PDS Security Compliance Lead

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

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.