Security Specialist (Polygraph Examiner) - Full Performance

National Reconnaissance Office; United States; On-site; USD 102,415 - 161,313; Full time

Job summary

National Reconnaissance Office seeks a Security Specialist (Polygraph Examiner) to support adjudicating SCI access within the Personnel Security Division. The role requires obtaining and maintaining certification, conducting polygraph examinations, and briefing leadership on notable cases.

Qualified candidates will be U.S. citizens, able to obtain TS/SCI clearance, and possess polygraph experience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work within DoD and ODNI frameworks.

Qualifications

• Citizenship, age 25+, four-year degree, and at least two years of investigative experience with CSP examination.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
• Analytical skills to apply data-gathering, evaluative techniques, and program policy analysis.
• Strong oral and written communication, including briefing and report preparation.
• Proven ability to plan, adjust work, and meet program requirements with available resources.
• Certified Polygraph Examiner (highly desired).
• Experience conducting and preparing for polygraph examinations (preferred).
• Experience interviewing and eliciting information from diverse sources.

Responsibilities

• Obtain and maintain federal polygraph examiner certification.
• Conduct polygraph examinations for individuals requiring TS/SCI access, including interviewing high-profile examinees.
• Ensure all examinations comply with legal, regulatory, and NRO security standards.
• Brief leadership on significant or noteworthy cases.
• Coordinate with peer examiners and supervisors for status updates and guidance.
• Review security and supporting documents to determine the appropriate course of action for polygraph testing.
• Participate in special projects, initiatives, and assignments.
• Protect classified materials by following sound security practices.
• Apply DoD Directive 5210.48, DoDI 5210.91, ODNI policy, and NRO directives related to polygraph and personnel security.

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Counterintelligence Security Polygraph CSP

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Security Specialist (Polygraph Examiner) – Full Performance

We are the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), a U.S. government agency that develops, operates, and collects space‑based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data. The NRO Office of Security and Counterintelligence (OS&CI) seeks experienced Polygraph Examiners to support the Personnel Security Division (PSD) in adjudicating Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.

Basic Eligibility

• U.S. Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
• Subject to pre‑employment and periodic drug testing
• Subject to pre‑employment and periodic polygraph examinations

Key Responsibilities

• Obtain and maintain federal polygraph examiner certification.
• Conduct polygraph examinations for individuals requiring access to TS/SCI information, including interviewing high‑profile examinees.
• Ensure all examinations comply with legal, regulatory, and NRO security and ethical standards.
• Brief leadership on significant or noteworthy cases.
• Coordinate with peer examiners and supervisors for status updates and guidance.
• Review security and supporting documents to determine the appropriate course of action for polygraph testing.
• Participate in special projects, initiatives, and assignments.
• Protect classified materials by following sound security practices.
• Apply DoD Directive 5210.48, DoDI 5210.91, ODNI policy, and NRO directives related to polygraph and personnel security.

Qualifications

• Completion of U.S. citizenship, at least 25 years of age, a four‑year bachelor’s degree, and at least two years of investigative experience, plus a successful Counterintelligence Security Polygraph (CSP) examination. (Admission to the NCCA PDD training program).
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
• Analytical skills to apply data‑gathering, evaluative techniques, and program policy analysis to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Strong oral and written communication, including briefing and report preparation.
• Proven ability to plan, adjust work, and meet program requirements within available resources.
• Certified Polygraph Examiner (highly desired).
• Experience conducting and preparing for polygraph examinations (preferred).
• Experience interviewing and eliciting information from diverse sources.

Locations and Compensation

Locations: Chantilly, VA; Denver, CO; Los Angeles, CA.

• Chantilly, VA – GG‑12: $102,415 – $133,142; GG‑13: $121,785 – $158,322
• Denver, CO – GG‑12: $99,800 – $129,742; GG‑13: $118,675 – $154,280
• Los Angeles, CA – GG‑12: $104,349 – $135,657; GG‑13: $124,085 – $161,313

Upon successful completion of the NCCA PDD training, adjusted salary ranges apply (see original posting for details).

Additional Information

• Overtime may be required, including evenings, weekends, or holidays.
• Travel may be required by military or commercial aircraft.
• Financial disclosure: annual OGE Form 450 filing required.
• Geographic mobility: directed reassignment may occur.
• Emergency essential status: incumbents must meet all position requirements.

Policy Statements

Equal Employment Opportunity: The United States Government does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected characteristic (see official policy link). Veterans’ preference applies as specified by DoD Instruction 1400.25.

Reasonable Accommodation: Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities. Requests should be directed to [e-mail].

Privacy Act Notice: Information collected is used to determine qualifications for employment. Authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361. Further details available at the Privacy Act of 1974 notice.