Data Center Security Specialist, AMER Southwest

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seeking a Data Center Security Specialist to support physical security operations for a new data center campus in the Houston, TX area. This is a unique opportunity to own the security lifecycle from construction through full operational readiness. The DSS is responsible for every aspect of security operations, has cluster and regional influence, and leads complex physical security projects.




Key job responsibilities
• Lead security preparations during all construction milestones, act as a security advisor for the Construction Team

• Coordinate with General Contractors (GC), Infrastructure Delivery (IDND), DCO/DCEO, and Security Program Managers (SPM) to maintain construction boundaries and security posture.

• Build Contracted Guard Force post orders, guard force hours, and security boundaries for construction sites, adapting to a continuously changing space.

• Own day-to-day physical security operations for assigned campus sites once transitioned to production environment.

• Manage the site Contract Guard Force (CGF), including determining operational costs, issuing purchase orders, reviewing/approving invoices, tracking SLA fines, and conducting weekly meetings with CGF leadership — seeking the right balance between security and cost efficiency.

• Define operational security strategy, standards, and priorities for the assigned area.

• Ensure compliance with AWS Global Physical Security Standards

• Participate in recruiting efforts, train and mentor New hires and peers.

• Identify, discuss, and bring forward issues and ideas to senior leadership levels.

• Provide physical security and awareness training for other AWS departments, vendors, and colocations.

• Contribute to developing strategic goals for the cluster; work may have regional impact.

Basic Qualifications

- 2+ years of overseeing security operations and working with security vendors/contractors experience
- Experience with access control and CCTV systems

Preferred Qualifications

- College Degree (Bachelors) or Background in one or more of: Military (Career/Military Police/Military Special Operations Forces), Law Enforcement with Arrest Authority (Police Academy Graduate), TSA Security Screening, Correctional Facility Officer
- Project management experience, including use of tracking tools (e.g., Asana, Quip) for managing security projects and deliverables
- 1+ year Leadership experience

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

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, TX, Wharton - 28.89 - 50.52 USD hourly