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). This position will support a portfolio of classified contracts operating out of the Raleigh office by collaborating with Program Managers, government customers, the Special Security Office, and Cyber Security department.

What you’ll do as a Program Security Officer at ARA:

• 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. Routes 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. Coordinates and collaborates with Assistant Facility Security Officer, Special Security Office, and Cyber Security department to meet security related mission requirements.


• Provides classified shipping support to program staff. These tasks include, but are not limited to, receiving and actioning document control number requests, verifying facility clearance levels of receiving facility, 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.


• Classified meeting support â€‹to include 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.


• Conducts 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.

Program Security Officer Requirements:

• Due to the nature of work performance, 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’ experience OR 4-6 years’ 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 the Cleared Defense Contractors, 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.

Program Security Officer Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Current Top Secret/SCI security clearance eligibility.


• Experience with the 32 CFR Part 117, ICD 705, DoD Directive 5200.01, volumes 1-4, and/or DoD Instruction 8500.01.


• Completion of Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) Facility Security Officer for Possessing Facilities curriculum (required to be completed within six months of hire).

ARA Raleigh Security Team:

The ARA Raleigh Security Team is comprised of three sections that fall under the Facility Security Officer – Security Operations Manager: Program Security, Special Security (SCI), and Cyber Security. These three teams collaborate to ensure security compliance across the Sector while maintaining positive working relationships with program managers and staff. We operate in an ever evolving and dynamic environment and pride ourselves on our ability to adapt as a team.  

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 2,223 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 in what happens in the company.

To find out more about what the ARA Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) sector has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/raleigh/