xAI· Security· Palo Alto, CA
SOC Manager
Comp$110,000 – $170,000
Classified Tasks (20)
Automate 0%Augment 80%Human-Only 20%
Augment (16)
AI assists, human decides
Manage day-to-day SOC operations to ensure continuous monitoring and incident handling.
operational
Oversee scheduling for SOC staff and contractor shifts.
administrative
Design and deliver training programs for SOC personnel.
leadership
Conduct performance evaluations for SOC staff and contractors.
leadership
Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for SOC processes.
operational
Supervise security monitoring operations using access control, video surveillance, AI analytics, and integrated platforms (e.g., Genetec).
operational
Operate and manage Genetec access control and video management systems.
technical
Direct incident detection activities and monitor alerts for potential security events.
operational
Triage and investigate security incidents to determine scope and impact.
analytical
Escalate incidents to appropriate internal teams and leadership according to escalation protocols.
communication
Oversee and coordinate incident resolution activities to restore normal operations.
operational
Manage emergency notification processes and send rapid alerts using platforms like Envoy.
operational
Maintain detailed incident logs and evidence records for all security events.
administrative
Produce and report SOC performance metrics and operational dashboards.
analytical
Conduct post-incident reviews and postmortems to identify root causes and lessons learned.
analytical
Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and implement process, tooling, or staffing changes to enhance SOC effectiveness.
leadership
Human-Only (4)
Requires human judgment
Lead and manage a blended GSOC team of full-time employees and vendor contractors.
leadership
Mentor SOC team members and provide ongoing coaching.
leadership
Communicate incident status, impact, and remediation plans to executive stakeholders in a timely manner.
communication
Coordinate security strategies and incident responses with Corporate Security, Workplace, IT, and HR.
communication
Job description
ABOUT xAI xAI’s mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company’s mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates. ABOUT THE ROLE: xAI is looking for a seasoned Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager to direct the day-to-day operations of our SOC in a dynamic, high-growth organization. In this role, you will lead a blended team of full-time employees and third-party contractors, driving consistent excellence in operational delivery. The successful candidate will be a proven leader with deep expertise in incident response and crisis management, outstanding communication abilities, and a track record of developing and coaching top-tier teams. RESPONSIBILITIES: Lead and manage a diverse GSOC team comprising full-time employees and vendor contractors, overseeing scheduling, training, mentoring, and performance evaluations to foster a high-performing unit. Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to standardize processes and deliver consistent operational excellence. Supervise security monitoring operations, leveraging tools such as Genetec for access control, video surveillance systems, AI analytics, and integrated platforms. Direct incident response protocols, including detection, triage, escalation, resolution, and clear, timely communication with executive stakeholders. Manage emergency notification processes using platforms like Envoy to ensure rapid and effective alerts. Partner collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including Corporate Security, Workplace, IT, and HR, to align security strategies with organizational objectives. Generate detailed incident logs, performance metrics, and post-incident reviews, while proactively identifying and implementing opportunities for continuous improvement. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 5+ years of Corporate Security experience, with at least 2+ years in a managerial or supervisory role. 9+ years of combined security experience across corporate security, law enforcement, or military service. Documented military service or equivalent operational leadership experience Proficiency in Genetec Access Control and Video Management Systems. Familiarity with Envoy, Jira, Slack, and Google W