Physical Security Specialist

PotomacWave; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

PotomacWave is seeking a Physical Security Specialist to support a Federal client in Washington, DC. The role focuses on implementing the SCI security program with emphasis on physical security, SCIF lifecycle management, and coordinating security systems.

The candidate will advise leadership on SCI security matters and ensure compliance with IC, DOE, and IN security policies across multiple offices and partners. DOE Q/TS clearance and U.S. citizenship are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required.
• Master's degree preferred; equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered.
• Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience supporting Intelligence Community or Federal security programs.

Responsibilities

• Assist in executing the DOE SCI security program in accordance with ICDs, DOE Orders, and policies.
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert for physical security and SCIF lifecycle management, providing technical guidance and recommendations to government leadership.
• Conduct SCI physical security surveys, inspections, audits, performance testing, and certification/accreditation activities for SCIFs nationwide.
• Review SCIF design packages, construction drawings, engineering documentation, and renovation plans to ensure compliance with security requirements.
• Coordinate with architects, facilities personnel, engineers, project managers, and construction contractors throughout SCIF projects.
• Evaluate physical protection systems to determine appropriate protection strategies while minimizing operational impacts.
• Develop comprehensive inspection reports identifying vulnerabilities, risk assessments, corrective actions, and mitigation strategies.

Skills

SCI security

Physical security

SCIF construction

Security policy

Inspections

Risk assessment

Security program management

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree preferred

Job description

PotomacWave is looking for a Physical Security Specialist to join our team supporting a Federal client in Washington, DC. The individual supporting this position will be responsible for implementing and supporting the Department's Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security program with a primary emphasis on physical security, SCIF lifecycle management, and technical security coordination. This position will provide subject matter expertise across SCI security disciplines while leading physical security program initiatives including SCIF construction, accreditation, inspections, risk assessments, and security system implementation.

The candidate will interpret and apply Intelligence Community (IC), DOE, and Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence (IN) security policy, develop localized procedures, advise government leadership on physical security matters, and coordinate with headquarters, field offices, laboratories, and other IC partners to ensure compliance with national security requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist in executing the DOE SCI security program in accordance with Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs), DOE Orders, and Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence policies.
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert for physical security and SCIF lifecycle management, providing technical guidance and recommendations to government leadership and security personnel.
• Conduct SCI physical security surveys, inspections, audits, performance testing, and certification/accreditation activities for Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) nationwide.
• Review SCIF design packages, construction drawings, engineering documentation, and renovation plans to ensure compliance with Intelligence Community and DOE physical security requirements.
• Coordinate with architects, facilities personnel, engineers, project managers, and construction contractors throughout the planning, construction, accreditation, and sustainment phases of SCIF projects.
• Evaluate physical protection systems including intrusion detection systems, access control systems, closed circuit television systems, and related security technologies to determine appropriate protection strategies while minimizing operational impacts.
• Develop comprehensive inspection reports identifying security vulnerabilities, risk assessments, corrective actions, and cost-effective mitigation strategies.
• Conditi…

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university is required; Master's Degree is preferred. Equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered.
• Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience supporting Intelligence Community or Federal security programs.
• Demonstrated expert knowledge of SCI security principles, concepts, policies, and methodologies with the ability to perform independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong experience in Physical Security and SCIF construction, certification, and accreditation is required.
• Working knowledge of the following security disciplines:
  • Physical Security
  • Personnel Security
  • Technical Security
  • Information Security
  • COMSEC
  • Operations Security (OPSEC)
  • Automated Information Systems (AIS) Security
  • Cyber Security
• The selection of an individual for this position may be conditioned upon his or her successful completion of a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and have an active DOE Q or Top-Secret clearance.

Salary range: $75,000 - $95,000

Equal Opportunity Employer/Race/Sex/Religion/Disability/Veteran Status/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Age.