Integrated Security Specialist

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 76,700 - 129,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking an experienced Integrated Security Specialist to join their DevSecOps Department in San Diego, CA. This role involves administering advanced security architectures and developing security strategies for new technology programs.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and extensive experience in program security compliance. The position offers a competitive salary range of $76,700.00 – $129,500.00 and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience for Senior Professional or 3+ years for Advanced Professional.
• Active security clearance at the TS/SCI level required.
• Experience with document security reviews for classified information.

Responsibilities

• Administer advanced security architectures for technology programs.
• Provide guidance in security requirements and improve procedures.
• Develop and present security briefings to leadership.

Skills

Program security compliance

Quality control reviews

Risk management

Security architecture development

Public release reviews

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

We are searching for an experienced, organized, positive, and self‑motivated Integrated Security Specialist to join our DevSecOps Department in San Diego, CA, in the Joint Mission Integration and Experimentation (JMIE) Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. JMIE specializes in rapid development of warfighter capabilities in an aggregated and integrated multidomain environment. This position may be filled at the Advanced Professional or Senior Professional, based on successful candidate’s qualifications.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Your working location will be fully onsite in San Diego, CA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position will require frequent travel to remote locations.

Responsibilities

• Administer advanced security architectures for new technology programs across the spectrum of classification; facilitate intelligence requests to obtain state‑of‑the‑world, rest‑of‑the‑world, and state‑of‑the‑art technology/capability status.
• Assist with the research and recommendations of long and short‑term program protection strategies and tactics for new and established programs; address program extensions or changes in program direction.
• Administer appropriate security requirements, (e.g. COMSEC, INFOSEC, OPSEC, etc.) analysis, and procedures relative to specific technology programs; provide guidance and suggestions for improvement as appropriate; administer security requirements for breaches.
• Prepare and issue DD 254s to appropriate contractors and contracting agents.
• Provide guidance of Executive Order 13526, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), DoD Information Security Manuals, DoD SAP Security Manuals, and Technical Area Protection Plan (TAPP).
• Oversee the creation, coordination, and updates to program security documents and program protection implementation plans; assess and coordinate performer‑created protection plans.
• Develop and present briefings to leadership.
• Assist with public release document security reviews for assigned programs.

Advanced Professional Required Skills and Experience

• Program security compliance across multiple global venues and node locations; security support for sensitive tests, field activities, and program lifecycle events.
• Quality control reviews of program security documentation including Security Classification Guides (SCGs), Concept of Operations plans (CONOPS), Operations Security (OPSEC) plans, test and transportation plans, Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs), Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), and Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs).
• Security architecture and Program Protection Plans (P2) for advanced R&D and acquisition programs across multiple classification levels, including documentation lifecycle.
• Risk management, security strategy, and execution timelines for complex defense technologies.
• Public release review for classified and controlled information.
• Success in collaborations with government customers where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective.
• DD 254 creation for classified efforts.
• Active security clearance, at the TS/SCI level.

Senior Professional Required Skills and Experience

• Indirect supervisor for other full‑time employees.
• Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions.
• Give candid and constructive feedback to others to influence and persuade managers and employees to accept and implement findings and recommendations.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Integrated Security Specialist – Senior Professional: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None.

Integrated Security Specialist – Advanced Professional: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None.

Background Checks and Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 – $129,500.00. The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.

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.

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.