Contractor Special Security Officer; CSSO​/Facility Security Officer; FSO

Position: Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO)/Facility Security Officer (FSO)

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I love recruiting for ARL at Penn State; let's connect and I can tell you why! Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO)/Facility Security Officer (FSO)

The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a university center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas. We are looking for an energetic, detail-oriented, analytical, and self‑starting security professional to join us at our Reston, VA, location.

In this position, you’ll be a key contributor of our security team, building high‑trust partnerships with our team and management as you support collateral and sensitive compartmented information programs. The working environment for this role is fully on‑site in Reston, VA, with periodic travel to remote locations.

You will be responsible to follow the 32 CFR Part 117 National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Intelligence Community Directive (ICD), and other government regulations to administer aspects of the Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence, and other industrial security programs while ensuring compliance with government and ARL security policies and procedures. These areas include classified control/sensitive information handling, personnel security, physical security/access control, and inspections/audits/investigations.

Required

Skills/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus a minimum of 3 years (lower level) and 6 years (higher level) of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Active security clearance, at the Top‑Secret level or higher with the ability to obtain SCI eligibility
• Defense Information System for Security (DISS), Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Process (e‑QIP)/eAPP, National Industrial Security System (NISS), and National Background Investigations Services (NBIS)
• Industrial security with 32 CFR, 117 NISPOM, and ICD knowledge
• Personnel and physical security, visitor control, and document handling
• Security management in a contractor community
• Completion of FSO Program Management for Possessing Facilities in Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE)
• Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point
• Ability to effectively manage ambiguity and multi‑task in a fast‑paced and agile environment
• Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective

Additional Qualifications

• Completion of SCI Contractors Special Security Officer (CSSO) course
• Completion of additional CDSE correspondence courses
• Knowledge of DOD/IC policy and nomination process

Benefits

ARL/Penn State’s office in Reston, VA, is our hub in the National Capital Region for research, development, innovation, and engagement with Washington, DC, area sponsors. We are on the metro line and offer free parking and free access to the building’s gym.

You will be subject to a government security investigation, and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen.
SALARY RANGE WILL BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL

Further Information

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site .psu.edu.

Benefits Summary

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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