Security Specialist

Austin Community College; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A research and engineering firm in Albuquerque is seeking a Security Specialist to assist with compliance and support the U.S. Department of Defense. The role requires U.S. citizenship, an active Secret security clearance, and a bachelor’s degree or related experience. Candidates should possess strong communication and organizational skills, with a track record of interacting professionally with government representatives. This full-time position offers opportunities for growth within a dynamic organization.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Active Secret security clearance with eligibility to maintain SCI/SAP.
• 2 years related experience or 6-8 years experience in lieu of a degree.

Responsibilities

• Assist in ensuring compliance with DoD Manuals and NISPOM.
• Provide security indoctrinations and briefings as necessary.
• Manage personnel clearances and classified account requests.

Skills

Excellent written communication

Organizational skills

Ability to interact with government representatives

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

DISS

Access Commander

Job description

Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc. Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) has an immediate need for a Security Specialist in the Raleigh area. In this position you will assist Security Matters Experts (FSO, CPSO & CSSO) in ensuring compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Department of Defense (DoD) regulations and Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs).

In this role, you will perform daily functions in support of a rapidly growing security program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our security program maintains the highest level of integrity and security excellence. This is a full‑time, on‑site position (40 hours per week). Successful applicants will display the highest degree of personal and professional integrity and possess the ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and be flexible as priorities often shift.

Responsibilities

• Assist in ensuring compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) Manuals, 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM), and Intelligence Community Directives (ICD) as well as specific program requirements
• Assist in developing and providing security indoctrinations, debriefings, pre/post travel briefings, annual refresher briefings and other security‑related trainings as required
• In-process new employees to include CAC requests, classified account requests, execution of the SF 312 Non‑Disclosure Agreement (NDA), process and manage personnel clearances to include SCI/SAP nominations and visit access requests in the Defense Information Security System (DISS) and the Army Centralized Contracts and Security Portal (ACCS)
• Provide employees with personnel security guidance consistent with the 13 adjudicative guidelines to assist them in managing their clearances
• Apply physical security concepts to improve security in‑depth posture; maintain Intrusion Detection and Access Control Systems in accordance with DoD, ICD 705, and UL 2050 standards
• Assist in coordinating and conducting the physical and electronic transfer of classified materials between geographically separated facilities and train staff on appropriate procedures for hand‑carrying classified documents
• Assist the CSSO/CPSO and Security Administrators to provide consistent security practices across all the Traditional, SCI and SAP channels to satisfy internal and external customers
• Interface with Program Managers on classified efforts to satisfy access needs and ensure protection of sensitive information
• Coordinate classification management and classification marking guidance as needed
• Assist in maintaining an effective document inventory and control program for the management, shipping and receiving of classified material
• Establish and maintain successful working relationships with government and internal customers

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required
• Active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI/SAP eligibility
• Bachelor’s degree along with 2 years related experience OR 6‑8 years of related experience in lieu of a degree
• Excellent written communication, report writing, and organizational skills
• Ability to interact with defense contractors, DCSA, and other government representatives in a professional manner

Desired Skills and Experience

• Experience with the 32 CFR Part 117, DoD Directive 5200.01, volumes 1‑4, and ICD 705
• Experience with DISS, NISS, ACCS, and eQip database system
• Experience with Access Commander or similar security database
• Experience working with defense sub‑contractors
• CDSE FSO Curriculum for Possessing Facilities (required within 6 months of hire)
• TS//SCI adjudication

About Us

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee‑owned international research and engineering company known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We were founded in Albuquerque, NM in 1979 as the disco era was, thankfully, closing out and the personal computer era was beginning. We employ over 2,300 professionals and continue to grow. ARA offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software, and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets, so we give our employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take active roles as owners. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. The company realizes employee ownership leads to greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels.

Education

• Bachelors or better

Licenses & Certifications

• Sfgrd Prsnl Idntifbl Info

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.