Physical Security Analyst

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

Job summary

RAND Corporation seeks aRegular Physical Security Analyst in Washington, DC to safeguard people, facilities, assets, and classified information. You will support a comprehensive physical security program across unclassified, closed, and SCIF spaces, working with the Physical Security Manager.

The role requires 100% in-office presence, with after-hours support possible. Strong knowledge of NISPOM, ICD 705, and access-control/CCTV systems is essential for ensuring audits and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, or related field required.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered.
• Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility required.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in physical security operations required; 9+ years if no degree.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate compliance with NISPOM, 32 CFR Part 117, ICD 705, STIGs, and NIST 800-171.
• Conduct physical security risk assessments and mitigation.
• Prepare security documentation and SOPs for audits.
• Oversee access control for open, closed, and SCIF areas.
• Program IDS and CCTV networks; address deficiencies.
• Coordinate maintenance for alarms, cameras, and locks.
• Assist with contract guards and events.

Skills

ICD 705

Access-control systems

CCTV systems

SCIF operations

Background check

Security risk assessment

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Security Management or related field

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

Job Type: Regular Physical Security Analyst

Overview The 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.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate 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 Qualifications

• Strong 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.

Education

Bachelor’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.

Experience

Bachelor’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 Clearance

Must hold and maintain an active Top Secret security clearance and be able to obtain and maintain SCI eligibility.

Travel

Up to 15% travel between RAND offices.

Location

This 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 - $130,900 RAND 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

RAND is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND’s research and analysis address issues that impact people everywhere, including security, health, education, sustainability, growth, and development. RAND has approximately 1,750 people working in offices in the United States, Europe, and Australia, with annual revenues of $470 million. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. Our research is sponsored by government agencies, international organizations, and foundations. We rely on philanthropic support to pursue visionary ideas; address critical problems that are under-researched; and devise innovative approaches for solving acute, complex, or provocative policy challenges. RAND values objectivity and integrity in both its research processes and internal interactions. We emphasize a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff. RAND's reputation is built on quality and objectivity. RAND provides an exciting intellectual environment and opportunities for career growth with challenging assignments. As collaboration in interdisciplinary teams is an essential operating principle at RAND, we hire highly qualified talent and empower our people to do their best work by fostering a culture in which different views, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued and respected, and staff have a sense of belonging with their colleagues, fair access to opportunities, and feel comfortable bringing their best selves to work each day. As part of our commitment to Equal Opportunity Employment, we welcome all applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences to apply for this exciting opportunity. RAND is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact Human Resources at [phone] or at [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.