Security Operations Manager Jobs in California
Security Operations Manager jobs in California are consistently active, with strong demand concentrated in technology, defense, financial services, and critical infrastructure sectors, with openings at every level from operations center supervisor through senior director. Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego are the largest hiring hubs, anchored by employers like Northrop Grumman, Wells Fargo, and Kaiser Permanente, which maintain substantial security operations footprints across the state. The most in-demand specialties are SOC leadership, physical security operations, and cybersecurity program management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Security Operations Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Microsoft2
- Applied Materials1
- Bloom Energy1
- Figma1
- Jc Residential And Light Commercial1
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software6
- Artificial Intelligence2
- Electronics & Hardware2
- Food & Beverage1
- Medical Devices1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in security operations manager jobs across California.
- CPP or CISSP certification preferred by most California security operations manager employers
- Five or more years of progressive security operations experience with at least two in a supervisory role
- Demonstrated experience managing physical security or SOC teams in a 24/7 operational environment
- Familiarity with California regulatory requirements including BSIS licensing frameworks for security programs
- Proficiency with SIEM platforms, access control systems, and incident response protocols
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, information security, business, or a related field
Security Operations Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a security operations manager in California?
Most California employers expect candidates to hold a relevant bachelor's degree plus several years of hands-on security operations experience before moving into management. California's Bureau of Security and Investigative Services oversees licensing for guard and proprietary security professionals, so managers overseeing licensed security personnel should understand BSIS requirements. Certifications such as the Certified Protection Professional or Certified Information Systems Security Professional strengthen candidacy, particularly in technology, defense, and healthcare environments common across the state.
How much do security operations managers make in California?
Security operations managers 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 security operations managers in California?
Employers hiring security operations managers in California right now include Microsoft, Applied Materials, and Bloom Energy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of defense contractors, major financial institutions, large health systems, and Silicon Valley technology firms means consistent demand for experienced security operations leadership across multiple industries.
Which California cities have the most security operations manager jobs?
Palo Alto, Folsom, and Los Angeles have the most security operations manager openings in California. Los Angeles drives volume through entertainment studios, financial firms, and healthcare networks, San Jose reflects Silicon Valley's technology and semiconductor sector, and San Diego is anchored by defense contractors and military-adjacent employers that rely heavily on structured security operations teams.
Are there remote security operations manager jobs in California?
Yes, but they're uncommon. Security operations manager roles frequently require on-site presence to oversee physical security staff, coordinate with facilities teams, or manage a 24/7 operations center. About 27% of security operations manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions tend to favor the cybersecurity program management and policy-focused side of the role over hands-on physical or SOC floor supervision.
How can I get hired as a security operations manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a security shift supervisor or operations center analyst role first, which many large California employers use as a direct pipeline into management. Northrop Grumman, Kaiser Permanente, and major California county governments regularly post associate-level security coordinator and analyst positions that do not require prior management experience. Earning a BSIS guard card, completing a certified protection officer course, or gaining an entry-level cybersecurity credential accelerates progression and signals readiness to California employers screening for management potential.
Where can I find and apply to security operations manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to security operations manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across technology, defense, healthcare, and financial services employers. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly to each one.
See All 15 Security Operations Manager Jobs in California
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