Security Specialist – Program Security Officer

Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc. Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) has an immediate need for a Security Specialist, Program Security Officer in the Raleigh Office. This position will report directly to the Assistant Facility Security Officer (AFSO) and assist other security subject‑matter experts (FSO, CSSO, and ISSM) in ensuring compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Department of Defense (DoD) regulations and Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs).

The role supports a portfolio of classified contracts operating out of the Raleigh office by collaborating with Program Managers, government customers, the Special Security Office, and the Cyber Security department.

• Assist in ensuring compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) Manuals, 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM), and Intelligence Community Directives (ICD) as well as specific program requirements.
• Act as primary Security point of contact for Program Managers and program staff, routing all inquiries and requests to the appropriate security entity for action. These include, but are not limited to, CAC requests, classified account requests, execution of the SF 312 Non‑Disclosure Agreement (NDA), SCI nominations, and visit access requests in the Defense Information Security System (DISS) and the Army Centralized Contracts and Security Portal (ACCS).
• Work with Program Managers to interpret security requirements as outlined in Requests for Proposals and awarded DD 254s. Coordinate and collaborate with the Assistant Facility Security Officer, Special Security Office, and Cyber Security department to meet security‑related mission requirements.
• Provide classified shipping support to program staff, including receiving and actioning document control number requests, verifying facility clearance levels of receiving facilities, coordinating with program staff and/or cyber security, processing received classified packages, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
• Train and advise staff on appropriate procedures for transmitting classified documents and data.
• Support classified meetings by verifying VARs, maintaining access rosters, tracking attendance, performing security briefs, and ensuring required security documentation is completed and retained.
• Oversee employee security clearance processing through DISS/DoD systems.
• Maintain security personnel records.
• Ensure security requirements flow down to subcontractors.
• Safeguard classified information in accordance with the NISPOM.
• Manage receipt, storage, transmission, reproduction, and destruction of classified material.
• Coordinate with Program Managers to conduct classified inventory audits and compliance checks.
• Establish and maintain successful working relationships with government and internal customers.
• Conduct security onboarding of all ARA‑IMS new hires.
• May require work outside of normal duty hours as driven by mission requirements.
• Fulfill other duties as required.

• US citizenship is required.
• Current Secret eligibility with the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret/SCI eligibility within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Bachelor’s degree with 2‑4 years of experience OR 4‑6 years of experience in lieu of a degree.
• Experience working with the Defense Information System for Security (DISS), the Army Centralized Contracts and Security Portal (ACCS), and/or the National Industrial Security System (NISS).
• Experience working with Cleared Defense Contractors, the Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), and/or the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).
• Ability to communicate effectively with defense contractors, government representatives, and program staff in a professional manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Current Top Secret/SCI security clearance eligibility.
• Experience with 32 CFR Part 117, ICD 705, DoD Directive 5200.01 volumes 1‑4, and/or DoD Instruction 8500.01.
• Completion of the Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) Facility Security Officer for Possessing Facilities curriculum (required to be completed within six months of hire).

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.