Industrial Security Specialist

Industrial Security Specialist

Are you an expert in the NISPOM (32 CFR 117)?

Do you have experience working with DCSA?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking an Industrial Security Specialist to help us conduct self-inspections, administrative inquiries (AIs), review prime DD254s and create subcontract DD254s, develop and maintain security policies and procedures. The Security Office Group (SECD/ZSO) aims to provide superior security administration services to JHU/APL, while executing the requirements, restrictions, and safeguards prescribed by the NISPOM to safeguard classified information. Our complex security operations require a team of security professionals to ensure our facility remains in compliance in with the NISPOM, DCSA regulations and our internal security practices and procedures.

As an Industrial Security Specialist, you will...

• Primarily provide security oversight and conduct internal audits and surveys to ensure NISPOM security policies and procedures are properly implemented and adhered to.
• Analyze classified documents to ensure proper marking of program security classification guides, and develop staff security awareness training.
• Prepare inspection schedules, reports; Present findings to SECD management.
• Develop comprehensive and complete reports for dissemination to Sectors/Departments and others.
• Conduct interviews of personnel.
• Reinforce counterintelligence (CI) awareness, including foreign intelligence threats, suspicious contacts, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain knowledge of contracting procedures and related documents.
• Conduct administrative inquiries of security violations to include loss and compromise of classified information/material, and coordinate initial and final reports; Coordination with the Insider Threat Program Senior Official (ITPSO) / insider threat team, when applicable.
• Assist in the determination of culpability; Develop Administrative Inquiries for submission to DCSA. Track inquiries and develop reports for management.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of security policies and procedures.
• Review prime DD254s and relay any security requirements that are above our normal NISPOM requirements to the Program Manager/Project Manager.
• Work with Program Manager/Project Managers on the creation of subcontract DD254s.
• Communicate and collaborate with internal partners such as the Designated Security Representatives, ISSM teams, physical security group and program security group.
• Provide timely and accurate responses to security-related questions from the workforce, offering clear guidance on NISPOM requirements, classification, reporting obligations, and day-to-day security procedures.
• Support the Facility Security Officer (FSO) in meeting established security program goals, metrics, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a Bachelor's degree and at least two years of relevant experience in the industrial security field, OR have at least four years of relevant security-related experience in lieu of a degree.
• Have a strong working knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) (32 CFR 117).
• Have a demonstrated ability to effectively interact and work with laboratory staff at all levels.
• Are able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with internal and external customers.
• Are a committed team player with excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize, and deliver high‑quality products and services.
• Can complete the Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) curricula for Facility (FSO) Orientation for Possessing Facilities ( ISO30.CU ) and adverse information training within 12 months of hire.
• Hold an active Secret level security clearance 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 NISPOM assessment/inspection team experience.
• Have experience developing and implementing security‑related training programs.
• Are a NCMS Industrial Security Professional (ISP) certification and/or DCSA Security Fundamentals Professional (SFPC) certification.
• Have previous FSO/AFSO experience.
• Are proficient with SIMS, NISS, DISS and OPSLink.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate $62,900 Annually

Maximum Rate $180,300 Annually