Special Access Programs Center of Excellence (COE) Manager (Hybrid)

Prattwhitney; East Hartford (CT); Hybrid; USD 157,200 - 298,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) match

Flexible work schedules

Paid time off and holidays

Incentive programs

Job summary

Prattwhitney is seeking an Associate Director for the SAP COE focused on Government Security Compliance in Hartford, CT. The role is hybrid (onsite/remote) and requires U.S. citizenship or lawful presence.

You will lead security strategy execution across SAP/SCI and DoD directives, serving as primary security integrator for government agencies and internal teams. Expect mentoring of security professionals and cross-program collaboration.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or Bachelor/Associate with extensive security experience.
• Strong knowledge of security governance and DoD requirements.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and improve security processes and governance.
• Lead DoD SAP Security Manual and SOP implementations.
• Embed security functions across programs and liaise with leadership.
• Advise leadership on posture, threats, and mitigations.
• Coach and mentor the security team to meet program goals.
• Investigate incidents and identify root causes with remediation actions.

Skills

MS Office proficiency

Education

Security certifications (CPP, Security+, CISSP, PMP)

Job description

Position Overview

Associate Director – SAP COE (Government Security Compliance)

Location: Hartford, CT, United States – Hybrid (mix of onsite and remote). U.S. citizen or lawful U.S. person required.

Lead execution and continuous improvement of security strategies, policies, and procedures supporting SAP/SCI and Department of Defense Special Access Program directives. Act as primary program security integrator and point of contact for government agencies, internal teams, and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and improve security processes and systems to enhance competitive position.
• Identify and execute opportunities to improve security governance and operational efficiency within GSC.
• Lead implementation of the Department of Defense Special Access Program Security Manual, company SOPs, and contractual security requirements.
• Recommend and implement functional strategies and operational plans with direct impact on results.
• Serve as liaison across multiple programs, ensuring security functions are embedded into program operations.
• Provide trusted advisory to program security leadership, delivering cross-program insight, risk perspective, and alignment recommendations.
• Lead a team of security professionals, ensuring proper training, mentorship, and adherence to program goals.
• Advise leadership on security posture, risk exposure, compliance requirements, and emerging threats, supporting continuous improvement.
• Drive consistency and standardization of security practices across programs while allowing mission‑specific flexibility.
• Conduct investigations and respond to potential security incidents, identifying root causes and providing mitigation actions to senior leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree with 10+ years of security, military, or defense experience OR Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of relevant industry experience OR Associate’s degree with 14+ years of relevant industry experience OR High School diploma with 16+ years of relevant industry experience.
• At least 5 years working directly in Industrial Security field.
• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance at SECRET level or higher; ability to obtain TOP SECRET clearance with SAP/SCI access.
• Ability to meet enhanced security requirements to obtain and maintain access to Special Access Programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree, preferably in a legal or security‑related field.
• Direct experience with Special Access Programs or compartmented secure programs.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Professional certifications in security, cybersecurity, risk management, and/or project management (e.g., CPP, Security+, CISSP, PMP).

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $157,200 – $298,800 USD.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability.
• 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules.
• Employee assistance program, family leave and paid time off, holidays.
• Annual short‑term and long‑term incentive compensation programs, subject to eligibility and performance.

Equal Opportunity Employment

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.