Penn State University

Federal Security Specialist (ARL)

Penn State University$75K — $132K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in security roles, especially in handling classified materials.
  • Strong knowledge of advanced security program elements like Counterintelligence and COMSEC.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, databases, and web applications for documentation and reporting.
  • Demonstrated ability to excel in fast-paced, multifaceted environments with excellent organizational skills.
  • Active security clearance at the Secret level or higher required.

Responsibilities

  • Coordinate and oversee advanced security programs across multiple facets.
  • Assist in developing and managing security practices, ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Provide outstanding security support and service to all ARL personnel.
  • Autonomously manage complex security matters in a busy environment.
  • Prepare for and represent ARL during security inspections by government agencies.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off.
  • Generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.
Full Job Description
POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a self-motivated, highly experienced Security Specialist to join our Security Services Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). ARL Security Services mission is to ensure the security of ARL personnel, facilities, material, and information as an agile, efficient, and service-driven team.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:
  • Coordinate and provide oversight to advanced security programs including Counterintelligence, Insider Threat, Personnel Security (PerSec), Communications Security (COMSEC), and Operations Security (OPSEC), as well as physical security systems such as electronic access control, alarm systems, and CCTV systems
  • Assist in the development and management of advanced industrial security practices, procedures, processes, trainings, and briefings, while ensuring compliance with government policies and regulations
  • Provide agile, efficient, and exemplary security support/outstanding customer service to all organizational groups and personnel in a fast-paced, complex, and rapidly evolving environment
  • Work autonomously in a very busy and highly service-driven environment
  • Handle the intake of complex collateral security matters, providing assistance and determining appropriate processes
  • Prepare for and represent ARL in all aspects of security inspections and oversight by U.S. government (USG) agencies


Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Knowledge of all facets of advanced security programs, as listed in bullet number one (above)
  • Demonstrated experience handling classified materials
  • Microsoft Office software, databases, and web applications
  • Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills are crucial to be effective
  • Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and effectively in fast-paced environment
  • Active security clearance, at the Secret level or higher


Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • A Bachelor's or advanced degree in Security, Risk Management/Analysis, Criminal Justice, Military Science, or Business Administration
  • National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), specifically safeguarding classified information
  • Security Information Management System (SIMS)
  • Department of Defense (DoD) security systems such as DISS, NBIS, and NISS
  • Past success in leadership, compliance, risk-management, and/or military experience


Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Federal Security Specialist (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Federal Security Specialist (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $75,408.00 - $132,204.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

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