Groq delivers fast, efficient AI inference. Our LPU-based system powers GroqCloud™, giving businesses and developers the speed and scale they need. From our Bay Area roots to our growing global presence, we are on a mission to make high performance AI compute more accessible and affordable. When real-time AI is within reach, anything is possible. Build fast.

Global Physical Security & Infrastructure Protection Manager

Mission:

Define and lead Groq’s global physical security architecture, execution, and sustained operations — ensuring world-class protection of data center infrastructure, hardware IP, and sensitive AI workloads across a global footprint. This leader will integrate physical, technical, and procedural controls into a coherent, scalable security ecosystem that meets the strictest compliance and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities & opportunities in this role:

Global Security Strategy & Architecture

Lead the end-to-end physical security vision and long-term architecture for all Groq facilities, labs, and data centers worldwide.
Develop a multilayered defense strategy integrating:
Physical access controls
Identity & access management (IAM / PAM)
Segmented enclaves & high-assurance zones
Insider-risk prevention controls
Tamper-resistant controls and side-channel attack mitigation
Drive global security design reviews, threat modeling, and risk assessments for new sites, partner facilities, and expansion projects.
Build a unified global security standard that scales with rapid international growth.

Data Center & Hardware Asset Protection

Lead physical security for global data center environments, including:
Rack-level and cage-level security
Hardware custody, chain-of-trust, and controlled movement
Controlled movement of LPUs, chips, and sensitive components
High-security labs and R&D zones
Screening, escorting, and restricted-enclave entry procedures
Evolve Groq’s data center physical security capabilities to match advanced adversary models.
Implement countermeasures to reduce physical tampering, insider threats, and hardware extraction risks.
Partner with DC Ops and Engineering to ensure security posture aligns with AI model sensitivity and hardware IP risk.

Access Control & Identity Operations

Own the global access control program using Genea (Access Control and Camera interface system).
Define best-practice IAM/PAM controls for physical environments, including privileged access workflows, visitor management, and emergency access.
Work with cross functional partners to improve physical identity governance and access policies.

Insider-Risk Program Leadership

Build and operationalize Groq’s Insider-Risk Program, integrating physical access, IAM/PAM, behavioral indicators, and monitoring.
Establish detection controls for unusual badge activity, unauthorized access attempts, and enclave violations.
Lead investigations into insider-related incidents with HR/Legal collaboration.
Develop scalable policies, response workflows, and cross-functional playbooks.

Camera Systems & Monitoring

Lead global deployment, coverage auditing, and continuous improvement of Groq’s camera ecosystem (e.g. Eagle Eye, Milestone).
Ensure comprehensive monitoring of high-value zones, critical paths, shipping/receiving, and DC environments.
Build monitoring and escalation workflows integrated with the Groq Physical Security Operations Center (PSOC) and Security Engineering.

Physical Security Operations & PSOC Leadership

Build and operationalize a Physical Security Operations Center (PSOC) capable of 24/7 monitoring and incident response.
Create PSOC playbooks, reporting pipelines, and rapid-response procedures.
Ensure operational excellence across guard forces, roving patrols, camera review teams, and metal detector screening units.
Built and manage a team dedicated to protecting Groq’s physical locations

Supply Chain Security & 3rd party Integration

Lead Groq’s global Supply Chain Security Program, working closely with Procurement, Engineering, and production partners.
Implement tamper-evident protocols for chip and hardware transport.
Establish and maintain chain-of-custody tracking for all high-value assets from fabrication → packaging → logistics → arrival.
Conduct audits, physical inspections, and security assessments across fabs, integrators, logistics providers, and colocation partners.
Build hardware integrity verification workflows for all inbound shipments and critical checkpoints.
Investigate anomalies or signs of malfeasance across the supply chain and lead cross-functional incident response.
Develop a Supply Chain Risk Register and compensating control strategy.

Operational Resilience & BCP Integration

Partner with the Resilience Organization to ensure physical risks align with business continuity and disaster recovery expectations.
Help define and measure service KPIs for secure site operations.
Support the design of COOP (Continuity of Operations) sites and fallback strategies for mission-critical operations.
Integrate physical security into crisis management exercises and continuity plans.

Compliance, Regulatory & Audit Ownership

Ensure all facilities meet or exceed the highest compliance requirements for:
SOC 2
ISO 27001
FedRAMP physical & environmental controls
ECC-1
Export control and hardware security requirements
Produce audit evidence, documentation, and walkthroughs for customers and regulators.
Maintain continuous audit readiness across global sites.

Playbooks, Process, & Continuous Improvement

Develop and maintain detailed standing operating procedures for:

Roving guard routes
Metal detector & checkpoint operations
Camera monitoring and review cadence
Badge issuance, deactivation, and escalation
Incident response and containment
High-security zone entry/exit
Key control, equipment custody, and shipping/receiving

Ideal candidates have/are:

10 - 15+ years of progressive experience in physical security, global security operations, or protective infrastructure roles.
Deep expertise in security architecture, physical IAM/PAM, facility zoning, and physical–technical–procedural control integration.
Strong understanding of hardware security, tamper resistance, and enclave segmentation.
Experience designing secure labs, data centers, or hardware R&D environments.
Hands-on experience leading security design reviews, threat modeling, and supply-chain risk analysis.
Deep familiarity with security standards such as SOC 2, ISO 27001 Annex A, FedRAMP physical controls, ECC-1, as well as export compliance.
Proven experience managing guard vendors, SOC teams, and global security operations.
Strong leadership and collaboration skills — able to work with Engineering, Data Center Ops, Facilities, and GRC.
Ability to travel globally 25–40% to support data center build-outs and high-security program initiatives.

Nice to have:

Experience in AI/ML infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, or secure hardware design environments.
Prior work in insider-risk programs, red team operations, or sensitive compartmented facilities.
Background in 3PR / supply chain security or fabrication security.
Certifications such as CPP, PSP, CISSP, CRISC, or other ASIS/ISACA credentials.
Experience with Eagle Eye, Geneva, or highly regulated physical access/security systems.

Attributes of a Groqster:

Humility – Egos are checked at the door
Collaborative & Team Savvy – We make up the smartest person in the room, together
Growth & Giver Mindset – Learn it all versus know it all, we share knowledge generously
Curious & Innovative – Take a creative approach to projects, problems, and design
Passion, Grit, & Boldness – No-limit thinking, fueling informed risk taking

Compensation: At Groq, a competitive base salary is part of our comprehensive compensation package, which includes equity and benefits. For this role, the base salary range is $214,300 to $305,000, determined by your location, skills, qualifications, experience and internal benchmarks. This range is specific to roles in the United States, compensation for candidates outside the USA will be dependent on the local market.

US Job Postings

This position may require access to technology and/or information subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To comply with these requirements, candidates for this role must meet certain citizenship or residency criteria. Specifically, they must qualify as U.S. Persons for export control purposes (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or a protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) such as a refugee or asylee), or otherwise be eligible for an applicable export license.

Groq is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Groq complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any protected characteristic.

Groq is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application or to participate in the hiring process, please contact us at talent@groq.com. This contact is for accommodation requests only, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

All offers of employment are contingent upon verification of the applicant’s identity and employment authorization in accordance with federal law.

Groq encourages people with criminal record histories to apply for employment, and values diverse experiences, including prior contact with the criminal legal system. To that end, Groq welcomes such applicants in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles City Fair Chance Act Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Act Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Act Ordinance. Philadelphia applicants can review information pertaining to Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance here: https://www.phila.gov/documents/fair-chance-hiring-law-poster.

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Req ID: R732

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