Research Analyst

Foreign Clearance Program Specialist

TSTC is an award-winning, Woman Owned, HUBZone certified Small Business providing services to federal intelligence, law enforcement, civilian and defense agencies. Built upon our Total Service - Total Commitment® cornerstone, TSTC takes pride in our commitment to delivering excellence. Total Service - Total Commitment® is our commitment to our employees, to our teams, and to our clients.

We are seeking a highly skilled and mission‑driven specialist to support the Department of War's Foreign Clearance Program (FCP), including operational policy development, global access analysis, APACS system support, cybersecurity oversight, and international engagement. This role is critical to ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient movement of aircraft and personnel across international borders.

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical skills, technical proficiency, and the ability to apply policy within complex international environments.

TSTC is looking for candidates for this Key Personnel position that meet or exceed the stated requirements; are excited to join our team and willing to sign a binding letter of commitment; and can start 2 to 3 weeks after notification of contract award.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Policy & Global Access

• Develop and refine operational concepts for aircraft and personnel clearances, including passport policy.
• Draft and recommend updates to overseas travel regulations based on emerging guidance.
• Analyze global access and overflight challenges; deliver recommendations to maximize airspace access.
• Research and assess international sovereignty policies and technical structures such as Flight Information Regions.

Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) Management

• Maintain and update both classified and unclassified FCG websites.
• Preserve an electronic archive of historical FCG versions.
• Review, edit, and validate high‑volume annual content changes for compliance with U.S. and international law.

APACS Support & System Administration

• Provide on‑site subject‑matter expertise, policy guidance, and user support for APACS on NIPRNET and SIPRNET.
• Resolve user inquiries, manage trouble tickets, and support APACS's 1.1M+ user base.
• Support application updates, upgrades, bug fixes, API integration, and server patch coordination with DISA.
• Track and consolidate system enhancement requests for the Configuration Control Board (CCB).
• Implement CCB‑approved changes and develop new software capabilities to meet emerging program needs.

Development, Testing & Cybersecurity

• Maintain a secure development, build, and testing environment for APACS and FCG systems.
• Conduct code security scanning and corrective actions prior to deployment.
• Perform comprehensive system testing, validation, and evaluation of findings.
• Serve as or coordinate with the Information System Security Manager (ISSM) to manage RMF/eMASS activities and maintain the system Authority to Operate (ATO).
• Sustain configuration management processes including version control, change documentation, and release tracking.

Training & Outreach

• Develop and deliver Foreign Clearance Program training to U.S. Embassy Attachés, passport agents, and other stakeholders.
• Lead outreach initiatives to strengthen awareness and understanding of FCP policies across the workforce.

Prime Nuclear Airlift Force (PNAF) Support

• Provide technical analysis and support diplomatic clearance requirements for PNAF aircraft contained in the FCG and Special Weapons Overflight Guide (SWOG).

Qualifications

Required:

• Candidate must have a least a Bachelors Degree from an accredited program
• At least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in policy development, international operations, aviation operations, or related fields.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret complex international regulations.
• Technical proficiency in system administration, software support, or application lifecycle processes.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks such as RMF and eMASS.
• Ability to manage sensitive information and maintain high attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Skilled in MS office suite
• Works independently, proactively identifies, and completes task.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple teams, stakeholders, and SMEs

Preferred:

• Experience with APACS, FCG, or DoD travel systems.
• Prior work involving international sovereignty policies, Freedom of Navigation, or global airspace access.
• Experience supporting high‑visibility or mission‑critical DoD programs.

Security Clearance and Where You'll Work

• Applicants selected must be a U.S. Citizen and currently hold a Secret security clearance.
• This position is onsite in Washington, DC

$85,000 - $95,000 a year The posted range is likely, however, is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Salary will be based on experience, geographic location, and contractual requirements and may fall outside of the posted range.

Benefits at TSTC

Competitive Salary & Bonuses – Includes personal and team merit bonuses, with salary matching for 401(k) up to 3%.

Comprehensive Health Coverage – Multiple medical, dental, and vision plans, plus HSA and FSA options. 100% TSTC-paid life and disability insurance, including short- and long-term plans.

Flexible Work Options – Remote work allowed, flexible schedules, and telework opportunities. (varies per position)

Paid Time Off & Holidays – Generous PTO and paid holidays.

Professional Development – Continuous performance evaluation process… Dedicated annual budget for educational opportunities.

Comprehensive Wellness Programs – confidential employee assistance program (EAP). Wellness Resource Group and wellness programs throughout the year.

All TSTC employees operate according to the terms of the specific contract under which they work. They are responsible for fulfilling the duties of the specific job and are accountable for complying with the terms and conditions of their employment, the TSTC Code of Conduct, and with applicable federal, state and local laws.

As TSTC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, we follow current Federal Discrimination Laws and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment. TSTC does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment due to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, creed, age, sex, disability, veteran status and liability for service in the U.S. Armed Forces or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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