Data Centre Security Specialist

Job Type: Full-Time | Location: Childress, TX | Department: Security | Reporting to: Regional Manager, Security | Work Location Type: #onsite

IREN is a vertically integrated AI Cloud provider, delivering large-scale data centers and GPU clusters for AI training and inference. IREN’s platform is underpinned by its expansive portfolio of grid-connected land and power in renewable-rich regions across North America, Europe and APAC.

The Data Center Security Specialist serves as the primary security subject matter expert responsible for maintaining the integrity of physical security operations within a Tier III/Tier IV mission-critical data center environment. This position supports the protection of critical infrastructure, personnel, company assets, and business operations through the implementation and continuous improvement of enterprise security programs.
 
The Security Specialist provides technical expertise, operational oversight, and leadership across all physical security disciplines, including access control, perimeter security, CCTV surveillance, visitor management, security technologies, incident response, investigations, emergency management, compliance, and contracted security force governance.
 
This role partners closely with Data Center Operations, Engineering, Facilities, Information Technology, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), Construction, Legal, Human Resources, and external public safety agencies to ensure IREN maintains a secure, resilient, and audit-ready operating environment.
 
The position is expected to exercise sound judgment during routine operations as well as critical incidents, ensuring security decisions align with company policies, industry best practices, and business continuity objectives.

Responsibilities

The Data Center Security Specialist will focus on the following as well as other job-related duties and/or projects as assigned.

• Manage daily physical security operations for assigned IREN data center campuses. Serve as the site subject matter expert for physical security.
• Provide operational leadership to contracted security personnel.
• Ensure consistent enforcement of all security policies, procedures, and post orders.
• Conduct regular security risk assessments and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Monitor overall effectiveness of security operations using measurable performance indicators.
• Maintain operational readiness of all security systems and infrastructure.
• Coordinate with security management personnel during incidents.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, contractual, and corporate security requirements.
• Provide oversight of all physical security functions designed to protect critical infrastructure including: 
  • Perimeter security
  • Vehicle inspection operations
  • Pedestrian access control
  • Building access management
  • Loading dock security
  • Delivery verification
  • Contractor management
  • Critical equipment protection
  • Asset protection
  • After-hours security operations

Continuously evaluates physical vulnerabilities and recommend improvements to strengthen site security posture.

Access Control Administration
Administer enterprise access control systems while ensuring proper authorization, accountability, and audit compliance.

Responsibilities include:

• Badge issuance and credential lifecycle management
• Access level administration
• Access audits
• Temporary credential management
• Lost badge investigations
• Privileged access reviews
• Anti-passback enforcement
• Access exception management
• Visitor credential management

Ensure access permissions follow the Principle of Least Privilege and are regularly reviewed for compliance.

CCTV and Security Technology Management
Support operation and maintenance of all physical security technologies including:

• Enterprise video management systems
• CCTV cameras
• Video analytics
• Intrusion detection systems
• Perimeter detection systems
• Intercom systems
• Emergency communication systems
• Visitor management platforms
• Electronic key control systems
• Access control software
• Security reporting platforms

Assist with technology upgrades, testing, troubleshooting, acceptance testing, and commissioning of new systems.

Incident Management
Lead or coordinate security response during:

• Security incidents
• Physical intrusions
• Unauthorized access
• Workplace violence concerns
• Theft investigations
• Property damage
• Medical emergencies
• Fire alarms
• Severe weather events
• Utility failures
• Critical infrastructure disruptions

Ensure incidents are properly documented, investigated, and reported according to established procedures.
Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions when appropriate.

Investigations
Conduct professional security investigations involving:

• Policy violations
• Security breaches
• Access violations
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Workplace misconduct
• Contractor violations
• Suspicious activity
• Safety concerns

Collect evidence while maintaining proper chain of custody.
Review CCTV footage, electronic access records, alarm history, witness statements, and incident documentation.
Prepare professional investigative reports suitable for executive leadership and, when required, law enforcement.

Security Compliance
Support organizational compliance with:

• ISO 27001
• SOC 2
• NIST Security Framework
• Industry best practices
• Corporate governance standards
• Customer contractual security requirements
• Internal audit programs

Maintain security documentation supporting external audits and customer assessments.
Participate in audit preparation, evidence collection, corrective action planning, and compliance reporting.

Contract Guard Force Management
Provide operational oversight of contracted security providers including:

• Daily performance monitoring
• Post inspections
• KPI reviews
• Staffing validation
• Training compliance
• Uniform inspections
• Equipment inspections
• Report quality reviews
• Policy compliance
• Service Level Agreement (SLA) monitoring

Conduct regular performance meetings with contract management.
Recommend corrective actions when performance standards are not achieved.

Emergency Management
Assist with development and execution of emergency response programs including:

• Emergency Action Plans
• Evacuation procedures
• Shelter-in-place procedures
• Severe weather response
• Fire response
• Active threat response
• Business continuity planning
• Crisis management

Coordinate emergency exercises with local fire departments, law enforcement, EMS, and emergency management agencies.

Risk Management
Identify physical security vulnerabilities through:

• Site inspections
• Security assessments
• Trend analysis
• Incident reviews
• Technology evaluations
• Threat assessments

Develop practical mitigation strategies that balance operational requirements with security objectives.

Documentation and Reporting
Prepare and maintain professional documentation including:

• Incident reports
• Investigation reports
• Daily activity reports
• Executive summaries
• Security metrics
• Risk assessments
• Audit documentation
• SOPs
• Post orders
• Security policies
• Lessons learned reports
• Corrective action plans

Ensure documentation is accurate, timely, complete, and audit ready.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with: 

• Corporate Security 
• Data Center Operations
• Facilities
• Network Operations
• IT Infrastructure
• Construction Management
• Environmental Health & Safety
• Human Resources
• Legal
• Executive Leadership
• Law Enforcement
• Fire Departments
• Emergency Management Agencies
• Security Integrators
• Security Vendors

Maintain professional working relationships that support operational excellence.

Requirements

Desired Skills, Qualifications and Competencies include: 

• In-depth knowledge of physical security operations securing classified, research, or highly regulated environments, including government facilities, critical infrastructure environments, and HPC data centres.
• Familiarity with security and compliance frameworks such as DoD, NIST, ISO 27001/27002, NERC CIP, and/or CMMC.
• Strong incident management, crisis communication, and investigation skills.
• Strong proficiency in enterprise security operations and integrated security technology solutions, including enterprise-level platforms such as Genetec, LenelS2, and Avigilon systems.
• Certifications preferred: CPP (ASIS Certified Protection Professional), PSP (Physical Security Professional), CISM, or CPTED.
• Post-secondary education in a relevant practice (criminal justice, law and/or physical/cyber security), or equivalent. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, and basic project management tools. 

Minimum Requirements:

• 3+ years of physical security supervisory experience, ideally supporting large enterprise scale site operations, critical infrastructure, data centre and/or highly regulated facilities.
• Must be able to reliably commute to the home site in Childress, Texas or have plans to relocate before starting work. 
• Must be able to lift up to 49 lbs. 
• Must participate in a 24/7 on call rotation. Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends depending on operational requirements, and to respond to emergency calls if needed.
• Must hold a valid driving license with clean driving abstract. 
• A clear Criminal Record Check is required.
• Holds a valid Texas Security Worker’s License.