Amazon

Physical Security Engineering Manager, Data Center Design Engineering, Data Center Design Engineering

Amazon$150K — $203K *
Technical Services
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field
  • 12+ years of physical security design experience
  • 5+ years of experience managing engineering teams
  • 3+ years' experience in data center or mission-critical facility security
  • Proven track record on complex, multi-project programs

Responsibilities

  • Build and lead a high-performing team of Physical Security Engineers
  • Set strategic direction for team engagement throughout project lifecycle
  • Ensure compliance with AWS Physical Security Standard
  • Direct engagement in the pre-design phase for security input
  • Manage vendor relationships and performance evaluations

Benefits

  • Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Paid time off and parental leave
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program and mental health support
Full Job Description
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seeking a Manager, Physical Security Engineering to join its Data Center Design Engineering (DCDE) team within the Americas (AMER) region. This position supports Leased and Owned (Greenfield, Build-to-Suit, and Brownfield) commercial data center projects and is available in the following locations: • Austin, Texas • Seattle, Washington • Herndon, Virginia • Columbus, Ohio Physical Security Engineering at AWS works to design safe, secure, resilient, and cost-effective data center facilities. As a Manager of Physical Security Engineering for Leased/Owned projects, you will lead a team of Physical Security Engineers (PSEs) responsible for delivering security designs across the full project lifecycle - from pre-design due diligence through construction administration and operational handoff - for AWS-owned and leased commercial data center campuses across the Americas region. You will be part of a highly creative and efficient design team comprised of Architects, Engineers, and Designers tasked with solving problems and challenging the status quo. As both a subject matter expert and a people manager, you will set the technical direction for your team, drive accountability across multiple simultaneous fast-paced projects, and be responsible for developing and communicating security design requirements to internal and external project partners and stakeholders. What You Will Do As a Manager of Physical Security Engineering for Leased/Owned projects, you will work directly with AWS Security teams, Design Engineering leadership, Real Estate, Construction Management, and external design consultants to deliver world-class physical security across AWS's owned and leased data center portfolio. You will set the strategic direction for your team's engagement across the project lifecycle, ensure design quality and standards compliance, and build a high-performing team capable of delivering results at scale. You will bring deep knowledge of physical security principles and their practical application, including Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM), perimeter intrusion detection, video surveillance, and access control architecture, and translate that expertise into team guidance, design standards, and program improvements. Key job responsibilities People Management & Team Development • Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team of Physical Security Engineers (PSEs) assigned to Leased/Owned commercial data center projects across the AMER region • Define clear performance expectations aligned to the DE Security performance bar, conduct regular 1:1s, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback to drive above-bar performance across the team • Own the Organization and Leadership Review (OLR) process for your team, including performance calibration, promotion decisions, and talent development planning • Create an inclusive team culture that rewards ownership, rigor, innovation, and continuous improvement, consistent with Amazon Leadership Principles • Oversee onboarding and new hire integration, ensuring PSEs are set up for success from day one with the right project assignments, shadowing opportunities, and resources. Strategic Design Leadership & Technical Direction • Set the technical direction and quality bar for security designs - including construction drawings and specifications - covering cameras, access control systems, intrusion detection, perimeter fencing, gates, sallyports, hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM), and Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS) across Greenfield, Build-to-Suit (BTS), and Brownfield data center projects • Hold the team accountable for ensuring all security designs comply with the AWS Physical Security Standard (PSS) and Basis of Design (BOD) owner's requirements, and that non-compliant conditions are proactively managed through the appropriate SPEAR process. • Establish and enforce QA/QC standards for consultant deliverable reviews at each design milestone (30%, 60%, 90%, 100%), ensuring the team delivers high-quality, timely feedback • Represent DE Security at key design forums including Security Page Turn meetings, Security Workgroup meetings, PIDS reviews, and cross-discipline coordination meetings, stepping in to resolve escalated technical issues as needed Pre-Design Strategy & Due Diligence Oversight • Direct the team's engagement during the pre-design phase, ensuring PSEs provide meaningful physical security input during site selection, Due Diligence (DD), and test fit reviews for new campus acquisitions • Review and approve security risk assessments and DD approval inputs, ensuring the team applies consistent risk evaluation criteria aligned to the DE Security Due Diligence Checklist • Identify and escalate site-specific security risks - including standoff distances, neighboring facility risks, traffic patterns, sallyport configurations, and natural hazard considerations - that could impact project schedule, cost, or security posture. Standards Ownership & Programmatic Leadership • Own the team's contribution to the AWS Security Basis of Design (BOD), driving updates in coordination with the BOD Release Management Team, SPEAR internal security standards and audit teams, and relevant Security SMEs to ensure requirements remain current and performance-based • Sponsor and oversee programmatic initiatives including Security BOD template updates, QAQC checklist improvements, and cross-discipline coordination tools, assigning initiative owners and holding the team accountable to delivery timelines • Partner with SPEAR, DCESS, internal security standards, solutions, and audit teams, and other AWS security stakeholders to shape design standards, influence policy, and ensure the AMER Leased/Owned program reflects best-in-class security engineering practice. Construction Administration & Project Delivery Accountability • Hold the team accountable for PSE engagement during the construction administration phase, including oversight of RFI responses, product submittals, OAC meeting participation, and site visit execution • Ensure PSEs complete required construction site visits and Field Observation Reports per program standards, and that Design Handoff to Security Program Managers (SPMs) is executed completely and on time • Monitor project health across the portfolio, identify risks to cost, schedule, or security posture, and drive timely escalation and resolution Senior Stakeholder Engagement & Escalation Management • Serve as the primary escalation point and senior decision-maker for security design issues across Leased/Owned projects in the AMER region, partnering with DE Design Managers, TPMs, Construction Managers, and senior AWS leadership to resolve conflicts and drive alignment • Represent DE Security at DE Finance Meetings, presenting the team's security construction scope, PIDS conditions, retaining wall details, sallyport configurations, and BOD deviations to AWS Finance leadership • Build and maintain strong working relationships with Security Program Managers (SPMs), Cluster Security Managers (CSMs), Regional Security Managers (RSMs), and partner DE disciplines to ensure security is fully integrated into project delivery Vendor Strategy & Procurement Oversight • Own the team's engagement in the RFP process, ensuring security design scopes of work are complete, accurate, and reflective of known site complexities and AWS standards • Oversee vendor bid evaluations, pricing negotiations, and scope comprehension reviews in coordination with the DE Design Manager and DCSP procurement team • Drive accountability for vendor performance through annual Supplier Business Reviews (SBRs) and Security Vendor Feedback Surveys, using results to continuously improve the consultant management program Travel • Travel for site assessments, due diligence reviews, in-person design coordination meetings, team offsites, construction site visits, and senior stakeholder engagement. Anticipated travel not to exceed 25-30%, with occasional international travel as required. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field - 12+ years of physical security design experience, including cameras, access control, intrusion detection, perimeter fencing, and related systems - 5+ years of experience managing and developing engineering teams, including performance management, talent development, and organizational planning - 3+ years of physical security design experience in data center, mission-critical, or large-scale commercial/industrial facilities - Demonstrated experience managing external design consultants and vendor relationships at scale - Proven track record of delivering complex, multi-project programs on time and within budget PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification from ASIS International - Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification from ASIS International - Project Management Professional (PMP) - Registered Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent - Experience with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles - Familiarity with large-scale operator BOD or Security Standards - Experience leading teams across Greenfield, Build-to-Suit (BTS), and Brownfield data center project delivery models - Working knowledge of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) design, PIDS systems, and perimeter security architecture - Proficiency with Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Autodesk REVIT, Autodesk Navisworks, or equivalent design review tools - Ability to travel internationally - Meets/exceeds Amazon's Leadership Principles requirements for this role - Meets/exceeds Amazon's functional/technical depth and complexity for this role The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits. USA, CA, San Francisco - 172,800.00 - 233,700.00 USD annually USA, OH, COLUMBUS - 150,200.00 - 203,300.00 USD annually USA, VA, Herndon - 150,200.00 - 203,300.00 USD annually USA, WA, Seattle - 150,200.00 - 203,300.00 USD annually

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Joining Amazon presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a vibrant team pushing the boundaries of innovation and growth in the global marketplace. As a leader in e-commerce, technology, and logistics, Amazon offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and professional interests. Work You’ll Do At Amazon, every day is an opportunity to collaborate with the brightest minds in technology and business to redefine what’s possible. Whether you’re interested in software development, marketing, human resources, or customer service, Amazon has a position waiting for you. Transform the way the world shops and innovates with our diverse and inclusive team. Amazon is not just a company; it’s a community where you can drive real change and contribute to projects impacting millions globally. Lead with Innovation and Leadership Amazon is the perfect place to enhance your leadership and innovation skills. Our culture encourages pushing the envelope and imagining the unimaginable. Here, you will lead projects that challenge the status quo and define new industry standards. Work with a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. Our leadership is focused on harnessing the collective power of unique perspectives to foster growth and innovation. Explore Amazon’s Employment Benefits Amazon’s commitment to its employees extends beyond just career growth. We offer competitive benefits, including health care, parental leave, and diversity training, ensuring that our team not only excels professionally but also enjoys well-being and security. Internship and Networking Opportunities Start your career with an Amazon internship and gain hands-on experience that matters. Our internships provide a gateway to full-time employment and an opportunity to network with professionals across various sectors of the company. Future-Proof Your Career With Amazon, your career path is filled with numerous opportunities for advancement. Our learning and development programs are designed to nurture your professional growth and keep you at the forefront of industry trends. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the job opportunities at Amazon that match your skills and interests. We are constantly on the lookout for passionate, curious, and innovative team players ready to make a difference. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Amazon. Amazon is more than just a company—it’s a platform for building a promising future. Whether you’re starting or looking to advance your career, Amazon offers the resources, support, and network you need to succeed. Join us, and be a part of our continuing mission to be Earth's most customer-centric company.
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Industry
Net Income
$21.3 billion
Founded
1994
5 Year Trend
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Revenue
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