Physical Security Analyst

RAND Corporation; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 88,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

RAND Corporation in Washington, DC is seeking a Physical Security Analyst to protect people, facilities, assets, and classified information. The role focuses on risk assessments, access-control operations, and coordinating with contract guards in a 100% onsite environment.

The ideal candidate has deep knowledge of NISPOM, ICD 705, NIST 800-171, IDS/CCTV systems, and COMSEC. A Top Secret clearance and SCI eligibility are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
• At least five years of relevant experience in physical security operations.
• Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and maintain compliance with NISPOM, ICD 705, and related security requirements.
• Oversee access control for open, closed, and SCIF areas and manage ACS database.
• Monitor IDS and CCTV networks; coordinate maintenance and address deficiencies.
• Review system logs and video footage to investigate incidents and support audits.
• Coordinate contract security guard assignments and support government inspections.

Skills

NISPOM

NISP 32 CFR Part 117

ICD 705

NIST 800-171

Access control systems

IDS/CCTV systems

COMSEC requirements

Security documentation

Analytical & problem solving

Background checks coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, or related field

Tools

Access Control System (ACS) database

IDS/ CCTV networks

Security documentation tools

Job description

Job Type:RegularPhysical Security AnalystOverviewThe Physical Security Analyst plays an important role in protecting RAND’s people, facilities, assets, and classified information. This individual contributor supports the day-to-day delivery of a comprehensive physical security program across unclassified spaces, closed areas, and Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs).Partnering closely with the Physical Security Manager, the Physical Security Analyst helps maintain a secure, compliant, and service-oriented environment. Responsibilities include assessing physical security risks, supporting access-control and security-system operations, coordinating with the contract guard force, and identifying practical improvements to policies, procedures, and facility safeguards.The ideal candidate brings sound judgment, technical aptitude, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach to resolving security issues in a dynamic environment. This position requires 100% in-office support and may require occasional after-hours support.Duties and ResponsibilitiesEvaluate and maintain compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), 32 CFR Part 117, ICD 705, applicable NIST 800-171 physical security requirements, Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), and other applicable requirements.Conduct physical security risk assessments to identify facility vulnerabilities, evaluate potential risks, and recommend and implement mitigation strategies.Prepare and review security documentation, fixed-facility checklists, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support government audits, inspections, and assessments.Analyze physical security metrics and recommend improvements to operational effectiveness and compliance.Oversee access control for open (unclassified), closed (classified), and SCIF areas.Operate and administer the Access Control System (ACS) database, ensuring accuracy and compliance with established security procedures.Enroll personnel into security systems and issue corporate and government-mandated identification badges.Verify security clearances and access authorizations for employees, contractors, and visitors; resolve access-related discrepancies.Evaluate access-control procedures and recommend improvements to strengthen facility security.Monitor and program facility Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) networks; identify and address security-system deficiencies.Coordinate preventive maintenance and emergency repairs for alarms, cameras, electronic locks, and related security equipment.Troubleshoot complex security-system hardware and software issues in coordination with external integration vendors.Review and analyze system logs and archived video footage to investigate security incidents or anomalies and recommend corrective actions.Assist with coordinating assignments and operational needs for the contract security guard force.Support company events to help ensure the security and safety of facilities and visitors.Perform other related duties as assigned.Basic QualificationsStrong knowledge of ICD 705 Technical Specifications, 32 CFR Part 117, and physical security requirements applicable to classified facilities and SCIFs.Knowledge of access-control systems, intrusion detection systems, and CCTV systems.Experience supporting physical security operations in unclassified, classified, and/or SCIF environments.Experience administering access-control databases and verifying personnel clearances and access authorizations.Knowledge of Communications Security (COMSEC) requirements and procedures.Ability to independently evaluate security risks, recommend corrective actions, and troubleshoot complex technical problems.Experience coordinating assignments for contract security guards.Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with close attention to detail.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and relevant security tools.Ability to prepare security documentation, SOPs, checklists, reports, and audit materials.Must be able to pass a background check.EducationBachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, or a related field required.An equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.ExperienceBachelor’s degree: At least five years of relevant experience in physical security operations, access-control systems, classified facility security, security systems administration, or a related security discipline required.Without a bachelor’s degree: At least nine years of relevant experience required.Security ClearanceMust hold and maintain an active Top Secret security clearance and be able to obtain and maintain SCI eligibility.TravelUp to 15% travel between RAND officesLocationThis position will be located in RAND’s Washington, DC, office and requires a presence of five days per week, Monday through Friday, generally from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position requires 100% onsite work; remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available. Occasional after-hours support may be required.Salary Range: $88,000 - $130,900RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.Equal Opportunity Employer