Regional Physical Security Operations Manager

About the role

At MITRE, you can do meaningful work while maintaining a fulfilling life. MITRE is a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts. We operate R&D centers for the government, creating lasting impact in fields such as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. Our workplace reflects our values, offering competitive benefits, professional development, and a culture of innovation.

The R315 Physical Security and Safety Department protects MITRE personnel, facilities, classified operations, enterprise assets, and sponsor mission activities through enterprise physical security and safety programs. The department delivers consistent, professional security services aligned with federal requirements, internal policies, and operational risk management objectives across multiple facilities and mission areas.

The Regional Physical Security Operations Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational oversight, and continuous improvement of MITRE’s physical security programs across assigned locations. This role ensures the protection of MITRE personnel, facilities, information, and assets through comprehensive physical security operations, regulatory compliance, emergency preparedness, and enterprise security technologies. The position provides direct supervision to the Bedford Physical Security Operations Manager and aligns site security operations with enterprise-wide objectives and National Industrial Security Program requirements.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Security Leadership
  • Leads and oversees regional physical security operations and programs across assigned MITRE facilities.
  • Develops and implements enterprise-aligned physical security strategies, policies, standards, and operational procedures.
  • Ensures consistent execution of physical security operations, access control measures, emergency response capabilities, and security technology integration across all sites.
  • Provides leadership guidance and operational direction to site-level security managers and supervisors.
  • Serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership regarding physical security risks, vulnerabilities, operational readiness, and mitigation strategies.
  • Evaluates emerging threats and recommends enhancements to security programs, technologies, staffing, and operational procedures.
• Operational Oversight
  • Oversees 24/7/365 physical security operations supporting MITRE facilities and personnel.
  • Supervises the Bedford Physical Security Operations Manager and other assigned security leadership personnel.
  • Ensures operational consistency and accountability across security operations centers, guard force operations, reception services, access control functions, and incident response activities.
  • Reviews staffing models, scheduling practices, operational metrics, and workforce readiness to ensure effective coverage and performance.
  • Ensures proper safeguarding of classified and sensitive information in accordance with NISPOM requirements and MITRE policies.
  • Provides executive oversight of access control systems, CCTV systems, intrusion detection systems, visitor management systems, emergency communication platforms, and related security technologies.
  • Supports business continuity and continuity of operations planning efforts.
• Workforce Management & Development
  • Builds, develops, and leads high-performing physical security teams and supervisory personnel.
  • Establishes performance expectations, accountability standards, and leadership development initiatives for subordinate managers and supervisors.
  • Oversees recruitment, onboarding, training, certification, and professional development activities for physical security personnel.
  • Provides coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and performance management support to subordinate leaders.
  • Promotes a culture of professionalism, operational excellence, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Security Compliance & Risk Management
  • Ensures compliance with all applicable federal regulations, contractual obligations, MITRE policies, and industry best practices related to physical and industrial security.
  • Oversees audits, inspections, vulnerability assessments, and security program evaluations.
  • Partners with Industrial Security personnel to ensure compliance with the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) and associated government security requirements.
  • Supports implementation and maintenance of enterprise physical security standards and governance frameworks.
  • Reviews and analyzes security incidents, trends, and operational data to identify risks and recommend corrective actions.
• Incident Management & Emergency Response
  • Serves as senior escalation authority for significant security incidents, operational disruptions, emergencies, and crisis events within assigned region.
  • Coordinates with internal stakeholders to respond to and/or assess security incidents, workplace incidents, threats, or acts of wrongdoing occurring within MITRE facilities.
  • Coordinates with internal stakeholders and external emergency responders during emergency situations.
  • Ensures proper incident documentation, reporting, after-action reviews, and corrective action implementation.
  • Supports enterprise emergency preparedness, crisis management, and resilience initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Collaborates with government customers, law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and internal MITRE organizations to support mission requirements and operational objectives.
  • Builds strong partnerships with Facilities, EH&S, Information Security, HR, Legal, and program leadership to ensure integrated security support.
  • Briefs senior leadership regarding operational status, security risks, compliance matters, and strategic initiatives.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in physical security operations, industrial security, law enforcement, military security operations, or related security leadership roles; or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• 5+ years of experience managing teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading multi-site or regional security operations programs.
• Proven supervisory and leadership experience managing managers, supervisors, and multi-layered security organizations.
• Strong knowledge of physical security principles including access control systems, intrusion detection systems, CCTV, emergency response operations, and security operations center management.
• Experience operating within cleared facility environments and working knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program (NISP).
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex 24/7/365 operational environments.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience briefing senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion during high-stress or emergency situations.
• Active Top-Secret U.S. Government-issued Security Clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• On-site requirement of 5 days a week in Bedford, MA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Top Secret Security Clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Demonstrated expertise in U.S. Government security standards including 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM) and related federal security requirements.
• Experience managing enterprise physical security programs across multiple facilities or geographic regions.
• Strong understanding of industrial security practices, risk management methodologies, and physical security compliance frameworks.
• Experience overseeing contract guard force operations and enterprise security technologies.
• Operational experience with enterprise security systems including CCURE, Lenel, Ocularis, Genetec, SIMS, or comparable platforms.
• Professional security certification such as CPP, PSP, CISSP, or equivalent credential.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Business Management, or related discipline.
• Experience supporting continuity of operations, emergency management, or crisis response programs.

Pay

Salary compensation range: $133,500 - $200,500 annual, with a midpoint of $167,000.

Schedule

On-site, 5 days a week in Bedford, MA.