PDS Security Compliance/Inspection Specialist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab is seeking a PDS Security Compliance/Inspection Specialist to oversee secure PDS infrastructures for national security systems. You will be crucial in maintaining compliance with security regulations while collaborating with a team dedicated to safeguarding classified information.

This role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, along with significant experience in securing PDS for classified networks. An active Secret security clearance is necessary, and you'll assist in high-stakes security operations supporting national defense.

Qualifications

• 3+ years designing, installing, or securing PDS for classified networks.
• Hold a current Secret security clearance with ability to obtain Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support PDS operations activities and design reviews.
• Conduct and document pre- and post-installation security inspections.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity engineers and other teams to enhance PDS security.

Skills

Knowledge of CNSSI 7003

Experience with hardened conduit systems

Knowledge of security auditing

Certified in DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II or III

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity or related field

Job description

Description

Do you specialize in securing classified networks at the physical layer?

Are you an expert in CNSSI 7003 and hardened infrastructure security?

If you have knowledge of Protected Distribution Systems (PDS) and want to lead security operations, we want you on our team at APL!

We are ranked as one of Computerworld's Top Places to Work in IT six years running, and we are seeking a PDS Security Compliance/Inspection Specialist who will play an instrumental role in the design, implementation, and oversight of secure PDS infrastructures supporting national security systems. You will join a hardworking team of Cybersecurity specialists who are passionate about supporting our Sponsor's mission needs.

As a PDS Security Compliance / Inspection Specialist, you will support the PDS Manager/Owner in the inspection, maintenance, compliance, and operational oversight of Protected Distribution Systems (PDS) supporting classified National Security Systems (NSS). This role supports the secure handling, design, implementation, inspection, and protection of classified PDS infrastructure while ensuring compliance with CNSSI 7003, physical security requirements, and applicable organizational security policies and standards. You will…

• Support PDS operations activities, including design reviews, accreditation support, risk assessment activities, and ongoing maintenance coordination.
• Assist with the review of PDS technical drawings, installation blueprints, protection methods, and cable pathway documentation to support compliance validation.
• Support coordination of PDS construction and remediation projects to help ensure compliance with DoD, IC, and CNSSI 7003 requirements.
• Conduct and document pre‑and post‑installation security inspections to validate compliance and identify potential vulnerabilities or deficiencies.
• Support implementation and maintenance of procedures related to intrusion detection, tamper evidence, inspection processes, and breach response activities for classified cabling infrastructure.
• Assist in validating that PDS installations meet applicable security and accreditation requirements for classified computing environments.
• Conduct periodic self‑inspections and support internal reviews, government inspections, and audit activities to maintain compliance readiness.
• Maintain records associated with PDS installations, inspections, modifications, maintenance actions, and decommissioning activities.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity engineers, facilities personnel, physical security teams, and other stakeholders to support and enhance the overall PDS security posture and standardization efforts.
• Support the PDS Manager/Owner in tracking remediation activities, inspection findings, corrective actions, and compliance documentation.
• Assist in maintaining PDS inventories, inspection schedules, tamper seal records, and related lifecycle management documentation.
• Report suspected tampering, unauthorized modifications, or security concerns to the PDS Manager/Owner and appropriate security personnel for assessment and resolution.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, or related technical field (or 3+ years of direct PDS experience).
• 3+ years designing, installing, or securing PDS for classified networks.
• Knowledge of CNSSI 7003, DAAPM, NISPOM, and JSIG regulations related to PDS construction, security, and accreditation.
• Experience with hardened conduit systems, encryption methods, cable routing, fiber optics, TEMPEST protections, and penetration-resistant pathways.
• Knowledge of security auditing, compliance assessments, and countermeasure implementation for physical cybersecurity infrastructure.
• Certified in DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II or III (e.g., Security+, CySA+, CISSP, CASP+).
• Hold a current Secret security clearance with the ability to acquire a Top Secret/Tier 5 security clearance within six months. 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…

• 5+ years of experience handling classified network security and PDS compliance for DoD, IC, or federal government facilities.
• Experience leading large-scale, multi-site PDS and encryption solution installations in a classified operational environment.
• Knowledge of emerging physical security technologies, such as fiber optic intrusion detection, microphonic sensors, and electromagnetic shielding.
• Experience in facility security management, SCIF design, or TEMPEST mitigation strategies.
• Currently have an active Top Secret security clearance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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].

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually