Contractor Special Security Representative

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Washington's Applied Physics Laboratory seeks a Contractor Special Security Representative to lead SCI security programs, SCIF readiness, and personnel security under the CSSO. You will translate complex government guidelines into practical security actions while enabling cutting-edge research.

The role requires independent judgment, strong customer service, meticulous compliance, and collaboration with researchers, engineers, and government representatives to protect national

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, or related field; and 4–6 years of SCI/SAP security experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education and security experience may substitute for the degree requirement.
• Experience supporting classified operations and national security programs.

Responsibilities

• Administers SCI, SCIF operations, and personnel security under CSSO direction.
• Interpret and apply IC/DoD security requirements to daily tasks.
• Coordinate with government security personnel and researchers.
• Deliver security training and act as trusted advisor to lab staff.
• Maintain regulatory compliance and safety in classified research environments.

Skills

Multitasking

Organizational skills

Communication

Customer service

Regulatory interpretation

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or related field

Tools

DISS/NISS/NBIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

The Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) has an outstanding opportunity for two Contractor Special Security Representative (CSSR) to join the Security Department.

About This Opportunity

Reporting to the Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO), the Contractor Special Security Representative (CSSR) provides operational leadership in executing the University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory’s Compartmented Security Program. The CSSR ensures security enables cutting-edge classified research and advanced technology development in support of national security priorities while protecting national security information and maintaining compliance with Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, Cognizant Security Agency, and University requirements. Working under the CSSO’s direction, the CSSR administers SCI security, personnel security, classified information management, SCIF operations, and related security activities that directly support the Laboratory’s classified research mission. The role translates complex government requirements into practical, mission‑focused solutions that protect classified information while enabling scientific innovation and operational success.

The CSSR performs work requiring independent judgment, technical expertise, discretion, and operational decision‑making in a highly regulated environment where actions directly affect the Laboratory’s ability to conduct classified research. The position routinely interprets and applies IC, DoD, CSA, and University requirements across multiple security disciplines, evaluating unique situations where established guidance requires professional interpretation and sound judgment. Serving as the primary day‑to‑day security advisor to researchers, engineers, Principal Investigators, Program Managers, Information Technology personnel, Information Assurance professionals, and government representatives, the CSSR balances regulatory compliance with mission requirements, operational efficiency, and exceptional customer service while managing competing priorities and anticipating emerging operational needs.

Working with considerable independence, the CSSR coordinates closely with the CSSO on issues affecting organizational risk, regulatory compliance, SCIF readiness, and classified research operations. Through proactive problem‑solving, continuous process improvement, and consistent application of professional judgment, the CSSR contributes directly to the operational effectiveness and readiness of the University’s Compartmented Security Program. Errors in judgment, regulatory interpretation, or operational execution may delay research activities, affect personnel access, compromise classified information, or diminish government sponsor confidence. Accordingly, the position demands exceptional attention to detail, technical competence, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Compartmented Security Program Operations & Administration (30% FTE)

• Execute Daily CSP Operations — Administers day‑to‑day Compartmented Security Program activities supporting classified research.
• Implement Security Policies — Applies approved security policies, procedures, and operating practices across assigned programs.
• Interpret Security Requirements — Translates IC, DoD, CSA, and University requirements into practical operational actions.
• Advise Research Personnel — Serves as the primary operational security advisor to researchers, engineers, PIs, and PMs.
• Improve Security Processes — Identifies and implements process improvements that enhance program efficiency and compliance.
• Support CSSO Initiatives — Executes strategic and operational priorities established by the CSSO.

Personnel Security, Classified Information Management & Operational Support (25% FTE)

• Administer Personnel Security — Processes SCI access determinations, indoctrinations, debriefings, and visit certifications.
• Manage Classified Information — Controls receipt, storage, transmission, reproduction, inventory, and destruction of classified material.
• Maintain Security Systems — Maintains personnel security records and government security information systems.
• Coordinate IA/IT Activities — Aligns personnel security and classified operations with Information Assurance and IT personnel.

SCIF Operations, Physical Security & Facility Readiness (20% FTE)

• Maintain SCIF Readiness — Ensures SCIF operational readiness, compliance, and secure daily operations.
• Support SCIF Accreditation — Assists with accreditation actions, inspections, and facility modifications.
• Conduct Security Inspections — Performs physical security checks, assessments, and compliance reviews.
• Coordinate Secure Access — Manages visitor access, classified meetings, and secure facility operations.

Compliance, Risk Management & Government Coordination (15% FTE)

• Perform Compliance Reviews — Conducts self‑inspections, compliance assessments, and regulatory evaluations.
• Identify and Mitigate Risks — Evaluates operational risks and recommends corrective actions.
• Coordinate with Government — Works with government security representatives during inspections and program reviews.

Security Education, Customer Partnership & Professional Excellence (10% FTE)

• Deliver Security Training — Provides Security Education, Training, and Awareness (SETA) briefings and training.
• Serve as Trusted Advisor — Offers timely, mission‑focused guidance enabling secure and efficient research operations.
• Promote Professional Excellence — Reinforces a culture of professionalism, collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field, and a minimum of 4 to 6 years of progressively responsible experience administering Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), Special Access Programs (SAP), collateral security, or comparable classified security programs.

Equivalent combinations of education, military service, and progressively responsible security experience may substitute for the degree requirement.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience supporting classified operations, research, engineering, advanced technology, or national security programs.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple priorities while exercising sound judgment and discretion.
• Working knowledge of Intelligence Community and DoD security requirements, including ICD 704 (personnel security), ICD 705 (SCIF standards), DoDM 5105.21 (SCI security), and 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM).
• Familiarity with key security directives and reporting requirements, including ICDs, ICSS, ICD 705 Technical Specifications, DoDM 5105.21, and SEAD 3 for incident and foreign contact reporting.
• Ability to apply regulatory guidance to routine security tasks, including personnel security processing, visit certifications, access verification, document control, and support to SCIF operations under CSSO direction.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills, enabling effective coordination with program staff, visitors, and government security personnel.
• Proficiency with government security systems, including DISS, NISS, NBIS, and standard Microsoft Office applications.
• Active Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.
• Ability to maintain all required security clearances and government approvals as a condition of employment.
• US Citizenship.

A federal security clearance is required to hold this position. The person hired into this position must be a U.S. citizen and successfully obtain and continue to maintain a Department of Defense (DOD) Personnel Security Clearance. The process for obtaining a DOD Security Clearance can be viewed using the following links: Processing Applicants (dcsa.mil) or General Investigations and Clearance Processes (dcsa.mil)

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting classified research within a university, federal laboratory, Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, or cleared contractor environment.
• Experience administering integrated security disciplines, including SCI Security, Personnel Security, Classified Information Management, Physical Security, SCIF Operations, and Security Education.
• Experience supporting SCIF planning, accreditation, inspections, operations, or lifecycle management.
• Experience partnering with researchers, Principal Investigators, Program Managers, engineers, Information Technology professionals, and government sponsors.
• Completion of advanced professional education through DCSA, CDSE, the Intelligence Community, the Department of Defense, or equivalent government security training programs.
• Professional certifications related to security management, cybersecurity, project management, leadership, or organizational excellence.
• Demonstrated commitment to operational excellence, customer service, collaboration, continuous improvement, and the philosophy that security enables research while ensuring compliance.

About APL

The Applied Physics Laboratory is a research unit at the University of Washington. Our research expertise is in ocean physics and engineering, ocean and medical acoustics and imaging, polar science, remote sensing, and signal processing. We conduct research and development that is sponsored by a variety of federal and state agencies and take great pride in our long-standing status as a US Navy-designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). Our work takes place not only on the University of Washington campus and medical centers, but in field locations around the world – at sea, in the air, and on polar ice caps. We apply rigorous scientific inquiry and engineering excellence in pursuit of solutions to important problems for the good of our region, nation, and world.

We are focused on building and sustaining a laboratory where all students, staff, and collaborators can realize success. We believe every member of our team enriches our research enterprise by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and discover, design, and deliver solutions. We invite you to explore our laboratory, to find answers to Common Questions about the University’s application process, and to See Yourself at APL.

Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum

$120,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum

$144,000.00 annual

Benefits

Other Compensation

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

Not Applicable

About The UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.