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Physical Security Specialist

Hawthorne, CA
Full Time On-site

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 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. Section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 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.

About SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX is one of the most influential aerospace companies in the world, transforming space launch, satellite communications, and deep-space transportation. Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX designs and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft, including Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship, alongside the Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet constellation. The company plays a major role in U.S. space access, national security launch capabilities, and commercial space infrastructure.

For job seekers, SpaceX offers opportunities across some of the most demanding engineering disciplines in the industry, including aerospace engineering, propulsion, software development, avionics, manufacturing, robotics, materials science, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, technicians, and builders who want to work in a high-intensity environment focused on rapid iteration, vertical integration, and hands-on hardware development at scale.

Unlike traditional aerospace contractors that rely heavily on long development cycles, SpaceX operates with a fast-paced, vertically integrated engineering culture where teams design, build, test, and fly systems in rapid succession. Employees often work directly on flight hardware and production systems, contributing to programs that routinely push the boundaries of reusability, launch frequency, and cost reduction in space access.

As global demand for satellite communications, space infrastructure, and national security launch services continues to grow, SpaceX remains one of the most important employers in aerospace and defense-adjacent technology. For professionals seeking a highly challenging, mission-driven career at the cutting edge of spaceflight and advanced engineering, SpaceX stands out as one of the most ambitious and impactful companies in the world.

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