Physical Security Specialist

PotomacWave; Washington (Washington County); 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, focusing on SCI security, SCIF lifecycle, and related program initiatives. The role requires implementing and coordinating physical security, inspections, and system implementations across SCIF projects nationwide.

The candidate will apply IC, DOE, and IN policies, coordinate with HQs and field offices, and lead modernization efforts to meet national security requirements while maintaining

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred or equivalent experience.
• Minimum six years with IC or Federal security programs.
• Expert knowledge of SCI security principles and policies.
• Strong experience in Physical Security and SCIF construction/AC.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing and supporting the DOE SCI security program.
• Serve as SME for physical security and SCIF lifecycle management.
• Conduct SCI physical security surveys, inspections, audits, and certifications.
• Review SCIF design packages and renovation plans for compliance.
• Coordinate with architects, facilities, engineers, and contractors throughout SCIF projects.
• Evaluate physical protection systems and intrusion detection, access control, CCTV.

Skills

SCI Security

Physical Security

SCIF Lifecycle

Risk Assessments

Inspections

Security Policy

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.
• Conduct program activities supporting SCI physical security, personnel security, technical security, AIS security, COMSEC, OPSEC, cyber security, and information security programs through inspections, assessments, and compliance reviews.
• Develop, interpret, and recommend improvements to DOE and Intelligence Community security policies, procedures, standards, and implementation guidance related to SCI security.
• Develop and deliver security awareness and training programs focused on physical security, SCIF requirements, and SCI security compliance.
• Coordinate with DOE Headquarters, Field Intelligence Elements, National Laboratories, and Intelligence Community partners to ensure consistent implementation of SCI security requirements.
• Research emerging physical security technologies, security standards, and Intelligence Community requirements to evaluate impacts to existing infrastructure and recommend modernization initiatives.
• Represent the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence Security Division at meetings, working groups, inspections, and interagency committees involving physical security, SCIFs, and SCI security matters.
• Perform other SCI security program responsibilities and special projects as assigned in support of mission requirements.

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.