operations or SWAT certification
• HR218 credentials (or equivalent authorization) permitting the carrying of firearms in all United States jurisdictions
• Combat medic, EMT‑B, paramedic, or advanced medical emergency training (TCCC/TECC)
• Experience conducting executive protection
• Experience planning security for large‑scale events
• Experience conducting reconnaissance and counter‑surveillance operations
• Experience de‑escalating disputes and manage conflict professionally
• Experience instructing security tactics, operations, and procedures
• Documented small unit leadership or team management experience
• Military deployment and/or counterinsurgency experience
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to interface effectively with executives
• Foreign language proficiency (Spanish)

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel on short notice (up to 30% of the time)
• Ability to effectively operate in extreme outdoor environments
• Ability and willingness to occasionally stand in a static position for extended periods
• Ability to work extended hours and a flexible schedule driven by operational needs and threat trends, including nights, weekends, and short‑notice travel
• Position is subject to random drug and alcohol testing
• Position is subject to pre‑employment enhanced screening, including a background check, psychological test, bi‑annual physical fitness test, and a drug and alcohol test
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Part 107 Drone license
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Level III Commissioned Security Officer license and Level IV Personal Protection Officer license
• Possess or eligible for a valid state security officer license
• Eligible for a US Government security clearance

Compensation And Benefits

Pay Range:
Level 1: $80,000.00 - $95,000.00
Level 2: $95,000.00 - $120,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on 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.

Itar Requirements

• 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 affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].