Physical Security Operations Supervisor

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Department Summary:

The MITRE Corporation is seeking a highly qualified candidate to serve as a Physical Security Supervisor, Group Leader (GL) within our Physical Security Operations organization located in Bedford, MA.

The Group Leader is responsible for developing, staffing, leading, and sustaining a 24/7/365 physical security operations program that ensures the protection of MITRE's personnel, information, facilities, and mission-critical assets. This position provides strategic and operational leadership over Shift Leaders and Security Operations Center Operators (SOCOs), ensuring consistent execution of physical protection standards, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across all shifts.

This role serves as a key member of the Physical Security leadership team and represents security management in matters involving operational readiness, emergency response, investigations, and workforce management. The position requires flexibility to support a continuous 24/7/365 mission environment.

Position Overview:

The Physical Security Supervisor, Group Leader provides direct oversight of Shift Leaders and Security Operations Center personnel, ensuring effective execution of daily security operations, proper safeguarding of classified and sensitive information, and continuous improvement of the security program.

The Group Leader establishes operational expectations, evaluates performance, develops personnel, and ensures all supervisory layers are aligned with MITRE's security posture, compliance obligations, and customer service standards. This position requires a leader who can balance operational command presence with strategic planning, workforce development, and regulatory compliance oversight.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership & Oversight

• Develops, staffs, and operates a 24/7/365 physical security service organization to ensure appropriate safeguards for MITRE's information, assets, and personnel.
• Provides supervision and leadership to Shift Leaders and SOCOs, ensuring consistent operational execution across all shifts.
• Directs and schedules all shifts for the Security Operations Center, contract guard force, and reception personnel in coordination with operational requirements.
• Ensures adequate safeguarding of classified and sensitive information in accordance with the National Industrial Security Program and internal policies.
• Maintains an effective access control and physical protection program across all assigned facilities.
• Works a flexible schedule to ensure leadership availability in support of 24/7/365 operations, including response to emergent or high-impact events.

Workforce Management & Development

• Develops position requirements, conducts recruitment activities, interviews candidates, and makes hiring recommendations.
• Supervises assigned employees and ensures proper onboarding, training, certification, and qualification of personnel.
• Ensures the training and development of subordinates to satisfy operational requirements and maintain readiness.
• Reviews performance of subordinate supervisors and operators; provides coaching, feedback, and promotion recommendations when appropriate.
• Establishes clear performance standards and accountability mechanisms to maintain high operational discipline.

Program Oversight & Compliance

• Ensures adherence to all physical security policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluates operational effectiveness through audits, inspections, drills, and performance metrics.
• Maintains readiness of electronic security systems including access control, intrusion detection, CCTV, fire alarm systems, and emergency communications systems.
• Partners with Industrial Security, EH&S, Facilities, and other stakeholders to ensure an integrated security posture.
• Supports continuity of operations planning and emergency preparedness initiatives.

Incident Management & Investigations

• Performs or oversees investigations relating to security violations, incidents, and acts of wrongdoing within the MITRE campus.
• Ensures proper documentation, reporting, and follow-up actions related to incidents.
• Responds to medical and other emergency situations and ensures proper coordination with internal and external emergency responders.
• Serves as escalation authority for significant operational issues or security events.

Basic Qualifications

• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with relevant experience who can immediately contribute at this job step; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Experience in physical security operations, supervisory security leadership, military, or law enforcement experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supervising supervisors or managing multi-layered security teams.
• Strong knowledge of physical security principles including access control, intrusion detection systems, CCTV, life safety systems, and emergency response procedures.
• Experience operating in a cleared facility environment with working knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program (NISP).
• Proven ability to lead in a 24/7/365 operational environment requiring flexibility and responsiveness.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to brief senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and decision-making authority in high-stress situations.
• This position requires a minimum Top Secret security clearance with the ability to maintain access to classified information as required by program needs.
• Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
• This position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week on-site.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in the application and implementation of U.S. Government security standards, including 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM) and associated government security regulations.
• Advanced understanding of physical security principles, industrial security practices, and regulatory compliance frameworks applicable to cleared facilities.
• Hands-on experience utilizing joint or enterprise security databases employed within the industrial security community.
• Professional security certification such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP), or equivalent credential.
• Operational experience with enterprise security systems including CCURE Access Control, Security Information Management System (SIMS), and Ocularis video management systems.
• Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, or related discipline.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Top Secret

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret

Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$96,800 - $121,000 - $145,200 Annual

Work Location Type:
Onsite

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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