Security Specialist - Program Protection

AMERICAN SYSTEMS; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 133,000 - 221,000; Full time

Job summary

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is seeking a Security Specialist - Program Protection to safeguard critical information and mission capabilities across the program lifecycle. The role emphasizes risk-informed protection, vulnerability assessment, and coordination with government, contractors, and stakeholders to embed security in planning and execution.

The ideal candidate will have TS clearance with SCI eligibility, a relevant advanced degree or equivalent experience, and a proven ability to lead in

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with 10 years of directly relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree + 14 years of directly related work experience.
• Experience coordinating with Government, contractor, and external stakeholders.
• Active TS clearance with SCI eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain program-protection plans and assessments.
• Identify critical information, technologies, and dependencies.
• Assess vulnerabilities and security risks to program information.
• Integrate protective requirements into engineering, acquisition, and operations.
• Coordinate safeguards with Government and stakeholders.
• Prepare leadership briefings on protection priorities.
• Track implementation and document risks and corrective actions.
• Evaluate changes in threat conditions and update strategies.

Skills

Program protection

Security clearance

Leadership

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree + 14+ years

Job description

Overview

AMERICAN SYSTEMSis an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Engineering & Analysis, Test & Evaluation, and Training.

Responsibilities

As The Security Specialist - Program Protection, you will:

• Integrates safeguards into planning and execution to protect critical information, sensitive technologies, and mission capabilities from compromise or exploitation.

• Support risk-informed protection strategies, develop and maintain protective documentation, and coordinate security measures across engineering, acquisition, operations, security, and other functional stakeholders.

• Evaluate vulnerabilities and dependencies, translate identified risks into practical controls, and monitor implementation throughout program activities.

• By maintaining a coherent view of threats, critical assets, and protective actions, the Security Specialist Program Protection helps leadership make informed decisions and ensures that security considerations remain embedded in technical and operational planning rather than addressed only after risks emerge.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain program-protection plans, strategies, assessments, and supporting documentation.
• Identify critical information, technologies, capabilities, and dependencies requiring coordinated protection measures.
• Assess vulnerabilities and security risks that could affect sensitive program information or mission capabilities.
• Integrate protective requirements into engineering, acquisition, operational, sustainment, and decision-making activities.
• Coordinate safeguards with Government security, technical, intelligence, export, disclosure, and operational stakeholders.
• Track implementation of approved protection measures and document risks, decisions, exceptions, and corrective actions.
• Prepare leadership briefings and recommendations addressing protection priorities, residual risk, and emerging concerns.
• Evaluate changes in program activities or threat conditions and recommend updates to protective strategies.

#F35

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant discipline and 10 years of directly relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline plus 14 years of directly related work experience.
• Experience must include support to Special Access Program and Sensitive Compartmented Information environments
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively across Government, contractor, and external stakeholders; prepare briefings, reports, standard operating procedures, and official correspondence; and lead a team in fast paced classified environments.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility; must be able to meet any applicable Special Access Program eligibility requirements identified by the Government.

Pay Transparency Statement

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $132,500.00/Yr. - USD $221,300.00/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.

EEO Statement

EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status