Director of Physical Security

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe— large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts.

Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization.Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world’s best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.

Director of Physical Security

Astranis is seeking a Director of Physical Security to lead and continuously strengthen our physical security program in compliance with U.S. Government and Intelligence Community requirements. This role is responsible for protecting Astranis personnel, facilities, and classified information, including full lifecycle oversight of our Special Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF).

You will own physical security strategy and execution, partner closely with government customers and internal leadership, and ensure Astranis remains compliant, audit-ready, and resilient in a dynamic security environment. This is a highly hands-on leadership role overseeing facilities security, guard operations, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance.

Role

• Develop, manage, and continuously improve Astranis’s physical security program in accordance with NISPOM (32 CFR Part 117), ICD 705, and other applicable U.S. Government regulations.
• Create, implement, and maintain physical security policies and procedures to protect personnel, facilities, and assets.
• Manage all aspects of security for Astranis’s SCIF, including construction, modification, accreditation, and ongoing compliance with sponsor requirements.
• Prepare and maintain Systems Security Plans (SSPs) and Fixed Facility Checklists (FFCs) in accordance with customer guidelines. 
• Lead preparation for and participation in DCSA, DIA, and other government security assessments and audits; develop corrective action plans and responses.
• Assess the effectiveness of physical security measures, identify vulnerabilities, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Design, install, and oversee physical security systems including access control, surveillance, intrusion detection, alarms, and monitoring systems.
• Ensure access to Astranis facilities and restricted areas is limited to authorized personnel only.
• Conduct annual penetration tests of Astranis facilities, report findings to leadership, and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee front desk operations after hours and as needed during business hours.
• Ensure security system malfunctions are promptly repaired; develop and execute contingency plans during outages and keep leadership informed.
• Conduct investigations into security incidents or breaches and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Develop and deliver physical security training to Astranis staff and contribute to the company’s security education and awareness program.
• Stay current on emerging security threats, technologies, and best practices to drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee alarm access, SCIF combinations, safe and custodian programs, and semi-annual testing in compliance with NISPOM and ICD requirements.
• Supervise a 24/7 security guard force, including hiring recommendations, performance evaluations, training, and disciplinary actions.
• Develop, test, and implement emergency response plans and conduct routine emergency training for employees.
• Coordinate with local law enforcement and emergency responders and respond to emergencies to minimize risk to personnel, property, and information.
• Serve as the primary liaison with Astranis government customers, keeping them informed of security posture, policy changes, and incidents.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, leadership, government agencies, accreditation officials, and external partners to ensure alignment with security objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in physical, personnel, and communications security within a DoD or Intelligence Community environment, including SCIF operations and emergency planning.
• At least 6 years of supervisory experience in a security leadership role.
• Extensive knowledge of DoD and IC security regulations, policies, and physical security systems.
• Strong experience with access control procedures, surveillance systems, alarm monitoring, and intrusion detection technologies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to exercise discretion and engage senior leadership and government officials.
• Strong organizational, investigative, and decision-making skills, including the ability to operate under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with common office automation and software applications.
• Availability to respond to security situations outside normal business hours.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required.
• Ability to work onsite in Astranis’s San Francisco office five days per week.
• Director of National Intelligence Training Course for ICD 705 (required within 6 months of hire if not already obtained).

Bonus

• Experience overseeing large-scale secure construction or renovation projects.
• Strong relationships with government security officials, accreditation authorities, and local law enforcement.
• Demonstrated success managing 24/7 guard operations in a high-security environment.
• Experience implementing new physical security technologies and training staff on their use.