Director Of Security Jobs in California
Director Of Security jobs in California are among the most actively posted senior security leadership roles in the country, concentrated in corporate headquarters, entertainment studios, technology campuses, and large healthcare systems across Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Employers with deep California roots such as Northrop Grumman, Universal Studios, and Kaiser Permanente regularly seek experienced directors to lead physical security, threat assessment, and enterprise risk programs. The most in-demand specialties include corporate security management, critical infrastructure protection, and converged physical and cybersecurity operations, with openings at both senior manager and VP-equivalent levels. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.
Cadence InfoSec is seeking a Director of Software Security to lead the strategy, architecture, and execution of secure software development practices across the enterprise. This role will drive DevSecOps transformation, ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks (including CMMC), and embed security throughout the software lifecycle (SDLC).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
DevSecOps Strategy & Leadership
- Define and execute enterprise DevSecOps strategy across all development teams
- Integrate security controls into CI/CD pipelines (build, test, release)
- Establish “shift-left” security practices across the SDLC
- Drive adoption of secure coding, SAST, DAST, and SCA tools
Secure Software Architecture
- Define reference architectures for secure microservices, APIs, and cloud-native apps
- Establish security patterns for containers, Kubernetes, and serverless
- Lead threat modeling initiatives
- Ensure secure API design and zero trust principles
Regulatory Compliance & CMMC
-
Lead compliance initiatives for:
-
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0)
- NIST SP 800-171r2 /800-53
- ISO 27001
- Ensure software systems meet federal, defense, and privacy regulations
- Coordinate audits, assessments, and continuous monitoring programs
- Implement controls for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
Cloud & Platform Security
-
Secure DevOps pipelines across cloud platforms:
-
Amazon AWS
- Microsoft Azure
- Google Cloud
- IBMC cloud
- Cadence software service and products
- Implement infrastructure-as-code (IaC) security scanning
- Define secrets management, identity, and access controls
Application Security Program
- Build and scale AppSec program across all product lines
- Define vulnerability management lifecycle (discovery remediation validation)
- Establish bug bounty / responsible disclosure programs
- Integrate security into Agile and CI/CD workflows
Supply Chain & Software Integrity
- Secure software supply chain (SBOM, dependency scanning)
- Implement artifact signing, provenance, and integrity validation
Governance & Risk Management
- Define policies, standards, and secure development guidelines
- Establish KPIs: vulnerability remediation SLA, code coverage, pipeline security
- Align software security with enterprise risk management
- Report posture to executive leadership and board
Leadership & Cross-Functional Influence
- Lead teams of AppSec engineers, DevSecOps engineers, and architects
- Partner with Engineering, Product, Legal, and Compliance teams
- Build security champions program within development teams
- Influence engineering culture toward security ownership
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 12–15+ years in cybersecurity, with strong focus on application security and DevSecOps
- 5+ years in leadership (manager/director level)
-
Deep expertise in:
-
Secure SDLC and DevSecOps pipelines
- Cloud-native architectures and container security
- Regulatory frameworks (CMMC, NIST, ISO)
- Experience in regulated industries (defense, government, healthcare, fintech)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Hands-on experience with tools such as:
-
SAST: Checkmarx, Veracode
- DAST: Burp Suite
- SCA: Snyk, Black Duck
- CI/CD: Jenkins, GitHub Actions
- Familiarity with Kubernetes, Docker, and service mesh security
-
Certifications:
-
CISSP, CSSLP
- CISM or CCSP
- Experience with Zero Trust and identity-first security
KEY SKILLS
- DevSecOps Transformation
- Secure Software Architecture
- Regulatory Compliance (CMMC, NIST, ISO)
- Application Security & Threat Modeling
- Software Supply Chain Security (SBOM, SLSA)
- Cloud & Container Security
- Executive Communication & Strategy
The annual salary range for California is $164,500 to $305,500. You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the salary range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location. Our benefits programs include: paid vacation and paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, employee stock purchase plan, a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options, and more.
We’re doing work that matters. Help us solve what others can’t.
INTRODUCTION
At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.
Cadence InfoSec is seeking a Director of Software Security to lead the strategy, architecture, and execution of secure software development practices across the enterprise. This role will drive DevSecOps transformation, ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks (including CMMC), and embed security throughout the software lifecycle (SDLC).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
DevSecOps Strategy & Leadership
- Define and execute enterprise DevSecOps strategy across all development teams
- Integrate security controls into CI/CD pipelines (build, test, release)
- Establish “shift-left” security practices across the SDLC
- Drive adoption of secure coding, SAST, DAST, and SCA tools
Secure Software Architecture
- Define reference architectures for secure microservices, APIs, and cloud-native apps
- Establish security patterns for containers, Kubernetes, and serverless
- Lead threat modeling initiatives
- Ensure secure API design and zero trust principles
Regulatory Compliance & CMMC
-
Lead compliance initiatives for:
-
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0)
- NIST SP 800-171r2 /800-53
- ISO 27001
- Ensure software systems meet federal, defense, and privacy regulations
- Coordinate audits, assessments, and continuous monitoring programs
- Implement controls for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
Cloud & Platform Security
-
Secure DevOps pipelines across cloud platforms:
-
Amazon AWS
- Microsoft Azure
- Google Cloud
- IBMC cloud
- Cadence software service and products
- Implement infrastructure-as-code (IaC) security scanning
- Define secrets management, identity, and access controls
Application Security Program
- Build and scale AppSec program across all product lines
- Define vulnerability management lifecycle (discovery remediation validation)
- Establish bug bounty / responsible disclosure programs
- Integrate security into Agile and CI/CD workflows
Supply Chain & Software Integrity
- Secure software supply chain (SBOM, dependency scanning)
- Implement artifact signing, provenance, and integrity validation
Governance & Risk Management
- Define policies, standards, and secure development guidelines
- Establish KPIs: vulnerability remediation SLA, code coverage, pipeline security
- Align software security with enterprise risk management
- Report posture to executive leadership and board
Leadership & Cross-Functional Influence
- Lead teams of AppSec engineers, DevSecOps engineers, and architects
- Partner with Engineering, Product, Legal, and Compliance teams
- Build security champions program within development teams
- Influence engineering culture toward security ownership
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 12–15+ years in cybersecurity, with strong focus on application security and DevSecOps
- 5+ years in leadership (manager/director level)
-
Deep expertise in:
-
Secure SDLC and DevSecOps pipelines
- Cloud-native architectures and container security
- Regulatory frameworks (CMMC, NIST, ISO)
- Experience in regulated industries (defense, government, healthcare, fintech)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Hands-on experience with tools such as:
-
SAST: Checkmarx, Veracode
- DAST: Burp Suite
- SCA: Snyk, Black Duck
- CI/CD: Jenkins, GitHub Actions
- Familiarity with Kubernetes, Docker, and service mesh security
-
Certifications:
-
CISSP, CSSLP
- CISM or CCSP
- Experience with Zero Trust and identity-first security
KEY SKILLS
- DevSecOps Transformation
- Secure Software Architecture
- Regulatory Compliance (CMMC, NIST, ISO)
- Application Security & Threat Modeling
- Software Supply Chain Security (SBOM, SLSA)
- Cloud & Container Security
- Executive Communication & Strategy
The annual salary range for California is $164,500 to $305,500. You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the salary range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location. Our benefits programs include: paid vacation and paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, employee stock purchase plan, a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options, and more.
We’re doing work that matters. Help us solve what others can’t.
See All 11 Director Of Security Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Director Of Security JobsDirector Of Security Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Director Of Security Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Samuel Merritt University2
- AEVA1
- Apple1
- Billiontoone1
- Cadence Design Systems1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education5
- Technology & Software3
- Healthcare & Medical Services2
- Banking & Financial Services1
- Electronics & Hardware1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in director of security jobs across California.
- Active California Guard Card or BSIS-issued Proprietary Private Security Officer registration required
- Ten or more years of progressive security management experience in a large enterprise setting
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, security management, or a related field required
- Certified Protection Professional or Physical Security Professional certification strongly preferred
- Demonstrated experience building and leading security programs for California-regulated industries
- Familiarity with California Penal Code provisions governing use of force and detention authority
Director Of Security Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a director of security in California?
The most direct path in California begins with obtaining a Guard Card issued by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, which requires a background check and training hours. Most employers also expect progressive experience in law enforcement, military, or corporate security leading to a management role. A bachelor's degree in security management or criminal justice strengthens candidacy, and certifications such as the Certified Protection Professional from ASIS International are widely recognized by California employers at the director level.
How much do director of securities make in California?
Director of securities in California earn a median of about $53,960 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $38,490 for the lowest 10% to over $89,800 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire director of securitys in California?
Employers hiring director of securitys in California right now include Samuel Merritt University, AEVA, and Apple, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of technology firms, entertainment studios, and large healthcare networks means demand is particularly consistent in the Los Angeles Basin and the Bay Area.
Which California cities have the most director of security jobs?
The California cities with the most director of security openings are Mountain View, Oakland, and Claremont. Los Angeles dominates due to its density of entertainment companies, corporate campuses, and major medical centers, while San Francisco reflects demand from technology headquarters and financial institutions, and San Diego is driven by defense contractors and large biotech employers.
Are there remote director of security jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Physical security leadership is fundamentally an on-site discipline requiring presence at facilities, direct supervision of security personnel, and hands-on incident response. About 18% of director of security openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those roles tend to involve policy development, enterprise risk oversight, or program auditing rather than day-to-day facility operations.
How can I get hired as a director of security in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a frontline security officer role at a large California employer, then advancing into a supervisor or security manager position before pursuing director-level openings. Healthcare systems such as Kaiser Permanente and Dignity Health, along with campus security programs at University of California campuses, regularly hire associate security managers and team leads. Earning your California Guard Card and an ASIS associate certification while working in adjacent roles such as facilities coordinator or loss prevention manager builds the credentials California employers expect before promoting someone into a director seat.
Where can I find and apply to director of security jobs in California?
You can find and apply to director of security jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 11 Director Of Security Jobs in California
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