Head of Security

The Opportunity

Avantor (Nusil) is looking for a Head of Security to develop security programs and lead the security organization that supports our high‑performance silicones business serving the Aerospace & Defense industries. This is a full‑time position that reports to a member of the Nusil executive leadership team and will be based out of Carpinteria, California.

• Bachelor's degree with six years of relevant security experience or four years of relevant security experience with a Master's degree.
• Working knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and/or NIST SP 800-171, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).

• U.S. Citizen.
• Active U.S. Government security clearance.
• Complete or complete within three months of hire the FSO Program Management for Possessing Facilities Course and the Insider Threat Program Management Course (available online through DCSA).
• Demonstrated understanding and implementation of security programs and processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with customers, suppliers, and associates.
• Experience leading or mentoring other personnel in a team environment.
• Maintain an active U.S. Government clearance at Secret level with a background investigation date within the last six years.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period to meet business needs.
• Comprehensive understanding of NISPOM, DFARS, and NIST standards for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) (NIST SP 800-171/172).
• Understanding of DD‑254 implementation requirements.
• OPSEC program experience.
• Proficient with NISS / NCAISS, DISS, DIBNet.
• Adapt to a fast‑paced and challenging work environment while demonstrating exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Positive working relationship with internal and external customers.
• Work independently and follow projects through to completion.
• Maintain flexibility to handle changing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Develop and manage all aspects of security with minimal direction, identify security risks, and lead a team to implement solutions.
• Maintain current understanding of federal and defense regulations related to aerospace and defense acquisitions, cybersecurity, physical security, information security, and personnel security.
• Manage the Company System Security Plan (SSP), Facility Clearance (FCL), and Insider Threat Program in compliance with the NISPOM.
• Initiate and manage personnel security clearances (PCL) for key management personnel and other employees requiring access to classified information.
• Create, review, and update security policies, procedures, and instructions related to the protection of classified information, CUI, and export controlled information.
• Maintain and grow working relationships with government agencies and prime contractors to support business needs.
• Serve as Subject Matter Expert for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and provide guidance to leadership, Avantor, local IT, and cybersecurity teams.
• Manage and maintain the security incident response plan, including leading investigations and providing recommendations to leadership.
• Develop and maintain security education and training programs.
• Facilitate effective management of access controls, including badge system administration, alarm system administration, visitor policy, and key control.
• Review and approve change orders related to cybersecurity to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (NIST, CMMC, DFARs).
• Investigate security violations and coordinate security audits, reviewing reports and ensuring required corrective and preventive actions are implemented.
• Manage the Material Handling Plan and physical access to controlled areas.
• Provide guidance on appropriate classification markings for ITAR, EAR, CUI, FCI, and classified data.
• Lead a team of security professionals to ensure consistent application of leadership characteristics…