Physical Security Specialist, SPEAR Evaluations, US Amazon Dedicated Cloud

The Amazon Security Special Programs Evaluations Assessments & Response (SPEAR) Team is seeking a highly talented and motivated physical security specialist to serve as a physical security Evaluator on the SPEAR Evaluations Amazon Dedicated Cloud (ADC) Team in the America’s (AMER) Region. This role is based in the United States. The position requires extensive travel amounting to approximately 50% to ensure the delivery of this team’s mission.

The Evaluations ADC Team performs physical security evaluations of Amazon Web Services (AWS) ADC data facilities in the AMER Region. Evaluations at these sites support security initiatives/activities designed to protect Amazonians, National Security Information, accredited facilities, and critical cloud infrastructure from insider or external threats. These evaluations ensure the application of physical security including people, processes and measures, and the team identifies and documents findings to provide guidance on the path to resolution. As such, the SPEAR AMER ADC Evaluations Team contribute to the global effort to uphold the confidentiality, integrity and availability of AWS services.

The Evaluator works directly with other Amazon Security teams, particularly Amazon Web Services (AWS) Foundational Security & Dedicated Clouds (FSDC) U.S. ADC teams, AWS Management, and other partners to conduct evaluations and collaborate in the application of physical security. The Evaluator supports planning and executing regional operations, contributes globally, and closely coordinates with other SPEAR Teams to drive down security findings across the AMER Region. This person reviews and is knowledgeable of new technologies and security measures for possible application to the existing suite of security processes and measures to enhance the security posture across Amazon. Additionally, the Evaluator in this role may be directed to support and lead evaluations on physical security measures under consideration by Amazon Security, and participate in the development, analysis, and improvement of physical security standards.

The ideal candidate is an experienced leader adept at performing security evaluations and must be experienced and skilled at planning, executing, and delivering products for our internal and external customers. Additionally, this role requires extensive working knowledge of physical security principles and how those relate to practical application and real-world implementation of processes and measures. This includes experience and knowledge of National Industrial Security Program (NISP), Intelligence Community Directives (ICD), and other requirements as prescribed by the U.S. Government and the Accreditation Official (AO).

This position requires that the candidate selected be a US Citizen and must currently possess and maintain an active TS/SCI security clearance with polygraph.


Key job responsibilities
- Support and lead physical security evaluations of secure data facilities. Ensure security findings identified as part of this evaluation process are appropriately documented and effective mitigation actions are taken to resolve.
- Partner directly with regional Amazon and AWS Security customers to review security related documentation and help them understand the implementation of physical security standards and policies to their real-world environment.
- Develop and review new technology and security measures for possible application to the existing suite of security processes and measures to enhance the security posture of our data facilities.
- Remain connected with industry trends and events.
- Keep the SPEAR Physical Security Evaluation leadership team fully informed of customer engagement status, issues, and activities.


A day in the life
Evaluators are generally planning for and/or conducting a physical security evaluation, while also responsible for writing the reports for previous evaluations. The Evaluators are typically on-site conducting evaluations every other week. This often requires Evaluators to travel and be away from home for the week depending on site locations. Days on-site have varying hours to meet testing and evaluation requirements, and include extended periods on their feet and may include climbing ladders (<6-8ft).

About the team
Our team is dedicated to supporting new team members. Our team has a broad mix of experience levels and Amazon tenures, and we’re building an environment that celebrates knowledge sharing and mentorship.

Here at AWS, we embrace our differences. We are committed to furthering our culture of inclusion. We have ten employee-led affinity groups, reaching 40,000 employees in over 190 chapters globally. We have innovative benefit offerings, and we host annual and ongoing learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon (gender diversity) conferences. Amazon’s culture of inclusion is reinforced within our 16 Leadership Principles, which remind team members to seek diverse perspectives, learn and be curious, and earn trust.

Our team also puts a high value on work-life balance. Striking a healthy balance between your personal and professional life is crucial to your happiness and success here, which is why we aren’t focused on how many hours you spend at work or online. Instead, we’re happy to offer a flexible schedule so you can have a more productive and well-balanced life—both in and outside of work.

Basic Qualifications

- Industrial Security Staff Approval (ISSA) Clearance

- Experience and knowledge working with ICD 705 and National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) requirements.

- Experience in physical security principles, access control, intrusion detection, and video surveillance and management systems.

- Experience working in secure data center and support facility environments.

- Current, active US Government Security Clearance of TS/SCI with Polygraph.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience collaborating with partner agencies/entities to complete the mission.
- Experience in the detailed planning and implementation of physical security solutions designed to protect critical assets, and support the application of physical security across people, processes and measures.
- Experience building and supervising high performing operationally focused teams/personnel.
- Demonstrated knowledge of physical security industry standards and best practices, to include but not limited to application of physical security, access control systems, familiarity with contract security guard requirements, and incident response.
- Applicable physical security industry specific qualifications, certifications, and or education desired.
- Experience implementing Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED), to include concepts and principles, data collection, analysis, presentations and reports, behavior and the physical (built) environment.
- Basic understanding of cloud computing services.
- Experience and high proficiency in public speaking and briefing.



Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $91,800/year in our lowest geographic market up to $196,300/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.