Head of Security

Avantor; Juneau (AK); On-site; USD 109,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

Avantor (Nusil) is seeking a Head of Security to develop security programs and lead the security organization supporting the Aerospace & Defense silicones business. Based in Carpinteria, CA, this full-time role reports to Nusil executive leadership and requires active security clearance and strong leadership.

The position emphasizes regulatory compliance (NISPOM, NIST, DFARS), program management across SSP/FCL/ITAR, and collaboration with customers and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with six years of relevant security experience or four years with a Master's.
• Working knowledge of NISPOM, CMMC/NIST SP 800-171, and/or DFARS.
• U.S. Citizen.
• Active U.S. Government security clearance.
• Ability to obtain SAP approval in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage all aspects of security with minimal direction.
• Maintain understanding of federal and defense regulations for aerospace and defense.
• Manage SSP, FCL, and Insider Threat Program in compliance with NISPOM.
• Initiate and manage personnel security clearances for key personnel.
• Create and update security policies related to classified information and CUI.
• Maintain relationships with government agencies and prime contractors.
• Lead Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification guidance for leadership and IT teams.
• Manage security incident response and investigations.

Skills

Leadership

Security programs

MS Office

Communication skills

NISPOM/NIST/DFARS

Cybersecurity knowledge

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

The Opportunity

Avantor (Nusil) is looking for a Head of Security to develop security programs and lead the security organization that supports our high‑performance silicones business serving the Aerospace & Defense industries. This is a full‑time position that reports to a member of the Nusil executive leadership team and will be based out of Carpinteria, California.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree with six years of relevant security experience or four years of relevant security experience with a Master's degree.
• Working knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and/or NIST SP 800-171, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).

Additional Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen.
• Active U.S. Government security clearance.
• Complete or complete within three months of hire the FSO Program Management for Possessing Facilities Course and the Insider Threat Program Management Course (available online through DCSA).
• Demonstrated understanding and implementation of security programs and processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with customers, suppliers, and associates.
• Experience leading or mentoring other personnel in a team environment.
• Maintain an active U.S. Government clearance at Secret level with a background investigation date within the last six years.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period to meet business needs.
• Comprehensive understanding of NISPOM, DFARS, and NIST standards for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) (NIST SP 800-171/172).
• Understanding of DD‑254 implementation requirements.
• OPSEC program experience.
• Proficient with NISS / NCAISS, DISS, DIBNet.
• Adapt to a fast‑paced and challenging work environment while demonstrating exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Positive working relationship with internal and external customers.
• Work independently and follow projects through to completion.
• Maintain flexibility to handle changing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage all aspects of security with minimal direction, identify security risks, and lead a team to implement solutions.
• Maintain current understanding of federal and defense regulations related to aerospace and defense acquisitions, cybersecurity, physical security, information security, and personnel security.
• Manage the Company System Security Plan (SSP), Facility Clearance (FCL), and Insider Threat Program in compliance with the NISPOM.
• Initiate and manage personnel security clearances (PCL) for key management personnel and other employees requiring access to classified information.
• Create, review, and update security policies, procedures, and instructions related to the protection of classified information, CUI, and export controlled information.
• Maintain and grow working relationships with government agencies and prime contractors to support business needs.
• Serve as Subject Matter Expert for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and provide guidance to leadership, Avantor, local IT, and cybersecurity teams.
• Manage and maintain the security incident response plan, including leading investigations and providing recommendations to leadership.
• Develop and maintain security education and training programs.
• Facilitate effective management of access controls, including badge system administration, alarm system administration, visitor policy, and key control.
• Review and approve change orders related to cybersecurity to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (NIST, CMMC, DFARs).
• Investigate security violations and coordinate security audits, reviewing reports and ensuring required corrective and preventive actions are implemented.
• Manage the Material Handling Plan and physical access to controlled areas.
• Provide guidance on appropriate classification markings for ITAR, EAR, CUI, FCI, and classified data.
• Lead a team of security professionals to ensure consistent application of leadership characteristics expected of all employees within the organization.
• Ensure all Security department performance objectives, key milestones, and deliverables are met.
• Drive employee engagement across the team and facilitate organization‑wide collaboration with the Security organization.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and professional development/mentoring to security professionals at all levels.
• Other duties as assigned.

Pay Transparency

The expected pre‑tax pay for this position is $109,000.00 – $181,000.00. Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.