Principal SAP Security Specialist (TS/SCI #26-120)

Strategic Analysis, Inc.; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Strategic Analysis, Inc. seeks a Principal SAP Security Specialist to oversee expert-level security for SAPs across programs. You’ll drive architectures, program protection, and policy improvements, while coordinating with PMOs and accreditation authorities in a complex, classified environment.

You will manage a team of SAP security specialists, advise leadership, and ensure compliance with DoD and IC security manuals. Limited regional travel is required.

Qualifications

• BS with a minimum of 10 years of related DoD or IC experience.
• TS/SCI clearance with CI polygraph; CI polygraph within past 3 years highly desirable.
• Expert knowledge of SAP security principles, regulations, and best practices.
• Deep understanding of physical, personnel, and industrial security in SAP environments.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, briefing, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to lead large security teams and manage complex projects.
• Experience as a program security representative for DoD/IC contracts.
• Fundamental knowledge of OPSEC, COMSEC, secure info transmission, and secure hardware transport.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of security architectures for highly sensitive SAP programs.
• Develop and implement advanced program protection strategies and monitor threats.
• Oversee SAP security documentation, ensuring compliance and best practices.
• Direct OPSEC plans and activities; supervise accreditation efforts and relationships with authorities.
• Provide strategic security guidance in senior-level meetings and briefings.
• Lead security incident response and investigations; coordinate with DCSA and other agencies.
• Support organization in classified programs and ensure security support for all programs.

Skills

SAP security principles

Security leadership

Program protection

DoD/IC security frameworks

Briefing and communication

Education

BS in a related DoD/IC field

Job description

The Principal SAP Security Specialist provides expert-level guidance and oversight for all security aspects of Special Access Programs (SAPs), including day‑to‑day management of government and contractor sites. This role requires extensive experience and a deep understanding of complex program protection methodologies, evolving threat landscapes, and all relevant security disciplines. The Principal Specialist works with a Program Management Office (PMO) to ensure compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive security architectures for highly sensitive programs across the entire spectrum of classification.
• Develop and implement advanced program protection strategies, anticipating future threats and vulnerabilities.
• Provide expert guidance on the application and monitoring of complex security requirements (physical, information, personnel, industrial) and develop and implement security policy improvements.
• Oversee the creation and review of all SAP security documentation, ensuring compliance and best practices. This includes:
• Security Classification Guides (SCGs); all levels
• Program Protection Plans
• Test Security Plans
• Public Affairs (PA) / Perception Management Plans
• Exposure Contingency Plans (ECP)
• Network Accreditation Plans
• System Security Plans
• Technology Transfer and Program Transition Plans
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Co‑Utilization Agreements (CUA)
• O'CONUS Deployment Plans
• Managed Access Plans
• Treaty Compliance Plans
• Transportation Plans
• Dismantle, Disposition & Demilitarization Plans
• Detailed trip & meeting reports
• Memorandums of Understanding (MOU)
• Memorandums of Agreements (MOA)
• Provide expert interpretation and application of Executive Order 13526, the NISPOM, DoD Information Security Manuals, and DoD SAP Security Manuals.
• Lead security accreditation efforts and manage relationships with accrediting authorities.
• Direct the development and execution of OPSEC plans and activities.
• Manage and mentor a team of SAP security specialists.
• Represent the organization in senior‑level meetings and briefings and provide strategic guidance to leadership on SAP security matters.
• Lead security incident response and investigations.
• Communicate effectively with other service /agency program security staffs, including, but not limited to, the Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency (DCSA), Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Department of Energy, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), and agencies and offices within the IC.
• Actively support Agency Staff Assistance Visits of cleared defense industry base contractors and government agencies as well as the CYBERCOM Self‑Inspection Programs.
• Plan and assist with program close‑out actions, including participation in program close‑out reviews at performer sites.
• Participate in and play a key role in the Broad Area Announcement (BAA) process in support of new programs, provide security support to all classification and security‑architected programs, and ensure security support for all classified programs. Support the PM’s vision to bring in new ideas while protecting National Security interests.

Qualifications

• BS with a minimum of 10 years of related DoD or IC experience.
• Candidates must hold a TS/SCI with the willingness and ability to pass a CI polygraph; it is highly desirable for candidates to have taken and passed CI polygraph within the past three years.
• Expert-level knowledge of SAP security principles, regulations, and emerging best practices.
• Deep understanding of physical, personnel, and industrial security requirements within a complex SAP environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, briefing, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to lead and manage large security teams and complex projects.
• Strategic thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Qualifying relevant experience includes recent experience in successfully performing as a program security representative (or similar title) for one or more programs on a contract or in an organization that provides security support to a federal entity or private corporation in a classified environment.
• Fundamental knowledge of the basics of program protection, classification architectures, Operations Security (OPSEC), Communications Security (COMSEC), sensitive test planning, intelligence & counterintelligence threat support requirements, secure information transmission, secure hardware transportation, and the principles governing controls on fundamental research activities.

Travel Requirements: Limited travel within the region.