Program Security Officer (PSO) - Applied Research Associates, Inc

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 Program Security Officer (PSO) supporting our Raleigh, NC office. As an PSO, you will be responsible for managing the security requirements of specific programs, projects, or initiatives within Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) Sector of ARA, particularly in contexts where sensitive or classified information is involved.

The 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 IMS Facility Security Officer (FSO) in Raleigh, NC and shared services including the IT Security Team. The PSO will report to  the FSO.

Candidates applying for this position must possess an active Top-Secret security clearance, with SCI eligibility. Applications from individuals without an active security clearance will not be considered. This is a full-time, in-person position with the option of hybrid work schedule after 12 months.

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

• Develop, implement, and monitor security plans, policies, and procedures specific to the program, ensuring alignment with overall organizational security policies and government regulations.
• Establish and uphold adherence to Department of Defense (DoD) Manuals and Intelligence Community Directives (ICD), in addition to fulfilling the program-specific requirements.).
• Support daily security operations of Intelligence Community Directive (ICDs) and NISP/NISPOM compliance for a secured facility.
• Support the site FSO with security program compliance by providing updates impacting the NISS facility profile and change conditions to include crucial changes to contracts such as new and terminating prime and subcontracts.
• Support self-evaluations and readiness for audits carried out by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Intelligence Community (IC).
• Manage, track and generate contractual DD254s.
• Conduct 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.
• 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.
• Sustain an efficient program for document inventory and control, encompassing the management, shipment, and receipt of classified materials.
• Identify security risks and vulnerabilities through regular assessments and take proactive measures to mitigate those risks.
• 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.

Program Security Officer (PSO) Required Skills:

• 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 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.

Program Security Officer (PSO) Position Requirements:

• US Citizenship required.
• Active Top-Secret Clearance with SCI Eligibility.
• 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.

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 2,0771 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/

Experience

• 2 - 4 years: Relevant Work Experience

Education

• Bachelors or better

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)