Security Operations Manager

At Stoke, we believe a thriving space economy will enable a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we’re building Nova, our fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle. Designed for daily flight, Nova tackles the core challenges of space transportation by reducing cost, increasing availability, and improving reliability. By radically lowering launch costs and increasing flight cadence, we’re helping create a truly scalable space industry. Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered to take ownership of their work. If you want to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, we’d love to have you join us. Description As Security Operations Manager, you will be responsible for all aspects of physical security, access control, security operations, emergency response coordination, and security infrastructure for Stoke’s Washington facilities. This position serves as the security leader for Stoke’s design, manufacturing, and test operations and ensures the protection of personnel, facilities, equipment, intellectual property, critical infrastructure, and company assets. You will develop and execute site security strategies, manage contracted security personnel, oversee security technology systems, lead investigations, and serve as a liaison with federal, military, state, and local security stakeholders. You will work closely with site leadership, facilities, operations, IT, environmental health and safety, and government partners. As Stoke’s programs mature, this role may expand its focus to ward industrial security, facility clearance requirements, and broader Assistant Facility Security Officer (AFSO) responsibilities. We're looking for someone who brings professionalism, sound judgment, a hands-on approach, and genuine commitment to safe operations. The pace here is fast and the stakes are high. You'll need to be calm under pressure, trustworthy, and lead by example from day one. The right candidate will be comfortable developing long-term security strategies while executing the hands-on, detailed work required to build a security program from the ground up. Responsibilities • Lead all physical security operations for Stoke’s Kent facilities, while providing direct support to our Moses Lake test facility • Develop and implement site-specific security strategies aligned with corporate security policies • Develop multi-year physical security plans that address current operations, future facility expansion, government programs, and evolving threats • Maintain security plans, post orders, procedures, and operating instructions • Conduct periodic security risk assessments and vulnerability reviews • Oversee day-to-day security operations and site access control • Be the primary point of contact for security incidents and coordinate response activities • Manage contracted security service providers and guard force personnel • Coordinate and manage test exclusion areas that extend into public spaces • Support security requirements associated with classified contracts, cleared programs, secure facilities, and government customer activites • Oversee operation and maintenance of access control systems, CCTV and video management systems, intrusion detection systems, and perimeter security systems. • Serve as the primary security liaison with government organizations, law enforcement agencies, port authorities, and emergency management organizations • Coordinate site access requirements, special events, test operations, and security-related government activities • Lead investigations involving security violations, theft, property damage, unauthorized access, workplace violence concerns, suspicious activity • Support site emergency preparedness and response planning • Develop and deliver security awareness training Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience • 5+ years of experience in physical security, law enforcement, military security, industrial security, or related field • 3+ years of leadership experience managing security personnel or security programs • Demonstrated experience establishing physical security programs, including security strategy, policies, staffing models, and security infrastructure • Experience managing contract guard force operations • Experience with enterprise access control and video surveillance systems • Strong incident management and investigation skills • Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances if necessary • Valid state security officer license, or eligibility to obtain one • Valid driver's license • Strong communication and customer service skills • Ability to routinely walk, patrol, and inspect large industrial, manufacturing, and test facilities, including climbing stairs, ladders, and elevated platforms • Ability to work in outdoor and industrial environments, including construction zones in varying weather conditions, and while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE) • Ability to respond to security incidents and emergencies anywhere on site, including working extended hours, nights, weekends, and test operations as required • Ability to hold and maintain a Federal DBIDS including ability to pass USSF background • Ability to hold and maintain a TWIC card • Willing to relocate to Kent, WA Preferred Qualifications • Aerospace, defense, launch operations, manufacturing, critical infrastructure, or maritime experience • Experience working within the National Industrial Security Program or other federal security environment • Experience interfacing with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency • Familiarity with facility clearance and industrial security requirements, including the NISPOM • Experience operating within federal or military environments • Experience supporting government customers and regulatory agencies • Security certifications such as PSP (Physical Security Professional), CPP (Certified Protection Professional), ASIS certifications, FEMA Incident Command certifications • Secret (or higher) security clearance level Benefits • Equity – We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees. • Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance • Company-paid life and disability insurance • 401(k) plan with employer match • 4 weeks’ Paid Time Off • Holidays – 10 days (including an end-of-year closure) • Paid Family/Parental Leave • On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location) • Dog friendly offices! Compensation Target Levels: • Level 3: $72,660 - 108,885 • Level 4: $92,610 - $138,810 Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis. Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level. ITAR Requirements To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (i.e., current Green Card holder), or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). Equal Opportunity The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status. It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII. It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring. Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company. Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re-verify authorization to work periodically. Separate from this I-9 process, as noted above, this position entails access to certain technology and technical data that is restricted under U.S. export control laws and regulations. Employment or continued employment may be conditioned on your legal authorization to work with or have access to export control materials as necessary to perform your job. Candidate Rights & Accommodations If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or participate in the interview process, please contact careers@stokespace.com. Requests will be handled in accordance with applicable laws. Please do not include medical or other confidential information in your initial request. For more information about your rights, please refer to the "Know Your Rights" notice here. E-Verify Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires. For more information on the right to work, please refer to the poster here.