Associate Security Cooperation Specialist with Security Clearance

Naval Systems, Inc. (NSI); Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401k Plan with company match

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Naval Systems, Inc. (NSI) seeks an Associate Security Cooperation Specialist to support DASA DE&C. You will manage an assigned portfolio of partner nations across the FMS lifecycle, coordinating with interagency partners and preparing staff actions for senior review.

The role requires a Master’s degree (or Bachelor’s with 8+ years of FMS/SC experience), DoD policy knowledge, and a Secret clearance. Arlington, VA based with comprehensive benefits and a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Bachelor's with 8+ years of direct, professional experience in managing FMS cases or Security Cooperation programs.
• Deep knowledge of the entire FMS case lifecycle and related U.S. laws, policies, and implementing procedures (e.g., SAMM).
• Ability to independently prepare and staff complex FMS and security cooperation actions (e.g., 36(b)s, waivers) within a DoD environment.

Responsibilities

• Draft, coordinate, and provide recommendations on FMS business strategies and campaign plans.
• Lead review, processing, and coordination of security cooperation actions for an assigned country portfolio.
• Interpret and apply regulations to portfolio actions and address gaps in policy.

Skills

Security cooperation

FMS lifecycle

Policy analysis

Interagency coordination

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Description: NSI requires an Associate Security Cooperation Specialist to support the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Defense Exports and Cooperation (DASA DE&C). The Associate Security Cooperation Specialist, you will serve as a responsible Army staff officer for an assigned portfolio of partner nations, supporting all aspects of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) lifecycle and broader security cooperation activities. While operating with a high degree of independence on daily tasks, you will work within a team environment, applying your knowledge of security cooperation to prepare high-quality staff actions for senior-level review. This role is designed for a proficient practitioner who can reliably manage a complex portfolio and effectively coordinate across the interagency under the mentorship of senior leadership. Duties and Responsibilities:

• FMS Business Strategy & Campaign Plan Support: Draft, coordinate, and provide recommendations on FMS business strategies and campaign plans, analyzing impacts on Army equities, industrial base, and U.S. foreign policy objectives.
• Portfolio Management & Staffing: Lead the review, processing, and coordination of all security cooperation actions for an assigned country portfolio. This includes Congressional Notifications (36(b)), Co-production MOUs, Non-Recurring Cost recoupments, OT&E waivers, materiel diversions, equipment leases, Presidential Drawdowns, and Excess Defense Article allocations.
• Policy & Compliance Analysis: Serve as the expert on security assistance policy, interpreting and applying regulations to all portfolio actions. Identify and analyze gaps in existing policy and develop recommendations for improvement. Ensure all technology transfer, disclosure, and export control requirements are identified and properly addressed.
• Program Management & Interagency Coordination: Provide analytical support for key security cooperation programs like End Use Monitoring (EUM) and Building Partner Capacity (BPC). Facilitate coordination across the Army Security Assistance Enterprise (ASAE), DSCA, Joint Staff, OSD, and the Department of State.
• Executive & Engagement Support: Prepare trip books, information papers, and briefings to support GO/SES meetings with foreign counterparts and industry leaders. Prepare formal responses for external U.S. Government inquiries.
• Location: Arlington, VA Education: A Master's degree in a relevant field and a minimum of four (4) years of direct, professional experience in managing FMS cases or Security Cooperation programs. (Preferred) Allowable Substitution: A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and a minimum of eight (8) years of direct, professional experience in managing FMS cases or Security Cooperation programs. Experience: In-depth, working knowledge of the entire FMS case lifecycle and related U.S. laws, policies, and implementing procedures (e.g., SAMM). Demonstrated ability to independently prepare and staff complex FMS and security cooperation actions (e.g., 36(b)s, waivers) within a DoD environment. Proven ability to produce high-quality, accurate, and timely staff work for senior leader review. Preferred Certifications: Relevant Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) intermediate courses or training. Security Clearance: Secret Clearance is required. Must be a U.S. citizen. Special Notes/Instructions: NSI is a privately held, small but quickly growing company with headquarters in Lexington Park, Maryland within 5 miles of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Established in 2004, we are now celebrating 22 years of excellence in providing quality products and services to the Department of Defense. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, paid time off, paid holidays, flexible spending account, employee assistance program, tuition assistance program, 401k Plan with company match as well as a fun and enthusiastic work environment! Quality, Integrity, Teamwork, Success - that's NSI! NSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.