Lead Physical Security Hardware Specialist
SpaceX
Palo Alto, CA · Posted October 7, 2026
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About the job
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.
LEAD PHYSICAL SECURITY HARDWARE SPECIALIST
Help SpaceX protect life and property anywhere company assets are deployed by leading a team of Security Hardware Specialists and Senior Security Hardware Specialists. The Lead Physical Security Hardware Specialist is responsible for delivering and maintaining the physical security technology that protects SpaceX personnel, facilities, and assets, including access control systems (ACS), closed-circuit television (CCTV)/video management systems (VMS), intrusion detection systems (IDS), and related platforms. Reporting to the enterprise leader for Security Systems and Technology, this role typically oversees multiple facilities across a region. This is a people-management role requiring strong technical judgment, project management skills, and experience leading geographically distributed teams while managing a large portfolio of concurrent projects. The Lead translates department priorities into execution, develops team members, and ensures installations, upgrades, maintenance, repairs, and programming are completed safely and reliably. As the organization grows, this role also owns assigned enterprise programs and is accountable for important aspects of physical security technology operations across SpaceX.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead physical security hardware operations for an assigned region or a large, complex site, balancing project delivery, preventive maintenance, service requests, and urgent operational needs
Directly manage, mentor, and develop Physical Security Hardware Specialists and Senior Physical Security Hardware Specialists, including setting expectations, giving regular feedback, managing performance, supporting career progression, and leading hiring and onboarding for your area
Manage a large portfolio of concurrent physical security technology projects from initial assessment and planning through installation, commissioning, acceptance, and transition to ongoing support
Define project scope, schedules, milestones, resource requirements, and success criteria; track dependencies, risks, changes, and costs; and take corrective action when delivery is at risk
Allocate personnel and coordinate coverage across facilities, matching assignments to technical capabilities, business priorities, and site requirements
Own assigned enterprise programs, such as preventive maintenance planning, hardware lifecycle management, audit, or technical training; establish program plans, procedures, metrics, and reporting, and coordinate execution across the enterprise
Use JIRA or a comparable ticketing and project tracking system to prioritize work, assign ownership, monitor backlogs, and maintain visibility into service requests, project status, and completion
Provide technical oversight for access control systems, CCTV/video management systems, intrusion detection systems, and related physical security infrastructure; guide complex troubleshooting and engage system administrators or other specialist as needed
Oversee site assessments, job walks, installation planning, testing, and commissioning to ensure work meets operational needs and established enterprise standards
Coordinate with Physical Security, Facilities, IT, Information Security, Purchasing, system administrators, and other stakeholders to resolve dependencies and deliver integrated security capabilities
Manage vendor and contractor execution within assigned projects, including scope coordination, scheduling, installation quality, deliverables, and issue resolution
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or equivalency certification
5+ years of experience managing enterprise-level physical security systems such as CCTV, access control, VMS, intrusion detection systems, fire and alarm systems), or alert systems
1+ years of direct leadership responsibility across global sites
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Experience leading physical security hardware teams supporting complex facilities, large campuses, or regional operations
Experience owning a program across multiple sites or business units, including developing procedures, establishing performance measures, and driving consistent execution
Subject matter expert in Genetec Security Center, with experience in Lenel access control and/or Avigilon systems, and relevant manufacturer certifications
Strong project planning and portfolio management skills, with experience coordinating internal teams, vendors, and contractors across competing priorities
Experience using JIRA, Confluence, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Monday.com, or comparable project tracking and documentation tools
Ability to interpret system drawings, installation plans, wiring diagrams, and technical specifications, and to evaluate installation quality and readiness for acceptance
Experience with preventive maintenance programs, hardware lifecycle planning, inventory management, and recurring issue resolution
Experience preparing project estimates, tracking budgets, and evaluating vendor proposals
Experience in space exploration, aviation, military, manufacturing, or another high-risk, high-reliability operating environment
Strong communication, decision-making, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to explain technical issues and delivery risks clearly
Demonstrated ability to develop technical talent, establish accountability, and keep execution on track in a fast-paced environment with changing prioriti
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be willing to work all shifts, extended hours, and/or weekends as needed
Willingness to travel as needed (up to 35% or more)
Ability to work in active construction, industrial, and outdoor environments while following applicable safety requirements
Must be able to obtain a TS/SCI clearance
An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
Position is subject to random drug and alcohol testing
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00
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.
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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com .