Physical Security Specialist

Our client is seeking a qualified and experienced Physical Security Support person to provide operational support, program management expertise, and subject matter experience within a restricted Army compound in Northern Virginia. This role is responsible for administering the facility’s Key and Lock Control Program in compliance with Department of the Army standards, as well as providing technical physical security expertise concerning perimeter security (fencing, gates, barriers), electronic access control (i.e. badging), and facility vulnerability mitigation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Key & Lock Program Management

• Serve as the primary technical custodian for the compound Key Control Program in accordance with AR 190-51, AR 190-11, and local standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  
  


• Maintain, audit, and secure all key control registers (DA Form 5513 / equivalent automated tracking systems), master keys, high-security padlocks, and key repositories.
  
  


• Conduct mandatory periodic inventories (daily, monthly, semi-annual) and maintain complete chain-of-custody documentation.
  
  


• Coordinate lock replacements, core changes, combination changes, and re-keying operations following staff turnover or compromised access.
  
  

2. Physical Security Infrastructure & Advisory

• Serve as an on-site physical security advisor, providing technical recommendations for structural and perimeter hardening initiatives.
  
  


• Evaluate and specify requirements for physical barriers, perimeter fencing (e.g., height, fabric gauge, top guards, clear zones), vehicular/pedestrian gates, turnstiles, and security lighting.
  
  


• Support development of workforce development training in areas of expertise.
  
  


• Assist in preparing requirements and drafting and reviewing engineering designs for barrier installations and facility renovations to ensure adherence to UFC 4-020-01 (DoD Security Engineering) and AR 190-13.
  
  

3. Access Control & Electronic Security Systems

• Advise on and support the administration of the automated badge reader infrastructure and other intrusion detection systems, and visitor verification processes for restricted area entry.
  
  


• Coordinate with facilities personnel and other appropriate activities to ensure integration between badge access readers, automated gates, and other systems.
  
  

4. Assessments, Compliance, & Reporting

• Conduct physical security surveys, inspections, and risk/vulnerability assessments across the compound; recommend corrective action plans for observed deficiencies.
  
  


• Prepare, update, and maintain SOPs and Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) in areas of expertise as needed.
  
  


• Support command physical security-related inspections and track remediation tasks.
  
  

Job Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience, with 3 years of specialized experience in military, DoD, or federal physical security operations.
  
  


• Key Control Expertise: Hands-on experience managing or auditing an Army/DoD Key and Lock Control Program.
  
  


• Regulatory Knowledge: Working knowledge of AR 190-13 (The Army Physical Security Program), AR 190-51 (Security of Unclassified Army Property), AR 190-11 (Physical Security of Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives), and DoD Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC).
  
  


• Communication: Strong technical writing and briefing skills, capable of liaising between leadership, engineers, scientists, and contracted technicians.
  
  


• U.S. Citizenship required.
  
  


• Active Secret Clearance preferred; must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance.
  
  

Benefits