Designated Security Representative

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 63,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Education assistance

Retirement plans

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Designated Security Representative (DSR) to strengthen industrial security posture and manage collateral facilities. You will collaborate with FSO, SECD, ISSOs, and staff to ensure compliance with DoW/NISPOM and support security training and investigations.

You will help coordinate sector security initiatives, track incidents, and support annual security reviews while working within a dynamic, technical environment in the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with at least two years of relevant experience in security operations (industrial/sector/DoW).
• High school diploma with at least seven years of relevant experience in security operations if no degree.
• Minimum two years in a security-related role (Industrial Security Specialist, DSR, or similar).
• Working knowledge of DoW security processes and 32 CFR 117 (NISPOM) for industry.
• Strong organizational and communication skills at all levels (staff, contractors, sponsors).
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Commitment to security education and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret and eventually Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Support sector leadership with proactive security initiatives and incident remediation.
• Lead and maintain sector security education programs for staff and security representatives.
• Serve as liaison between program staff and FSO to meet security needs and policies.
• Ensure effective industrial security protocols and staff understanding of responsibilities.
• Coordinate for annual DCSA Security Review and internal APL assessments.
• Document security violation investigations and support corrective actions.
• Respond to security data calls and assist in sector leadership reporting.
• Attend lab-wide security meetings to disseminate best practices.

Skills

Security operations

DoW security knowledge

Oral and written communication

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience

High school diploma with 7+ years of relevant experience

Tools

OPSLink

SECD

NISS

DISS

SIMS

ServiceNow

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Are you searching for important work in DoW industrial security and classified operations?

Description

Are you searching for important work in DoW industrial security and classified operations? Are you passionate about securing the nation’s classified infrastructure and supporting mission‑critical facilities? Do you have a keen attention to detail and enjoy working in a dynamic, technical environment? If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a Designated Security Representative (DSR) to help us maintain a strong industrial security posture and manage collateral classified facilities. In this role, you will support sector security activities, procedures, and communications, as well as help manage and maintain closed areas and data centers.

You will be a key contributor in classified spill remediation, sector security education, audit and assessment support, and facility operations. You will collaborate closely with APL’s Facility Security Office (FSO), SECD, ISSOs, system administrators, Facility Administrators, and program staff to ensure compliance with NISPOM/32 CFR 117, and Department of War requirements.

As a Designated Security Representative, you will…

• Support the Sector leadership in implementing proactive initiatives for resolving security issues, including oversight of security clearance processes, sector‑wide security practices, and timely investigation, documentation, and remediation of security incidents.
• Help lead and maintain a robust security education and awareness program for the Sector, including continuous education and training to Sector security representatives and staff on APL security requirements and program‑unique security requirements.
• Act as a liaison between program staff (e.g., Program Managers) and the FSO to ensure program security needs are met, including providing guidance on security policies and procedures related to new facilities, safes, or special security requirements.
• Monitor and help assure effective industrial security protocols are in place and that staff understand their security responsibilities, including clearance processes, safe checks, foreign visitor process, counterintelligence awareness, insider threat indicators, clean‑out days, and training for classification guidance and marking instructions.
• Support the preparation for, and participation in, annual DCSA Security Review and internal APL assessments, and serve as a liaison to APL Security to coordinate sector‑level activities and responses.
• Assist in coordinating and documenting security violation investigations; help complete required investigation reports, track and support the execution of corrective actions, and recommend actions and technical solutions to mitigate future incidents.
• Respond to security data calls and assist in security reporting to Sector and SECD leadership.
• Attend Lab‑wide security meetings to obtain current information, policies, and best practices, and help disseminate security practices during Sector‑wide meetings.

Qualifications

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree with at least two years of relevant experience, or a high school diploma with at least seven years of relevant experience in the security career field, with emphasis in industrial, collateral, or sector/department security operations.
• Have at least two years of relevant experience in a security‑related role, such as Industrial Security Specialist, Designated Security Representative, or similar position supporting government or DoW programs.
• Have a working knowledge of DoW security processes and 32 CFR 117 (NISPOM) requirements for industry.
• Have strong organizational and communication skills (both oral and written), and can effectively work with all levels of staff, contractors, and sponsors in both classified and unclassified areas.
• Are proficient with the Microsoft Office suite of products (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Are a committed team player with excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize, and deliver high‑quality products and services.
• Have strong analytical skills and follow‑through to provide recommendations on security processes and procedures.
• Can complete the Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) curricula for Facility (FSO) Orientation for Possessing Facilities (ISO30.CU) and adverse information training within 12 months of hire.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• Have experience or training with APL security tools and systems (e.g., OPSLink and related SECD/FPS tools).
• Are proficient with SIMS, NISS, DISS, OPSLink, ServiceNow, and other security and Lab‑specific tools.
• Have experience developing and implementing security‑related training programs.
• Hold relevant security certifications such as Industrial Security Professional (ISP), Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC), or similar.
• Have experience leading or coordinating aspects of security education programs or sector‑level security initiatives (without formal supervisory authority).
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

Why Work at APL?

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance.

APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$62,900 Annually

Maximum Rate

$180,300 Annually