SCIF Security Specialist 4

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) with matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Washington, DC seeks an experienced SCIF Security Specialist 4 to provide expert-level leadership for SCIFs and SAPs. This onsite role requires interpretation of ICDs, DOE Orders, and IC directives, overseeing accreditation, risk assessments, and security programs to protect national security information.

The role reports to the SSO/PSO framework, liaises with DOE, IC and external sponsors, and leads investigations, audits, and training efforts while ensuring

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge across SCIF operations and security disciplines.
• Senior security leadership experience (SSO/PSO) in sensitive programs.
• Deep familiarity with ICDs, DCIDs, NISPOM and DOE orders.

Responsibilities

• Lead SCIF and SAP security programs, including physical, personnel, information and computer security.
• Coordinate with DOE, NNSA, IC and sponsors on security requirements and accreditation.
• Plan, direct and conduct security audits, risk assessments and corrective actions.
• Provide expert guidance on security policy interpretation and training programs.
• Mentor staff and serve as a primary interface with federal authorities.

Skills

SCIF operations

Security leadership

DOE/NNSA policies

Interagency coordination

Incident investigations

Education

Bachelor's degree

12 years related experience

Job description

What You Will Do

This is an onsite position stationed in Washington, DC. The Sensitive and Special Operations Division (SSO) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated SCIF Security Specialist 4 to provide expert-level security leadership in support of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) and Field Intelligence Element (FIE) operations. This position reports to the SSO-4 Security Manager and serves as the Laboratory's principal security representative for assigned SCIFs, providing strategic oversight and technical leadership to ensure compliance with Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Intelligence Community (IC), and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) security requirements. This position serves as a Special Security Officer (SSO) or Program Security Officer (PSO) responsible for the secure operation, accreditation, and oversight of SCIFs and associated intelligence activities. The selected individual will independently interpret and implement complex security policies, develop security programs, lead risk assessments and corrective actions, and serve as the primary interface with DOE Headquarters, DOE Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence (DOE-IN), federal oversight organizations, Intelligence Community partners, and external program sponsors. As the senior security authority for assigned facilities, this position exercises a high degree of independent judgment and serves as a trusted advisor to Laboratory management, customers, and sponsors on all matters related to SCIF operations, security compliance, and safeguards. This position requires expert knowledge of Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs), DOE Orders, and national security policies governing classified operations, with significant responsibility for protecting national security information, personnel, facilities, and operations. This position provides internal and external customer support where the consequence of error is exceptionally high and directly impacts the protection of national security interests.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the designated Special Security Officer (SSO) or Program Security Officer (PSO) for assigned SCIFs and/or Special Access Programs (SAPs).
• Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive SCIF and SAP security and safeguards programs, including physical security, personnel security, information security, computer security, classified matter management (CREM/ACREM), and SCIF operations.
• Provide strategic leadership and technical expertise for SCIF accreditation, facility operations, and compliance with DOE, NNSA, Intelligence Community, and Laboratory requirements.
• Serve as the Laboratory interface with DOE-IN, DOE Headquarters, Intelligence Community representatives, federal oversight organizations, and external program sponsors regarding SCIF operations, accreditation, policies, and security requirements.
• Interpret, develop, and implement Laboratory security policies, procedures, standards, training, and corrective actions supporting SCIF and SAP operations.
• Lead security risk assessments, vulnerability analyses, and mitigation planning to ensure appropriate protection of personnel, facilities, information, and operations.
• Independently plan, direct, and conduct complex security audits, inspections, self-assessments, and compliance reviews, providing executive-level briefings on findings, risks, and corrective actions.
• Lead investigations into complex security incidents and coordinate with Laboratory and federal security organizations to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and assess effectiveness.
• Provide expert guidance and authoritative interpretation of DOE Orders, Intelligence Community Directives, and Laboratory safeguards and security requirements.
• Coordinate facility modifications, accreditation activities, construction projects, and operational changes affecting SCIFs and Limited Area facilities.
• Develop and maintain facility security plans, classification guidance, self-assessments, corrective action plans, and other security documentation.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to security professionals while serving as a subject matter expert for SCIF operations and safeguards programs.
• Travel regularly, approximately quarterly or more frequently as mission needs dictate, to support organizational priorities and business need.

ShiftWork

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Expert knowledge and demonstrated experience across multiple security disciplines, including SCIF operations, physical security, information security, computer security, personnel security, classified matter management (CREM/ACREM), and security compliance.
• Extensive experience serving as a Special Security Officer (SSO), Program Security Officer (PSO), or equivalent senior security role supporting Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities and/or Special Access Programs.
• Expert knowledge of DOE, NNSA, and Intelligence Community security policies, directives, and safeguards requirements, with demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory guidance.
• Demonstrated experience leading SCIF accreditation activities, facility operations, and security compliance programs.
• Extensive experience interacting with DOE Headquarters, DOE Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence (DOE-IN), Intelligence Community organizations, federal oversight personnel, and sponsor representatives.
• Demonstrated ability to independently resolve complex security issues requiring interpretation of federal security policy and implementation of corrective actions.
• Extensive experience planning, directing, and conducting security audits, inspections, vulnerability assessments, and self-assessments.
• Demonstrated experience developing security policies, procedures, standards, corrective actions, and security training programs.
• Expert knowledge of security database systems, documentation management, and electronic records management.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to prepare and present security briefings and reports to senior Laboratory leadership, federal officials, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOE Q and SCI clearances, which typically requires U.S. citizenship.
• You may be required to be on-call for duty at minimum of one week each month (24/7 including holidays). When on-call, you must be able to respond to the worksite within one hour.

Education/Experience

Position requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 12 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience. At this level a graduate degree is desired, specifically in security management, business, public administration, or a related field is desirable.

Desired Qualifications

• Extensive experience administering security programs in compliance with one or more of the following:
• Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs)
• Director of Central Intelligence Directives (DCIDs)
• National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM)
• DOE Orders related to Safeguards and Security
• Demonstrated experience leading DOE-IN, NNSA, or Intelligence Community inspections, assessments, and accreditation activities.
• Experience authoring or interpreting classification guides, facility security plans, security procedures, corrective action plans, and self-assessment reports.
• Extensive experience supporting Communications Security (COMSEC) programs and telecommunications security requirements.
• Demonstrated experience providing technical leadership, mentoring security professionals, and coordinating cross-organizational security activities.
• Active DOE Q Clearance with SCI access.

Note to Applicants

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Work Environment

Work Location

This is an onsite position stationed in Washington, DC.

Position commitment

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q/SCI

Clearance: Q/SCI (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

• Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.