Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

Section Supervisor - Designated Security Representatives (ZSO)

Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree plus 4 years in security, or high school diploma with 7 years in industrial or collateral security.
  • 4 years in a government security role like Industrial Security Specialist.
  • Leadership or supervisory experience managing a team.
  • Strong knowledge of NISPOM and 32 CFR Part 117.
  • Experience in security training and awareness program implementation.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong analytical, investigative, and briefing skills for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor the Industrial Security/Designated Security Representatives team.
  • Manage performance objectives and support team development.
  • Standardize and improve security practices and procedures.
  • Act as a subject matter expert on industrial security and DSR responsibilities.
  • Coordinate communication with Facility Security Officers and other teams.
  • Ensure adherence to security requirements and address emerging needs.
  • Contribute to Lab-wide security policies and Standard Operating Procedures.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage options.
  • Retirement savings plans with company contributions.
  • Professional development opportunities and training.
  • Flexible work schedules and remote work options.
  • Generous paid time off and holiday leave policies.
Full Job Description
Description

Are you an expert in the NISPOM (32 CFR Part 117) and sector-level security operations?

Do you have experience leading security professionals in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment?

Do you bring both strategic oversight and hands-on knowledge of government security regulations?

We are seeking a Section Supervisor - Industrial Security Specialist - for the Security Services Department (SECD/ZSO) to lead and manage the team of security professionals, Designated Security Representatives (DSRs), supporting Sectors and Departments across the Lab. This individual will oversee the consistent implementation of collateral security requirements, DSR processes and standards, and the coordination of security operations between SECD and mission organizations.

This role requires strong leadership and people management skills, as well as a deep understanding of DoW industrial security compliance standards and sector-level security execution. The Section Supervisor will ensure the DSR and Industrial Security team delivers efficient, high-quality support that aligns with SECD's mission, supports sponsor requirements, and advances the Lab's broader strategic priorities.

As the Section Supervisor for Industrial Security/Designated Security Representatives, you will...
  • Provide day-to-day leadership, supervision, and mentorship to the Industrial Security/Designated Security Representatives across Sectors/Departments.
  • Oversee performance management for the section-set objectives, provide coaching and feedback, conduct performance evaluations, and support staff growth and development.
  • Establish, standardize, and continuously improve department/sector security practices, procedures, and tools to ensure consistent security support across the Lab.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on industrial and collateral security topics, including NISPOM/32 CFR Part 117 requirements, Counterintelligence and Insider Threat indicators, sector/department security execution, and DSR/Facility Administrator (FA) responsibilities.
  • Maintain seamless communication and coordination with the Facility Security Officer, Industrial Security Team and other SECD elements to ensure unified implementation of security requirements.
  • Coordinate with Sectors/Departments to ensure strong adherence to security requirements and guidelines, and to identify and address emerging security needs.
  • In conjunction with the FSO/Industrial Security Team and other SECD sections, contribute to the development and maintenance of Lab-wide security policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and DSR/FA guidance to ensure alignment with DoW and DCSA requirements.
  • Oversee and support DSR involvement in self-inspections, administrative inquiries, incident response, and corrective action implementation in coordination with SECD, ITSD, and other stakeholders.
  • Ensure DSRs effectively support physical, information, and industrial security operations within their Sectors/Departments, including training, awareness, and local process implementation.
  • Communicate and collaborate with internal partners such as the Industrial Security team, ISSM teams, Insider Threat/Counterintelligence team, security administration group, physical security group, and program security groups to coordinate and integrate security support.
  • Maintain timely communication with SECD and Sector/Department leadership regarding heightened security concerns, trends, and risk areas.
  • Lead section hiring efforts-draft requisitions, screen applicants, participate in interviews, and make hiring recommendations.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a Bachelor's degree with at least four years of relevant experience, or a high school diploma with at least seven years of relevant experience in the security career field, with emphasis in industrial, collateral, or sector/department security operations.
  • Have at least four years of relevant experience supporting government or DoW programs in a security-related role, such as an Industrial Security Specialist, Designated Security Representative, or similar position.
  • Have prior formal or informal leadership or supervisory experience with proven ability to manage, coach, and support a team.
  • Have a strong working knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), 32 CFR Part 117, and FSO/DSR responsibilities under that framework.
  • Have experience in the coordination and implementation of security training and awareness programs.
  • Possess strong interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to effectively interact and work with all levels of Laboratory staff, sponsors, customers, and representatives of external organizations; Ability to build trusted relationships across sectors and mission areas.
  • Have strong analytical, investigative, and briefing skills with the ability to communicate risks to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Demonstrate strong prioritization, organization, planning, teamwork, problem-solving, and negotiation skills, with the ability to work in a team environment or independently.
  • Are proficient with basic word processing and other computer programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have previous experience serving as a Designated Security Representative (DSR), Lead DSR, Group/Program Security Representative, or in a comparable sector/department security lead role.
  • Have experience participating in DCSA assessments and/or supporting NISPOM self-inspection programs.
  • Have previous FSO/AFSO or SECD supervisory experience.
  • Possess in-depth understanding of DoW security processes and requirements and knowledge of and experience with NISPOM/32 CFR Part 117 requirements for industry.
  • Are proficient with SIMS, NISS, DISS, OPSLink, ServiceNow, and other security and Lab-specific tools.
  • Hold relevant security certifications such as Industrial Security Professional (ISP), Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC), or similar.
  • Hold an active Top Secret security clearance.


Minimum Rate

$62,900 Annually

Maximum Rate

$180,300 Annually

About Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a research and development organization that provides solutions to national security and scientific challenges. The laboratory was founded in 1942 and is located in Laurel, Maryland. APL is a division of the Johns Hopkins University and is a not-for-profit organization. The laboratory has expertise in a variety of areas, including space exploration, national security, and healthcare.
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Size
7,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1942

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