Contractor Program Security Officer (CPSO)

Apex

$108K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
  • 3-5 years as Program Security Officer in SCI/SAP environments
  • Knowledge of NISPOM and Intelligence Community Directives
  • Experience with SCIF/SAPF accreditation processes
  • Familiarity with personnel security systems
  • Strong communication skills for security documentation

Responsibilities

  • Act as primary security authority for assigned SCI and SAP programs
  • Develop and maintain Program Security Instructions and documentation
  • Conduct security briefings, debriefings, and indoctrinations
  • Manage personnel security records and access rosters
  • Ensure compliance with national security regulations
  • Investigate security incidents and prepare reports
  • Oversee handling and storage of classified materials

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in a high-security environment
  • Engagement with government security representatives
  • Access to professional development opportunities
  • Possibility of supporting multiple government programs
  • Involvement in vital national security operations
Full Job Description
About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Contractor Program Security Officer (CPSO) to support our portfolio of classified programs at the SCI and Special Access Program (SAP) levels reporting to the Apex Director of Security / FSO. In this role, you will serve as the primary security authority for assigned programs, ensuring compliance with all applicable government regulations and directives governing the protection of classified national security information. You will work closely with Program Managers, Government Security Representatives, and senior leadership to develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive security programs that enable mission success while protecting critical assets and information.

Key Responsibilities

Program Security Management
• Serve as the primary security point of contact for assigned SCI and SAP programs, providing day-to-day security oversight and guidance to program personnel.
• Develop, implement, and maintain Program Security Instructions (PSIs), Security Classification Guides (SCGs), and other program-specific security documentation.
• Conduct initial and recurring security briefings, debriefings, and indoctrinations for program personnel in accordance with applicable directives.
• Manage access rosters, visit requests, and personnel security records for all assigned programs.

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight
• Ensure full compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), ICD 705, ICD 503, DCSA assessment requirements, and all applicable Special Access Program directives.
• Conduct and support self-inspections, government-led inspections, and program reviews; develop and track corrective action plans to resolution.
• Manage and investigate security incidents, violations, and unauthorized disclosures; prepare written reports and coordinate with cognizant government security offices as required.
• Maintain current knowledge of evolving regulations, directives, and policy changes affecting SCI and SAP environments.

Facility and Physical Security
• Support the oversight and accreditation of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) and SAP Facilities (SAPFs), including coordination of construction, modifications, and periodic reviews in accordance with ICD 705 and applicable SAP directives.
• Coordinate with the Facility Security Officer (FSO) and government representatives on facility inspections, accreditation actions, and emergency security procedures.
• Manage access control systems, visitor control procedures, and physical security measures within controlled areas.

Personnel Security
• Process and track personnel security clearance actions, including nominations, periodic reinvestigations, and SCI/SAP accesses through DISS, SIMS, or other government systems.
• Administer and monitor the Insider Threat program in coordination with company and government requirements.
• Counsel employees on security responsibilities, reporting requirements, and foreign travel and contact reporting obligations.

Information and Communications Security
• Oversee the handling, marking, storage, transmission, and destruction of classified materials in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Coordinate with Information System Security Officers (ISSOs) and ISSMs to ensure classified information system usage aligns with program authorization and need-to-know requirements.
• Manage classification management activities, including derivative classification guidance and SCG administration.

Required Qualifications
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility with current investigation and ability to maintain a Top Secret clearance with Special Program access.
• 3-5 years of experience as a Program Security Officer, CPSO, or equivalent role in classified SCI and/or SAP environments.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of NISPOM (32 CFR Part 117), Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs), and DoD SAP policy and directives.
• Experience managing SCIF and/or SAPF accreditation processes.
• Familiarity with personnel security systems such as DISS, NBIS, and SIMS.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate security documentation and reports.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in ambiguous or sensitive situations.

Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Cybersecurity, Intelligence Studies, or a related field; equivalent work experience considered.
• DoD Security Professional Education Development (SPeD) certification (SFPC, SAPPC, or equivalent) or similar professional security credential.
• NCMS Industrial Security Professional (ISP) certification.
• Experience supporting multiple simultaneous programs across different government customers.
• Familiarity with COMSEC procedures and oversight.
• Prior military or government security experience at the program or staff level.

Working Conditions

This position requires regular onsite presence within a classified facility. Candidates must be willing and able to work within SCIFs and SAPFs in compliance with all applicable security protocols. Occasional travel to government sites or other company locations may be required.
• Experience supporting multiple simultaneous programs across different government customers
• Familiarity with COMSEC procedures and oversight.
• Prior military or government security experience at the program or staff level.

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