Contractor Program Security Officer

Position specifics

We are searching for a self‑starting, customer service‑oriented Contractor Program Security Officer to join our Special Programs Security Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This position will be responsible for development and administration of local security programs/procedures for classified and proprietary materials, documents, and equipment in support of United States Government (USG) and Department of Defense (DoD) programs.

ARL is an authorized DoD Skill Bridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

• Apply a working knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs), and sponsor’s amplifying instructions to assist the day‑to‑day of the Industrial Security Program operations
• Assist with implementation of visitor control, safeguarding, classification management, physical security, information system security, security education, access control, alarm testing and maintenance, and personnel security for adherence to all government security requirements
• Assist with development, review, coordination, and execution of Program Security documentation such as Fixed Facility Checklist, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Transportation Plans, Program Access Requests (PARs), Emergency Action Plan (EAP), Disaster Recovery Plan, Continuity of Business Plan, and Document and Media Control
• Manage the control of electronic devices and other security items
• Assist opening and closing of facilities, perform end‑of‑day checks and daily inspections; provide/coordinate after‑hours alarm support
• Engage and collaborate with sponsor security staff to ensure program security policies and procedures follow company and customer requirements
• Establish and maintain effective communications with customers, security staff, program leads, and department management
• Collaborate with other security staff for special projects as required
• Assist with escorting visitors, which may require support outside of normal business hours
• Assist the local Communications Security (COMSEC) account manager for COMSEC policy implementation
• Coordinate and support classified conferences and provide visitor management support and badging

• An active Top Secret security clearance, with SCI eligibility
• Industrial security
• Success in environments, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective

• Government security policies, automated information systems security, physical security, and personnel security

Your working location will be fully on‑site, located in State College, Pennsylvania. You will be responsible for responding to alarms and escorting visitors, sometimes at off‑hours.

If filled as Integrated Security Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required

Certifications:

None. If filled as Integrated Security Specialist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:
Associate Degree 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required

Certifications:

None.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,200.00 - $. The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support…