Data Center Physical Security Manager (NC)

About Nscale

Nscale is the GPU cloud engineered for AI. We provide cost-effective, high-performance infrastructure for AI start-ups and large enterprise customers. Nscale enables AI-focused companies to achieve superior results by reducing the complexity of AI development. Our GPU cloud bolsters technical capabilities and directly supports strategic business outcomes, including cost management, rapid innovation, and environmental responsibility.

We thrive on a culture of relentless innovation, ownership, and accountability, where every team member takes pride in their work and drives it with excellence and urgency. As an Nscaler, you’ll build trust through openness and transparency, where everyone is inspired to do their best work. If you join our team, you’ll be contributing to building the technology that powers the future.

About the Role

Nscale is seeking an experienced Data Center Security Manager to lead physical security operations for one or more hyperscale AI data center campuses in North Carolina.

As the senior security representative on site, you will manage security personnel, physical security systems, access control, incident response, and regulatory compliance. You will partner closely with Data Center Operations, Construction, Facilities, Corporate Security, Security Design & Technology, and external customers.

Your work will maintain a safe, secure, and customer-ready environment, ensure compliance with Nscale’s Global Physical Security Standards, and protect the critical infrastructure powering the next generation of artificial intelligence.

What you'll be doing

Security operations and guard force management

• Lead day-to-day physical security operations across assigned data center campus locations in a 24/7 critical infrastructure environment.
• Ensure compliance with Nscale’s Global Physical Security Standards, policies, and customer security requirements.
• Oversee contracted security officers and guarding vendors, including post orders, staffing plans, performance metrics, inspections, and escalation procedures.
• Manage the site’s security posture across perimeter protection, access control, surveillance, visitor management, and incident response.

Access control and security technology

• Oversee badge issuance, access authorization, credential lifecycle management, visitor processing, and escort requirements.
• Manage privileged access reviews and mechanical key and electronic access control programs.
• Ensure the proper operation of access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, intercom, and visitor management systems.
• Partner with Security Design & Technology on system upgrades, maintenance, commissioning, and regular operational testing.

Incident management and compliance

• Lead responses to physical security incidents and investigations involving unauthorized access, theft, workplace violence, vandalism, and policy violations.
• Prepare incident reports, root cause analyses, corrective action plans, and required audit evidence.
• Coordinate with law enforcement and emergency responders when required.
• Support internal and external audits, conduct routine self-assessments and inspections, and track corrective actions through completion.

Customer and cross-functional partnership

• Act as the primary security point of contact during customer audits, executive visits, and inspections.
• Support customer security assessments and demonstrate compliance with contractual security requirements.
• Partner with Data Center Operations, Facilities, Construction, IT, Legal, Corporate Security, and Security Design & Technology.
• Provide security guidance during operational planning and business continuity activities while fostering a strong site-wide security culture.

Construction and projects

• Support security activities for new builds and campus expansions.
• Participate in project meetings to ensure security requirements are incorporated into construction activities.
• Assist with the commissioning and operational turnover of new facilities.

KPIs

• Compliance with Nscale’s Global Physical Security Standards
• Successful customer and internal audit outcomes
• Timely response to and resolution of physical security incidents
• Security system availability and operational readiness

About You

• 7+ years of progressive physical security experience, including 3+ years managing security operations in critical infrastructure, data centers, manufacturing, the military, or a similar high-security environment.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience managing contract guard forces and security vendors.
• Experience with enterprise access control and video management systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading incident response and investigations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required background checks and site access.
• Experience supporting hyperscale or colocation data centers, enterprise cloud environments, or customer audits and compliance programs such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, and PCI is preferred.
• Knowledge of CPTED principles, layered physical security design, and platforms such as LenelS2, Genetec, Milestone, or Gallagher is preferred.
• ASIS certifications such as CPP, PSP, or PCI, or military or law enforcement leadership experience, are preferred.

What we can offer you

At Nscale, you'll find a collaborative, supportive, and innovative environment where your contributions spark real impact. We're building something extraordinary, and we want you at the core.

• Highly competitive US compensation package (base + bonus + equity), with performance reviews every 12 months. 🚀
• Join one of the fastest-growing AI infrastructure companies — your chance to directly shape how global AI capacity is planned and deployed. ✨
• Expect a dynamic progression plan tailored to your ambitions. Grow by leading critical cross-functional initiatives and shaping capital strategy — always with our full support.
• Human-First Flexibility: We treat you as humans first. 🫶🏽 Our flexible workplace trusts Nscalers to deliver, giving you the autonomy to shape your day around life's moments.

Equal Opportunities Statement

We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, parents, carers, and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

If there’s anything we can do to accommodate your specific situation, please let us know.

The responsibilities outlined in this job description are not exhaustive and are intended to provide a general overview of the position. The employee may be required to perform additional duties, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned by management, consistent with the skills and qualifications required for the role.

For information on how Nscale handles candidate personal data, please see our Employee & Candidate Privacy Notice: Here.

Salary Range

The range below reflects the base salary for the position. Actual compensation may vary based on job-related factors such as skill set, experience, education, and location. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for bonus, equity, and/or commission programs. Nscale may offer a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, flexible paid time off, parental leave, and retirement plan participation.