Contractor Program Security Officer

The Pennsylvania State University; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Contractor Program Security Officer for the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) in Reston, VA. The role focuses on developing and administering local security programs for classified materials in support of USG/DoD programs.

ARL is a DoD SkillBridge partner; candidates must have a TS clearance with SCI eligibility and strong industrial security experience. Expect full-time on-site work with after-hours support as needed.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility is required.
• Experience in industrial security environments is necessary.
• Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Respond to alarms and escort visitors, including after-hours support.
• Develop and administer local security programs for classified materials and equipment.
• Assist with visitor control, safeguarding, classification management, and access control.
• Coordinate with sponsor security staff to ensure compliance with government requirements.
• Maintain records and supporting documentation (SOPs, PARs, EAPs, continuity plans).
• Support COMSEC and visitor management, including badge issuance.

Skills

Top Secret clearance

SCI eligibility

Industrial security

Education

Associate Degree

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in Reston, Virginia. You will be responsible for responding to alarms and escorting visitors, sometimes at off-hours.

We are searching for a self-starting, customer service-oriented Contractor Program Security Officer to join our Special Programs Security Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This position will be responsible for development and administration of local security programs/procedures for classified and proprietary materials, documents, and equipment in support of United States Government (USG) and Department of Defense (DoD) programs.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Apply a working knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs), and the sponsor's amplifying instructions to assist the day-to-day of the Industrial Security Program operations
• Assist with implementation of visitor control, safeguarding, classification management, physical security, information system security, security education, access control, alarm testing and maintenance, and personnel security for adherence to all government security requirements
• Assist with development, review, coordination, and execution of Program Security documentation such as; Fixed Facility Checklist, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Transportation Plans, Program Access Requests (PARs), Emergency Action Plan (EAP), Disaster Recovery Plan, Continuity of Business Plan, and Document and Media Control
• Manage the control of electronic devices and other security items
• Assist opening and closing of facilities, perform end-of-day checks and daily inspections; provide/coordinate after-hours alarm support
• Engage and collaborate with sponsor security staff to ensure program security policies and procedures follow company and customer requirements
• Establish and maintain effective communications with customers, security staff, program leads, and department management
• Collaborate with other security staff for special projects as required
• Assist with escorting visitors, which may require support outside of normal business hours
• Assist the local Communications Security (COMSEC) account manager for COMSEC policy implementation
• Coordinate and support classified conferences and provide visitor management support and badging

Required skills/experience areas include:

• An active Top Secret security clearance, with SCI eligibility
• Industrial security
• Success in environments, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Government security policies, automated information systems security, physical security, and personnel security

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Associate Degree2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

ARL's purpose to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $90,480.00 - $135,720.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.