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Fornia.dev
Head of Security

mach

Huntington Beachfulltime

Posted on: 5/29/2025

Required Skills:

security leadershipcompliancethreat mitigation

Job Description:

ABOUT MACH INDUSTRIES

Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 120 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

THE ROLE

The Head of Security is responsible for the execution, strategic direction, operational management, governance, policy, and continuous improvement of Mach Industries’ security programs, ensuring alignment with defense sector requirements, compliance frameworks, and the evolving global threat landscape. This role works in parallel with our Chief Information Security Officer with a particular emphasis on physical security, industrial security, supply chain security, crisis management and incident response, overseas threat awareness, counterintelligence, and protection of proprietary and controlled assets.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop and lead the company’s enterprise security strategy, spanning cybersecurity, physical security, insider threat, supply chain risk, and overseas operations.
  • Serve as a senior advisor to the executive team on all matters involving security risk, compliance, and threat mitigation. Develop and implement enterprise-wide governance and security policy.
  • Maintain situational awareness of the international and domestic threat environment and provide actionable intelligence to leadership.
  • Develop a comprehensive security regime, including identifying necessary procurement and hiring goals, that is designed to scale as the company scales.
  • Manage the company’s Facility Security Officer (FSO) and personnel security clearance programs in compliance with NISPOM and DCSA guidelines. Manage insider threat detection and mitigation programs.
  • Establish and maintain physical security standards for company sites, data centers, labs, and overseas operations.
  • Vet and monitor vendors and subcontractors in order to protect access to critical components and intellectual property across the supply chain.
  • Coordinate security protocols for travel to high-risk regions, including briefings and counter-surveillance practices.
  • Lead cross-functional risk assessments, internal audits, business continuity planning, emergency preparedness, disaster recovery, and crisis management drills.
  • Engage with law enforcement (local, state, federal, and foreign), defense partners, and intelligence community liaisons as required for situational briefings and joint threat assessments.
  • Develop and oversee the company’s overseas security training program, ensuring employees traveling internationally are educated on digital security hygiene, espionage risks, and region-specific threat vectors.
  • Coordinate with internal stakeholders to monitor and respond to geopolitical developments that could affect personnel or operations abroad.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • 10+ years of experience in security leadership roles in the defense, intelligence, or high-security technology sector.
  • In-depth knowledge of federal security requirements (e.g., NIST, DFARS, CMMC, ITAR, EAR, NISPOM).
  • Experience handling security operations for overseas travel or deployments.
  • Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment.
  • Must be eligible for or hold an active [e.g., Secret/Top Secret] U.S. Government security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Prior experience as a CSO for a global defense company.
  • Military or intelligence community background is strongly preferred.
  • Experience building security programs from the ground up, especially for companies scaling into federal or international markets.

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!