Industrial Security Lead - San Francisco

Industrial Security Lead – San Francisco

Corporate Security – San Francisco

The Corporate Security team is responsible for the security and protection of all OpenAI employees and executives. We are committed to creating and maintaining a secure environment that allows our team members to focus on their work without fear of harm or disruption.

OpenAI is seeking an Industrial Security Lead to help develop and scale a world‑class industrial security program across multiple locations, including San Francisco and Washington DC. In this role you will be responsible for building and managing secure facilities that enable work with Government partners, overseeing government‑required personnel security programs, and ensuring strict compliance with U.S. government regulations. You’ll collaborate closely with government partners, contractors, and internal teams to safeguard sensitive projects and R&D initiatives.

• Support tactical operations of the OpenAI industrial security program, partnering closely with GRC, facilities, and leadership to ensure compliance with NISPOM, ICD 705, DoD/IC regulations, and other federal requirements to enable rapid execution on OpenAI for Government’s strategic programs.
• Support multi‑year security roadmaps to support OpenAI Public Sector projects, accredited facilities, and sensitive R&D initiatives, balancing the agile nature of our business with the timelines and requirements associated with US Government contracts.
• Be on the team supporting classified facilities, SOPs, fixed‑facility checklists, and related documents.
• Participate in construction and accreditation efforts in partnership with government agencies, design engineers, and contractors.
• Ensure facilities meet and exceed required standards, with ongoing audits and readiness checks.
• Support all aspects of personnel security management associated with OpenAI Public Sector efforts, working directly with government partners to ensure compliance.
• Expert knowledge of using government databases such as DISS, NBIS, and Scattered Castles.
• Support implementation and operations of insider threat and continuous evaluation programs.
• Manage security onboarding, required reporting and approvals, and personnel readiness efforts to ensure staff can support OpenAI Public Sector efforts.
• Liaison with Government security representatives, ensuring smooth communication and compliance with clearances and facilities.
• Support all federal inspections, audits, and incident investigations, maintaining a best‑in‑class compliance record.
• Manage sensitive material control, secured communications COMSEC, and reporting requirements.
• Conduct risk assessments of relevant operations and drive mitigation initiatives.
• Develop advanced security training.
• Manage related OPSEC programs and Program Protection Plans.

• Have 5+ years of experience in industrial security.
• Have an active TS/SCI security clearance full scope polygraph.
• Have expert knowledge of the 32 CFR Part 117, Intelligence Community Directives and Special Access Programs. This is relative to personnel security, facility accreditations and operations, and classified communications.
• Have experience as an FSO, CSSO, or CPSO with DoD, IC and SAP customers.
• Have exceptional communication skills and executive presence, with experience briefing leadership and government officials.

• Background in fast‑paced AI, R&D, or high‑tech environments
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• Advanced certifications such as ISP®, CPP®, or SPeD.
• Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, or similar.
• Experience using Security Controls, Threat Switch, SIMS or similar software is preferred.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristic.

$203K – $275K + Offers Equity