National Security Program (NSP) ACS Program - MD

Kids for the Future; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

CenCore Group’s National Security Program (NSP) helps eligible candidates begin the security clearance process before assignment to a cleared role. This program prepares individuals for careers in national security, federal contracting, physical security, IT, and cyber security.

Participants may support access control or security monitoring while gaining government contract experience, progressing toward longer-term career opportunities in line with program needs.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required; must provide a valid U.S. Passport.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be able to obtain Top Secret clearance with polygraph.
• Must commit to a 2,080-hour program and placement.

Responsibilities

• Complete all required application, onboarding, and security clearance paperwork.
• Participate in interviews, screenings, and required physical and drug testing.
• Maintain communication with CenCore recruiting and program representatives.
• Comply with customer, facility, and program security requirements.
• Support access control, security monitoring, escort duties as assigned after clearance.
• Maintain professionalism, attention to detail, and reliability throughout the process.

Skills

Attention to detail

Professional communication

Reliability

Ability to follow instructions

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree or relevant education

Job description

• Location CONFIDENTIAL,Ft. Meade, MD, 20755,United States


• Job Category Security, Government Contracting, Entry-Level


• Industry Government Contracting, Physical Security, Defense


• Employee Type FT Non-Exempt

Description

Position Summary

CenCore’s National Security Program (NSP) is designed to help eligible candidates begin the security clearance process before being assigned to a cleared role. This program is intended for individuals who are interested in launching a career in the Intelligence Community, government contracting, physical security, information technology, cyber security, or related national security fields.

Through the NSP, CenCore assists candidates through the clearance process and provides guidance as they move from pre-program requirements into cleared work opportunities. Candidates who complete the clearance process may initially support access control or security monitoring functions while gaining experience on a government contract and building toward longer‑term career placement.

Program Overview

The NSP includes three primary stages: Pre-Program, Program, and Post-Program. The goal is to help qualified candidates move efficiently through the clearance process, enter a cleared work environment, and build experience that supports future career opportunities within national security and related fields.

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  Pre-Program Stage

  
  

  During the Pre-Program stage, candidates submit application materials and required security paperwork for consideration in CenCore’s NSP and for security clearance processing. Because the clearance process can take time, candidates are encouraged to complete their required steps as quickly and accurately as possible.

  
  

  The clearance investigation is expected to take approximately 12 months, although CenCore cannot guarantee the length of the process. Through the NSP, eligible candidates may be sponsored for a Top Secret security clearance with polygraph, which can be valuable for pursuing careers within the Intelligence Community and government contracting environments.

  
  

  The Pre-Program process generally includes application review, interview, completion of required security paperwork, any applicable handwriting sample, physical and drug testing, and submission of completed materials for clearance processing. CenCore provides guidance throughout the process to help candidates understand expectations and complete required steps.

  
  


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  Program Stage

  
  

  The Program stage begins after a candidate receives the required security clearance. At that point, candidates may be assigned to support work in a highly secure government environment, including access control, security monitoring, escort support, or similar duties based on program needs, customer requirements, and candidate qualifications.

  
  

  Candidates who receive their clearance through CenCore’s National Security Program are expected to complete a full‑time man‑year commitment with CenCore, totaling 2,080 hours. It is anticipated that a portion of this time may be worked in security monitoring or access control while the remaining hours may align with a candidate’s interests, experience, and qualifications in areas such as intelligence analysis, information technology, cyber security, or other cleared career paths.

  
  


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  Post-Program Stage

  
  

  After the program commitment is completed, continued employment with CenCore is not required; however, CenCore’s goal is to help candidates build meaningful experience and identify career opportunities that align with their long‑term goals. Candidates may be considered for future roles based on available positions, qualifications, customer requirements, and program needs.

  
  

Key Responsibilities

• Complete all required application, onboarding, and security clearance paperwork accurately and by established deadlines.


• Participate in interviews, screenings, physical requirements, drug testing, and other program‑related steps as required.


• Maintain communication with CenCore recruiting and program representatives throughout the clearance and placement process.


• Comply with customer, facility, and program security requirements once assigned to a cleared work environment.


• Support access control, security monitoring, escort, or related duties as assigned after clearance is granted.


• Maintain professionalism, attention to detail, and reliability while supporting secure government contract operations.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required; must provide a valid U.S. Passport Book or Passport Card.


• Must be at least 18 years of age.


• High school diploma or equivalent required.


• Must be able and eligible to obtain a Top Secret security clearance with polygraph.


• Must be free from colorblindness.


• Must be physically able to perform all duties and functions of the assigned position.


• Must be willing to complete a 2,080‑hour commitment with CenCore upon clearance and placement.


• Must be willing to complete required screenings, paperwork, and program steps in a timely manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in pursuing a long‑term career in the Intelligence Community, government contracting, national security, information technology, cyber security, or physical security.


• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions carefully.


• Professional communication skills and responsiveness throughout the clearance process.


• Reliability, sound judgment, and ability to work in a secure or regulated environment.


• Bachelor’s degree or relevant education, training, military service, security, technical, or analytical experience preferred but not required unless assigned role requires it.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, observe, and remain alert for extended periods as required by assigned duties.


• Ability to work in secure government facility environments and follow all site‑specific requirements.


• Ability to perform assigned physical duties safely and professionally.


• Ability to meet customer, contract, and program requirements associated with the assigned role.

Summary

Company Overview

At CenCore Group, we deliver security solutions that support critical national security missions. We specialize in designing, building, securing, and maintaining advanced technology environments at the intersection of emerging technology and national security. We support secure manufacturing operations, modular SCIF production, construction security requirements, access control, documentation, and mission‑focused customer needs.

CenCore Group is an equal opportunity employer. We hire based on merit and qualifications and do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, or other protected characteristics. We offer competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.