Federal Security Specialist (ARL)

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 75,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) in State College, PA seeks a Security Specialist to lead advanced security programs and ensure protection of personnel, facilities, and information. The role focuses on CI, insider threat, PERSEC, COMSEC, and OPSEC, alongside physical security systems.

Candidates will manage security practices, trainings, and procedures, ensuring compliance with DoD policies.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of advanced security programs including CI, Insider Threat, PerSec, COMSEC, OPSEC.
• Experience handling classified materials.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, databases, and web applications.
• Strong office communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced environment.
• Active security clearance at Secret level or higher.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee advanced security programs and physical security systems (electronic access, alarms, CCTV).
• Develop and manage advanced industrial security practices, procedures, trainings, and briefings while ensuring compliance with policies.
• Provide agile security support and exemplary customer service in a fast-paced environment.
• Work autonomously in a busy, service-driven setting.
• Handle intake of complex collateral security matters and determine proper processes.
• Prepare for and represent ARL in security inspections by USG agencies.

Skills

Security programs

Classified materials handling

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Autonomous work

Security clearance (Secret or higher)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Security/Risk Management/Analysis/Criminal Justice/Military Science/Business Administration

Tools

SIMS

DISS

NBIS

NISS

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a self-motivated, highly experienced Security Specialist to join our Security Services Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). ARL Security Services mission is to ensure the security of ARL personnel, facilities, material, and information as an agile, efficient, and service-driven team.

You will:

• Coordinate and provide oversight to advanced security programs including Counterintelligence, Insider Threat, Personnel Security (PerSec), Communications Security (COMSEC), and Operations Security (OPSEC), as well as physical security systems such as electronic access control, alarm systems, and CCTV systems

• Assist in the development and management of advanced industrial security practices, procedures, processes, trainings, and briefings, while ensuring compliance with government policies and regulations

• Provide agile, efficient, and exemplary security support/outstanding customer service to all organizational groups and personnel in a fast-paced, complex, and rapidly evolving environment

• Work autonomously in a very busy and highly service-driven environment

• Handle the intake of complex collateral security matters, providing assistance and determining appropriate processes

• Prepare for and represent ARL in all aspects of security inspections and oversight by U.S. government (USG) agencies

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Knowledge of all facets of advanced security programs, as listed in bullet number one (above)

• Demonstrated experience handling classified materials

• Microsoft Office software, databases, and web applications

• Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills are crucial to be effective

• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and effectively in fast-paced environment

• Active security clearance, at the Secret level or higher

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• A Bachelor's or advanced degree in Security, Risk Management/Analysis, Criminal Justice, Military Science, or Business Administration

• National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), specifically safeguarding classified information

• Security Information Management System (SIMS)

• Department of Defense (DoD) security systems such as DISS, NBIS, and NISS

• Past success in leadership, compliance, risk-management, and/or military experience

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Federal Security Specialist (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Federal Security Specialist (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

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 $75,408.00 - $132,204.00.

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.

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