Executive Protection Lead at Archer in San Jose, CA

Job description

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, Archer is a leader in the next-gen aerospace sector building an end-to-end advanced air mobility platform that delivers air taxis, unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS”), aviation-related physical artificial intelligence (“AI”) solutions, and other technologies to customers worldwide across the commercial aerospace and defense sectors. Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members. Job Overview As Archer grows in profile and reach, protecting our executives and principals wherever they live, work, and travel is mission-critical. Reporting to the Sr. Director, Global Security, the Head of Executive Protection owns Archer's executive protection program globally, covering residential, travel, office, event, and public-appearance protection, along with advance work, protective intelligence, and threat and risk assessment. This is a builder's role and a player/coach role. You are not only managing a program, you are doing the job alongside your team, personally leading protective details and setting the standard by example. You may come from executive protection directly, or from a related operational background such as special operations, the military, or law enforcement. What matters most is that you can demonstrate the ability to build something from the ground up and that you bring credible, hands-on protective or operational experience. We are looking for a protector who can write the protocols, stand up the details, earn the trust of principals, and still operate in the field. Key Responsibilities Protective Operations (Player/Coach) Personally plan and lead protective details for Archer executives and principals, setting the standard through hands-on execution, not only oversight. Provide close protection across residence, office, travel (domestic and international), events, and public appearances. Serve as a protective/secure driver for the CEO and principals as needed, including route planning and defensive/evasive driving, not solely on-foot close protection. Conduct and oversee advance work, including site surveys, route planning, venue assessments, and coordination with local resources. Maintain a discreet, low-profile posture that protects principals while respecting their privacy, schedules, and the way they work. Program Leadership & Building Own and scale Archer's executive protection program globally, designing the protocols, standards, and operating procedures that define how EP is delivered. Build, lead, mentor, and schedule a team of protection agents and/or vetted vendor resources, holding all to a high standard of professionalism and discretion. Remain nimble and willing to work outside a fixed job description to move the program forward. Threat, Intelligence & Risk Lead threat and risk assessments for principals, residences, events, and travel, and drive appropriate mitigations. Partner with the GSOC and intelligence function on protective intelligence, monitoring, and 24/7 support to details in the field. Develop and maintain emergency and crisis response plans for principals, and lead response when incidents occur. Stakeholder Partnership Build trusted relationships with principals, their families, and their support staff, anticipating needs and adapting to preferences. Partner closely and continuously with executive assistants, aligning on schedules, travel, and frequent last-minute changes so protection stays seamless. Coordinate closely with the Global Security Operations Manager, travel security, Facilities, People, Legal, and site leadership. Communicate clearly and collaboratively across all levels of the business, bringing protective expertise that shapes decisions.