Director, Physical Security and Safety
D-Wave · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $205,200 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Lead global physical security and investigations.
- Develop facility security and forensic programs.
- Manage complex investigations and litigation support.
- Implement executive protection and crisis response.
- Lead and develop a high-performing security team.
About the role
About D-Wave
D-Wave (NYSE: QBTS) is a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services. We are the world's first commercial supplier of quantum computers, uniquely building both annealing and gate-model quantum computers. Our mission is to help customers realize the value of quantum today. Our quantum computers are the world's largest, featuring QPUs with sub-second response times, deployable on-premises or accessible via our cloud service with 99.9% availability. Over 100 organizations trust D-Wave for their toughest computational challenges, with over 200 million problems submitted to our quantum systems. Our technology is applied to optimization, artificial intelligence, research, and more. Discover how we're shaping quantum-driven advancements at www.dwavequantum.com. Our innovations have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, Fast Company, MIT Technology Review, Forbes, Inc. Magazine, Wired, and various whitepapers.
At D-Wave, we empower customers to harness the value of quantum computing today and shape the quantum-driven industrial and societal advancements of tomorrow.
About The Role
We are seeking an experienced Director, Physical Security & Safety to lead and modernize our global protective security, investigative, and forensic programs. This highly visible role involves safeguarding our people, facilities, and research environments while supporting litigation, regulatory inquiries, and complex investigations. You will integrate physical protection, electronic discovery coordination, investigative leadership, and forensic readiness into a modern, intelligence-informed security program.
What You'll Do
- Lead global physical security and investigative operations across corporate and production environments.
- Develop facility security and forensic response programs.
- Direct internal investigations and coordinate with Legal on litigation support and regulatory matters.
- Ensure proper preservation of physical and digital evidence in partnership with Information Security teams.
- Implement executive protection and travel security programs.
- Oversee emergency preparedness and crisis response initiatives.
- Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies globally.
- Build trusted relationships with law enforcement and investigative partners.
- Provide executive-level reporting on security posture and investigative outcomes.
- Lead and develop a high-performing physical security and investigative team.
About You
- 15+ years of experience in physical security, investigations, intelligence, or law enforcement leadership.
- Experience managing complex investigations and supporting litigation or regulatory actions.
- Strong knowledge of forensic evidence handling and chain of custody requirements.
- Experience operating in high-threat or high-visibility environments.
- Executive presence and strong communication skills.
- Active or previously held Top Secret clearance preferred.
A D-Waver's DNA
We are future-oriented, seeing possibilities where others see challenges. We lead the way and are committed to ambitious goals. We practice direct communication and listen with empathy, valuing diverse opinions. We connect with others to learn and inspire. We are accountable for results, making decisions and taking responsibility to support each other. As leaders, we motivate and engage our teams to exceed expectations through development, empowerment, enabling, and coaching.
Our Compensation Philosophy
We believe in providing D-Wavers with company ownership, competitive pay, and a range of meaningful benefits to foster a culture where people excel. Our goal is to create an environment where employees are motivated by our vision, mission, values, and team, not just financial gain. During the interview process, your Recruiter will detail our total rewards, including base salary, equity, bonus, perks, benefits, and culture. The final offer is determined by your proficiencies for this role.
Inclusion
We celebrate diverse perspectives to drive innovation. Our team comprises experienced domain experts and motivated graduates. Our diverse and innovative team will ensure you feel appreciated, supported, and empowered for career growth at D-Wave.
The Fine Print
No 3rd party candidates will be accepted. D-Wave Systems Inc. policy provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Key skills/competency
- Physical Security
- Investigations
- Forensic Readiness
- Risk Management
- Crisis Response
- Law Enforcement Liaison
- Executive Protection
- Litigation Support
- Regulatory Compliance
- Security Program Development
Skills & topics
- Director of Physical Security
- Director of Safety
- Head of Security
- Global Security Lead
- Corporate Security Director
- Investigations Manager
- Forensic Readiness
- Risk Management
- Crisis Response
- Law Enforcement Liaison
- Executive Protection
- Quantum Computing
- Technology Security
- Cybersecurity Awareness
- Physical Security
- Investigations
- Intelligence
- Law Enforcement
- Litigation Support
- Regulatory Actions
- Forensic Evidence
- High-Threat Environments
- Executive Presence
- Top Secret Clearance
- Remote (United States)
- Full-Time
- Director
How to get hired
- Research D-Wave's mission: Understand their pioneering work in quantum computing and their culture of innovation and accountability.
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 15+ years of experience in physical security, investigations, intelligence, or law enforcement, emphasizing litigation support and forensic handling.
- Prepare for behavioral questions: Be ready to discuss your experience in high-threat environments and demonstrate your leadership style aligning with D-Wave's 'A D-Waver's DNA'.
- Showcase executive presence: Demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to provide executive-level reporting on security matters.
- Highlight clearance: Mention any active or previous Top Secret clearance as a significant advantage.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What specific quantum computing technologies does D-Wave specialize in for this Director of Physical Security and Safety role?
- While D-Wave is a leader in quantum computing, this Director of Physical Security and Safety role focuses on physical security, investigations, and safety programs. The role is not directly involved in the development or application of quantum computing technologies, but rather in safeguarding the company's personnel, facilities, and research environments.
- What are the primary responsibilities for the Director of Physical Security and Safety at D-Wave?
- The Director will lead global physical security and investigative operations, develop facility security and forensic response programs, direct internal investigations, support litigation and regulatory matters, ensure evidence preservation, implement executive protection and travel security, oversee emergency preparedness, conduct risk assessments, build law enforcement relationships, and provide executive reporting.
- What level of experience is required for the Director of Physical Security and Safety position at D-Wave?
- The role requires a minimum of 15 years of experience in physical security, investigations, intelligence, or law enforcement leadership. Specific experience managing complex investigations and supporting litigation or regulatory actions, along with strong knowledge of forensic evidence handling, is essential.
- Does D-Wave offer remote work for the Director of Physical Security and Safety role?
- Yes, the Director of Physical Security and Safety role is listed as Remote (United States). This allows for flexibility while ensuring comprehensive coverage of D-Wave's global operations.
- What makes D-Wave's culture unique for a Director of Physical Security and Safety?
- D-Wave fosters a culture of innovation, accountability, and empathy, as described in 'A D-Waver's DNA'. They encourage forward-thinking, direct communication, and valuing diverse perspectives, aiming to create an environment where employees are motivated by the company's vision and mission.
- Is a Top Secret clearance a mandatory requirement for the Director of Physical Security and Safety role at D-Wave?
- An active or previously held Top Secret clearance is preferred for the Director of Physical Security and Safety role. While not mandatory, it is considered a significant advantage and can streamline certain aspects of the role, particularly concerning sensitive investigations and environments.
- How does D-Wave support career growth for its security leaders?
- D-Wave is committed to employee growth, as indicated by their compensation philosophy and inclusion statements. They aim to create conditions for people to grow and empower themselves through enabling and coaching, suggesting opportunities for development within the security leadership track.
- What is the salary range for the Director of Physical Security and Safety at D-Wave?
- The estimated annual salary range for the Director of Physical Security and Safety position at D-Wave is $146,400 to $244,000 USD, depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and performance during the interview process.