Shield AI

Staff International Security Specialist (R5221)

Shield AI$100K — $150K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in security studies, International Relations, Cybersecurity or equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years of experience in security disciplines, preferably in an international environment.
  • Knowledge of U.S. government security frameworks (NISPOM, NIST, DoD directives).
  • Experience in conducting risk assessments, audits, and incident responses.
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance (Secret or Top Secret).
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication skills in both written and verbal formats.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 50% of the time.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and manage comprehensive personnel security programs.
  • Conduct risk assessments and implement strategies against insider threats.
  • Oversee physical security plans for international operations.
  • Conduct vulnerability assessments and recommend security enhancements.
  • Manage secure communications systems and handle cryptographic materials.
  • Support cybersecurity initiatives aligned with policies and frameworks.
  • Develop and enforce information security policies for sensitive information.
  • Ensure compliance with U.S. and host-nation security regulations.

Benefits

  • Bonus and equity opportunities.
  • Comprehensive benefits package after 60 days of employment.
  • Travel opportunities to high-risk international locations.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

The International Security Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive security programs supporting global operations. This role integrates Personnel Security (PERSEC), Physical Security (PHYSEC), Communications Security (COMSEC), Cyber Security, and Information Security (INFOSEC) to ensure the protection of personnel, assets, information, and infrastructure across international environments.

The ideal candidate will operate in dynamic, high-risk environments and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compliance with U.S. government regulations, international standards, and organizational security policies.

What you'll do:

Personnel Security (PERSEC):
  • Administer and manage personnel security programs, including background verifications, clearances, and access controls
  • Conduct risk assessments related to insider threats and implement mitigation strategies
  • Support onboarding/offboarding security procedures and briefings

Physical Security (PHYSEC):
  • Develop and oversee physical security plans for international facilities and operations
  • Conduct site surveys, vulnerability assessments, and recommend security enhancements
  • Coordinate access control systems, surveillance, and guard force operations

Communications Security (COMSEC):
  • Manage secure communications systems and ensure proper handling of cryptographic materials
  • Ensure compliance with COMSEC policies, procedures, and accountability requirements
  • Coordinate with technical teams to safeguard communication channels

Cyber Security:
  • Support cybersecurity initiatives aligned with organizational and regulatory frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO)
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate cyber risks across international operations
  • Partner with IT teams to ensure secure system configurations, monitoring, and incident response

Information Security (INFOSEC):
  • Develop and enforce policies for safeguarding sensitive and classified information
  • Conduct information security training and awareness programs
  • Investigate and respond to security incidents, including data breaches or compromise

Cross-Functional & Operational Duties:
  • Ensure compliance with U.S. and host-nation security regulations
  • Provide security guidance to international teams and leadership
  • Support audits, inspections, and accreditation processes
  • Travel internationally as required to support operations


Required qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in security studies, International Relations, Cybersecurity, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • Minimum of 10+ years of experience in one or more security disciplines (PERSEC, PHYSEC, COMSEC, Cyber, INFOSEC), preferably in an international environment
  • Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. government security frameworks and standards (e.g., NISPOM, NIST, DoD directives)
  • Experience conducting risk assessments, security audits, and incident response
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance (e.g., Secret or Top Secret, as required)
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Willingness and ability to travel domestic and/or internationally 50% of the time, including to austere or high-risk environments.
  • This role is primarily and onsite role and will be based in Frisco, TX


Preferred qualifications:

  • Active U.S. security clearance
  • Experience supporting overseas or contingency operations
  • Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CPP, PSP, or Security+ or equivalent
  • Familiarity with COMSEC accountability systems and cryptographic key management
  • Knowledge of international security regulations and host-nation compliance requirements
  • Experience working in defense, intelligence, or government contracting environments
  • Foreign language proficiency relevant to operational regions
  • Experience integrating multiple security disciplines into a unified security program


$100,000 - $150,000 a year

#LI-JM1

#LD

Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

About Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company that develops artificially intelligent systems for military applications. The company was founded in 2015 by Brandon Tseng, Ryan Tseng, and Andrew Reiter, and is headquartered in San Diego, California. Shield AI's products include autonomous drones and software that can be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other military operations. The company's mission is to reduce the number of military casualties by providing soldiers with better intelligence and situational awareness. Shield AI has received funding from a number of investors, including Andreessen Horowitz and Founders Fund.
Learn more about Shield AI
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
2015

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