Senior Specialist, Executive Protection - Driver

Merck & Co.; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. is seeking an Executive Protection Specialist & Secure Driver in Rahway, NJ. The role provides armed, close-in protection and secure transportation for senior executives, coordinating with corporate aviation and performing route planning, threat assessments, and emergency response.

Requirements include LEOSA qualification, a clean driving record, and travel flexibility. This position demands adherence to security policies and strict confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7+ years of experience in sworn law enforcement, military special operations, or high-level corporate/government executive protection.
• Active LEOSA HR 218 qualification permitting the concealed carry of a firearm nationwide.
• Valid driver’s license with an impeccable driving record.
• Real ID or valid passport required for air travel.

Responsibilities

• Provide armed secure transportation for Principals to corporate facilities, private aviation terminals, events, and residences.
• Execute advanced defensive and evasive driving techniques in response to threats or high-risk scenarios.
• Coordinate with Corporate Aviation on flight schedules and secure ground-to-air transitions.
• Conduct route planning, threat assessments, and liaise with local, state, and federal law enforcement and venue security.

Skills

Executive protection

Secure transportation

Threat intelligence

Evasive driving

Tactical medical

Emergency response

OPSEC

Compliance

Education

LEOSA HR 218 credential

Job description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Executive Protection Specialist & Secure Driver is a critical operational role within our Company's Global Security & Aviation (GSF) organization. Transitioning from a traditional executive transport function, this highly specialized position provides active, armed close-in protection, secure transportation, and threat mitigation for our Company's highest-level executives (Principals). Leveraging active LEOSA (Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act) credentials, the Specialist will ensure the safe, efficient, and discreet movement of Principals while conducting comprehensive route planning, threat vulnerability assessments, and tactical emergency response.

Core Responsibilities

1. Secure Transportation & Evasive Operations

• Provide primary, armed secure transportation for designated Principals to corporate facilities, private aviation terminals, public events, and personal residences.
• Execute advanced defensive and evasive driving techniques in response to dynamic threats, surveillance, or high-risk traffic scenarios.
• Maintain the pristine operational readiness of corporate executive vehicles, including coordinating specialized maintenance if required.
• Coordinate seamlessly with our Company's Corporate Aviation team regarding flight schedules, tarmac access, and secure ground-to-air transitions.

2. Protective Intelligence & Advance Operations

• Conduct comprehensive physical security and threat vulnerability advances for all intended travel routes, venues, and meeting locations prior to the Principal's arrival.

• Develop primary and secondary route plans, identifying critical infrastructure (e.g., nearest trauma centers, safe havens, and local law enforcement staging areas).
• Liaise proactively with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as venue security personnel, to coordinate secure movements and intelligence sharing.
• Monitor real-time protective intelligence feeds and open-source intelligence (OSINT) to identify potential threats or disruptions along travel routes.

3. Tactical Medical & Emergency Response

• Serve as the immediate first responder for medical emergencies involving the Principal.
• Maintain active certifications in advanced first-aid, CPR, and AED deployment.
• Deploy rapid trauma care and coordinate emergency medical evacuations in the event of an incident or attack.

4. Compliance, Training & Legal Adherence

• Maintain continuous compliance with LEOSA (HR 218) requirements, including mandated annual firearms qualification and legal use-of-force training.
• Adhere strictly to our Company's Global Security policies, Use of Force guidelines, and local/state/federal firearms regulations.
• Participate in mandatory, ongoing defensive driving and tactical response training scenarios.
• Ensure absolute discretion, operational security (OPSEC), and confidentiality regarding the Principal's itinerary and personal information.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

Experience

• Minimum 5-7+ years of experience in sworn law enforcement, military special operations, or high-level corporate/government executive protection.

Licenses & Credentials (Required)

• Active and in-good-standing qualification under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA / HR 218), permitting the concealed carry of a firearm nationwide.
• Valid driver's license with an impeccable driving record.
• Real ID or valid passport required for air travel.

Work Schedule & Travel

• Flexibility to work non-standard hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on executive schedules and operational requirements.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally, including out-of-state travel, up to 10%.

Preferred Certifications & Training

• Documented completion of an advanced defensive/evasive driving course.