Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO)

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Positive workplace culture

Possible travel opportunities

Job summary

A research services organization is seeking a Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO) in Arlington, VA. The role involves managing security operations and ensuring compliance within classified environments. Candidates should have at least a high school diploma with 4+ years of relevant experience and completion of formal SSO/FSO training. Strong communication skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office are required. This position is contingent upon contract award and offers limited remote work flexibility.

Qualifications

• Must have a minimum of a High School Diploma and 4+ years of relevant security experience in a classified environment.
• Completion of formal SSO/FSO training or ICD 705 SCIF accreditation course is required.
• Thorough understanding of NISPOM, ICDs, and DoD security manuals is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee security operations within classified environments.
• Serve as the primary liaison with government security representatives.
• Monitor and maintain SCIF access procedures in accordance with ICD 705 standards.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Teamwork

Independence

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma with 4+ years security experience

Bachelor’s degree in security or business-related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Government security databases

Job description

About Us

VT-ARC, a technical services and applied research company, has built an organizational culture marked by four primary values: Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Service. Integral to our success is our staff’s enthusiasm for solving tough problems by working together in teams to get the job done. We foster a culture where every employee’s contribution is valued and performed with integrity while maintaining a fun work environment. VT-ARC strives for excellence in all that is done for our clients, and such achievement is recognized through service/merit awards. Moreover, we promote a sense of community larger than VT-ARC alone, where staff and institutional resources can be applied in service to our country.

We are proud to be the recipient of the Best Workplace in Defense Award by Emergent Magazine, an honor that recognizes companies with positive cultures that not only impact their people but also make a meaningful difference in the community.

About You

You’re a qualified Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO) capable of managing and overseeing security operations within classified environments supporting dynamic programs. You will implement and enforce security policies, coordinate personnel access, and ensure compliance with government directives and contract requirements. You will also support, coordinate and synchronize activities with others VT-ARC employees, VT-ARC partners, and government sponsors to ensure programs achieve their required deliverables.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee security operations within classified environments, implementing and enforcing security policies.
• Serve as the primary liaison with government security representatives (e.g., DCSA) to ensure compliance and resolve issues.
• Monitor and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) access procedures in accordance with ICD 705 standards.
• Prepare and conduct a variety of security briefings, including SCI/SAP indoctrinations, debriefings, and pre/post-foreign travel briefings.
• Manage access control and video monitoring systems, responding to and resolving security incidents promptly.
• Conduct periodic self‑inspections and participate in government audits/assessments/reviews.
• Develop and administer security programs and procedures for classified materials, documents, and equipment.
• Utilize government security databases such as DISS, NISS, eQIP, JADE, SCATTER CASTLES, or SIMS to track personnel and access requests.
• Maintain documentation and records for SCI/SAP access and manage the proper marking, storage, and transmission of classified documents.
• Manage daily office functions, including supplies, equipment, vendor coordination, and maintenance requests.
• Coordinate classified meetings, event space, and conference room logistics.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Certification, Skills, Capabilities

• Minimum of a High School Diploma and 4+ years of relevant security experience in a classified environment.
• Completion of formal SSO/FSO training or ICD 705 SCIF accreditation course.
• Thorough understanding of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs), and DoD security manuals/directives.
• Experience in one or more areas of industrial security, including physical security, personnel security, or information security.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs.

Desired Education, Certification, Skills, Capabilities

• Bachelor’s degree in a security or business‑related field.
• FSO Program Management for Possessing Facilities IS030.CU.
• Experience as a Communications Security (COMSEC) Custodian.
• Basic understanding of Cybersecurity, specifically the Risk Management Framework (RMF).

Primary Work Location

Work is to be performed fully onsite in Arlington, VA with minimal remote work flexibility under the Hybrid Work & Telecommuting Policy.

Special Work Conditions

• Possible travel to other CONUS locations (limited)
• Willingness to work extended hours as needed in a fast‑paced environment

Security

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must currently hold and maintain a Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation

VT-ARC is a 501(c)(3), non‑profit R&D organization affiliated with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech or VT). Our mission is to provide superior analytic and technology solutions across multiple domains by leveraging Virginia Tech’s multidisciplinary research and innovation ecosystem. With unique access to the broad and rich research enterprise found at Virginia Tech, VT-ARC forms multi‑disciplinary teams to apply innovative solutions to the real‑world problems that strain our social, political, industrial, and economic foundations.

Benefits & Culture

To learn more about VT-ARC’s Benefits, Perks, Culture & more visit our Careers page: https://vt-arc.org/careers/

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.E-Verify.gov.