PDS Security Compliance/Inspection Specialist

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a PDS Security Compliance/Inspection Specialist to lead the secure PDS infrastructures for national security systems, collaborating with cybersecurity, facilities, and physical security teams in a DoD/IC context.

Responsibilities span design reviews, accreditation support, risk assessments, inspections, and documentation to ensure CNSSI 7003 compliance, with a Secret clearance and potential Top Secret access as required.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

PDS security

CNSSI 7003 knowledge

Security auditing

IAT Level II/III certification

risk assessment

Clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity/Information Assurance or related field

3+ years direct PDS experience (alternate)

Tools

Hardened conduit systems

Encryption methods

Cable routing

TEMPEST protections

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

• 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.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

• APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development.

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].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually