Senior Lead Security Specialist

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Program Mission Support, Engineering & Analysis, and Training.

Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated, detail‑oriented Senior Lead Security Specialist to join our team at the Pentagon. In this senior role, you will be responsible for ensuring strict compliance with government security policies, procedures, and requirements for Special Access Programs (SAPs) within the organization. You will help safeguard highly sensitive information, ensure compliance with government and company regulations, and foster a strong culture of security awareness across the enterprise.

As the Senior Lead Security Specialist, you will manage key internal and external relationships, including Government and industry stakeholders, and serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and program teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Support implementation and compliance with the National Industrial Security Program (NISP), Intelligence Community Directives (ICD), DoD SAP policy, NISPOM, and related security directives.
• Develop, update, and enforce SAP Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and related security documentation.

• Implement, monitor, and maintain security protocols for SAPs and other classified programs.
• Manage all aspects of access control and visitor management for SAP facilities, including badging, entry authorization, and visit certifications.
• Receive, distribute, inventory, reproduce, and dispose of classified materials in accordance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Conduct security briefings, debriefings, and recurring training for SAP personnel and visitors.
• Maintain accurate and complete records for personnel security, visit requests, SAP documentation, and access logs.

• Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with DoD, NISPOM, ICD, and company security policies.
• Conduct and support site assessment visits; interface with site leadership to support security programs and attend vulnerability assessments when issues arise.
• Periodically inspect facilities to verify compliance with physical security and SAP facility (ICD 705) standards; recommend and track corrective actions as needed.
• Support internal investigations addressing the loss, compromise, or suspected compromise of classified information under the NISP or customer‑supplied directives.
• Coordinate and support incident response and reporting for security violations, spillage, and other security concerns.

• Implement ICD 705 standards for SAP facilities in coordination with government customers and internal stakeholders.
• Work directly with DoD and Service SAP Central Offices (SAPCOs) on program security requirements and facility matters.
• Support multiple concurrent SAP and classified programs, including Major Defense Acquisition Programs (ACAT I).
• Assist with drafting and disseminating appointment letters for Access Approval Authority (AAA), Program Security Officers (PSOs), SAP Accrediting Officials, and SAP Personnel Security Officials.

• Oversee programs designed to mentor and develop security professionals to maintain high proficiency and retain top talent across the organization.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior security staff and support continuous improvement of the security program.
• Facilitate development and delivery of training programs for security personnel to support the implementation, administration, and execution of SAP security requirements.

• Interface with government customers, program managers, and internal staff on SAP security issues and requirements.

• U.S. citizenship.
• Active TS clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Ability to obtain and maintain SAP/SAR accesses.
• 10+ years of relevant DoD/IC program security management experience.
• Demonstrated Special Access Program (SAP) experience, including hands‑on program security management.
• Extensive knowledge of SAP standards, policy processes, U.S. Government practices, and applicable security laws and regulations.
• Solid knowledge of DoD, NISPOM, and ICD security requirements and related policies.
• Experience managing ICD 705 facility projects and implementing ICD 705 standards for SAP facilities.
• Experience working directly with DoD and Service SAPCOs.
• Demonstrated experience with classified information handling, access control, and physical security.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Analytical mindset with effective problem‑solving skills and demonstrated ability for advanced conceptual thinking in complex and/or new situations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.