Staff Program Security Officer (Pso)

Are you enthusiastic about working and collaborating with a highly skilled and motivated team that genuinely enjoys their work? We are currently seeking an experienced security professional to join us as a Staff Program Security Officer (PSO) supporting our Raleigh, NC office. As an PSO, your responsible for managing the security aspects of specific programs, projects, or initiatives within the ARA/IMS Sector and/or Divisions, particularly in contexts where sensitive or classified information is involved.

The Staff Program Security Officer (PSO) ensures that security measures are in place to protect program-related data, personnel, and assets. This role is considered crucial in supporting defense, government contracting, research and development, and any field that deals with classified or sensitive information. The PSO will work closely with ARA/IMS-Security Facility Security Officer (FSO) and shared services including, IT Security Department Team and the Security Compliance and Governance office. The PSO will report operationally to the ARA/IMS Director of Security Operations (DSO) and functionally to the FSO.

Candidates applying for this position must possess an active Top Secret security clearance, with the potential for obtaining a Top Secret/SCI clearance. Applications from individuals without an active security clearance will not be considered. This is a full-time position available as remote, hybrid or on-site.

Staff Program Security Officer (PSO) Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Create and sustain a centralized ticketing system to monitor client requests and services at the sector and division levels.
• Develop, implement, and monitor security plans, policies, and procedures specific to the program, ensuring alignment with overall organizational security policies.
• Establish and uphold adherence to Department of Defense (DoD) Manuals and Intelligence Community Directives (ICD), in addition to fulfilling the program-specific requirements of the IMS/Sector and IMS/Division(s).
• Oversee daily security operations and Intelligence Community Directive (ICDs) and NISP/NISPOM compliance for a secured facility.
• Ensure compliance with relevant security regulations, such as the National Industrial Security Program (NISP), Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), or other industry-specific security standards.
• Responsible for maintaining security program compliance to include managing NISS facility profile, submitting changed conditions packages, FCL Sponsorship packages, and responding to FCL packages.
• Maintain a relationship with multiple DoD Agency Representative(s), DCSA Representative(s), prime contractor and subcontractor FSO's and CSSO's.
• Work closely with the IMS/Security Compliance and Governance team in establishing security policies, procedures, and guidelines that align with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct self-evaluations and readiness for audits carried out by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Intelligence Community (IC).
• Managing, interpreting, generating, and monitoring contractual DD254s.
• Managing in-processing of new employees to include execution of SF 312 Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA); Program Access Requests (PARs); Program Indoctrination Agreements (PIAs); and other customer vetting processes as required.
• Manage and initiate personnel clearances and process visit access requests (VARs) in Defense Information System for Security (DISS) as well as all other applicable access documentation as needed.
• Manage the process and procedures for tracking and conducting foreign travel briefings and debriefings.
• Sustain an efficient program for document inventory and control, encompassing the management, shipment, and receipt of classified materials.
• Coordinate with government agencies or regulatory bodies to obtain and maintain necessary security clearances for the facility and personnel.
• Work closely with the IMS/Security - Security Specialist team to manage and operate physical security concepts to improve security in-depth posture.
• Evaluate and ensure the security practices of third-party vendors and contractors who have access to the facility or sensitive information.
• Develop and maintain emergency response plans and procedures to address security threats, natural disasters, or other emergencies.
• Identify security risks and vulnerabilities through regular assessments and take proactive measures to mitigate those risks.
• Investigate, document, and report security violations.
• Maintain security documentation as required.
• Maintain accurate records related to security clearances, incident reports, training records, and security equipment inventory.
• Provide security briefings and training to employees on security policies and procedures.

Staff Program Security Officer (PSO) Required Skills:

• Significant proficiency in utilizing US Government online systems, including the Defense Information System for Security (DISS), National Background Investigation Services (NBIS), Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP), and National Industrial Security System (NISS).
• Experience interfacing with DCSA and other government representatives.
• Experience collaborating with federal or government agencies as well as defense contractors.
• Working knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program (NISPOM) and Department of Defense regulations.
• Strong organizational skills and experience with Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
• Professional demeanor, possesses strong interpersonal skills, communicates effectively both in writing and verbally, and excels in a multitasking, dynamic environment.
• A strong sense of personal motivation and initiative to continuously acquire new skills and seamlessly adapt to a dynamic security landscape.
• Experience in security facility management, encompassing all security disciplines, with a particular focus on personnel, physical, and information security.

Staff Program Security Officer (PSO) Position Requirements:

• US Citizenship required.
• Active Top-Secret Clearance.
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) with 2 – 4 years of experience OR a Master's with 0-2 years of experience.
• Experienced with dealing with a comprehensive spectrum of security principles, concepts, practices, products, and services, along with expertise in assessing risk and vulnerability, implementing effective mitigation measures, and disseminating security procedures and processes.
• Experienced with frequent use and application of technical standards, principles, and theories.
• Providing solutions to technical problems of moderate scope/complexity under general direction and supervision.

Staff Program Security Officer (PSO) Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of DCSA Assessment and Authorization Process Manual (DAAPM).
• Knowledge of Closed Area Standards and Intelligence Community Directive 705.
• Knowledge of the NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-57 and the NIST SP 800-171.
• Knowledge of DoD Manuals 5200.01 volumes 1-4, 5205.07, ICD 705.
• Experience with NISS, DISS, SWFT, ACCS, Access Commander, or other government applications.
• Experience with SharePoint.

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,077 employee owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our 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.

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice with what happens in the company. We are also very proud of our Women’s Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.

To find out more about what the Integrated Mission Systems Sector has to offer, visit our website at https://www.ara.com/raleigh/

To learn more about our generous benefits program including health, life & disability, retirement, flexible spending, rewards & recognition, work/life balance, professional development and relocation visit https://www.ara.com/benefits/