Director, Physical Security (Data Centers, Offices, Manufacturing & Logistics)
Cerebras
Cerebras Systems builds the world's largest AI chip, 56 times larger than GPUs. Our novel wafer-scale architecture provides the AI compute power of dozens of GPUs on a single chip, with the programming simplicity of a single device. This approach allows Cerebras to deliver industry-leading training and inference speeds and empowers machine learning users to effortlessly run large-scale ML applications, without the hassle of managing hundreds of GPUs or TPUs.
Cerebras' current customers include global corporations across multiple industries, national labs, and top-tier healthcare systems. In January, we announced a multi-year, multi-million-dollar partnership with Mayo Clinic, underscoring our commitment to transforming AI applications across various fields. In August, we launched Cerebras Inference, the fastest Generative AI inference solution in the world, over 10 times faster than GPU-based hyperscale cloud inference services.
The Role
As Director of Physical Security, you will build, own, and scale a hyperscaler-level global physical security program anchored in data center security across the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. This role also owns office security and directly contributes to manufacturing and high-value shipping/logistics security. You will set global security standards, drive consistent execution across regions, select and govern the physical security technology stack, and ensure ongoing SOC 2 and ISO 27001 readiness.
Responsibilities
- Data Centers Security: Define global physical security standards and run the operating rhythm across design, build, and operations.
- Security by design & construction: Embed requirements into site selection, design, and construction; manage construction security expectations with local suppliers.
- Operations & response: Own site operating procedures, incident management, escalation playbooks, and performance oversight (including guard services where used).
- Access governance: Establish identity/badging, role-based access, contractor access controls, periodic access reviews, and exception management.
- Technology stack ownership: Select and standardize ACS/VMS/CCTV/IDS/perimeter/alarm monitoring architecture and vendor ecosystem; drive deployments and lifecycle management.
- Third-party/colo assurance: Set contractual requirements, assess security posture, and drive remediation with partners.
- Offices: Own office security standards, visitor/badge controls, and safety/security readiness in partnership with Workplace/Facilities and HR.
- Manufacturing & logistics: Implement controls for manufacturing lines, high-value inventory, shipping/receiving, secure staging, chain-of-custody, and anti-tampering requirements.
- Assurance & metrics: Maintain evidence-ready programs for SOC 2 and ISO/IEC 27001; report KPIs, gaps, and remediation progress to leadership.
Skills & Qualifications
Minimum
- 10+ years in physical security with meaningful data center physical security scope.
- Proven physical security operations leadership (multi-site), including incident response and vendor oversight.
- Strong foundation in physical security systems (ACS, VMS/CCTV, IDS, perimeter, monitoring) and ability to own vendor selection and standards.
- Experience driving globally consistent programs across multiple regions and cultures.
- Able to partner effectively with Data Center Ops, Construction, Facilities/Workplace, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Compliance, Legal, and HR.
Preferred
- Hyperscaler experience (design/build/operate at scale).
- Proven success working with local suppliers globally (construction and steady-state operations).
- Prior government security experience; exposure to classified environments is a major plus.
- CPP/PSP
Additional/Practical Details:
- Director-level role; expected to scale a program that may grow into a team over time.
- Travel: ~25-40% across U.S., Europe, and Middle East.
- On-call participation for critical incidents.
Location:
This role is based out of our Sunnyvale HQ, but we are open to remote candidates within the U.S. for the right person.
Why Join Cerebras
People who are serious about software make their own hardware. At Cerebras we have built a breakthrough architecture that is unlocking new opportunities for the AI industry. With dozens of model releases and rapid growth, we’ve reached an inflection point in our business. Members of our team tell us there are five main reasons they joined Cerebras:
- Build a breakthrough AI platform beyond the constraints of the GPU.
- Publish and open source their cutting-edge AI research.
- Work on one of the fastest AI supercomputers in the world.
- Enjoy job stability with startup vitality.
- Our simple, non-corporate work culture that respects individual beliefs.
Read our blog: Five Reasons to Join Cerebras in 2025.
Apply today and become part of the forefront of groundbreaking advancements in AI!
Cerebras Systems is committed to creating an equal and diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate different backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We believe inclusive teams build better products and companies. We try every day to build a work environment that empowers people to do their best work through continuous learning, growth and support of those around them.
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