Security Specialist

This Security Specialist is critical to ensuring the effective protection and management of highly sensitive information, technologies, and operations within the department. It provides oversight of Special Access Program (SAP) and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security requirements, ensuring classified programs remain compliant with established policies and security standards. The role supports the development and implementation of safeguarding measures, access controls, and security policies that protect mission-critical capabilities while enabling personnel to effectively support sensitive programs. It also coordinates with stakeholders to ensure secure facility identification, accreditation, and compliance requirements are met before classified activities occur. Additionally, the position contributes to security governance through policy development, training, guidance, and support of compliance inspections, helping strengthen security processes and overall operational effectiveness. Essential Duties and Responsibilities The responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to: Security Program Oversight – 30% Oversee and manage security requirements for sensitive programs, including Special Access Programs (SAP) and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), ensuring compliance with applicable policies, regulations, and security standards while safeguarding classified information, technologies, and operations. Policy Development and Implementation – 20% Develop, interpret, and implement security policies, procedures, and guidance to ensure consistent application of security requirements across programs and facilities, while supporting organizational security governance. Facility Security and Accreditation – 20% Coordinate secure facility identification, accreditation, and compliance activities to ensure facilities meet required standards prior to processing, storing, or discussing classified information. Compliance, Inspections, and Risk Management – 20% Support and participate in compliance reviews, inspections, and risk mitigation efforts to ensure security programs meet regulatory and organizational requirements. Training, Guidance, and Stakeholder Coordination – 10% Provide security training, guidance, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders to ensure awareness of security policies, promote best practices, and support mission requirements. Qualifications Must be a US Citizen. Bachelor’s degree in security management, criminal justice, psychology, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience supporting classified security programs. Experience supporting or managing security programs involving classified information, including Special Access Programs (SAP), Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), or similar controlled environments. Knowledge of security policies, procedures, and regulations governing the protection of classified information, access control, and secure facility accreditation. Experience supporting security compliance reviews, inspections, or program security activities. Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to coordinate with stakeholders and provide security guidance to personnel. Active U.S. security clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain the clearance level required to access classified information. Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. The position is primarily office-based but may require occasional walking, bending, reaching, or lifting up to 25 pounds to access files, equipment, or secure areas. Work involves handling sensitive or classified information in controlled-access facilities, including Special Access Program (SAP) or Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) environments, with strict adherence to security protocols. Travel to other facilities may be required for inspections, audits, or stakeholder coordination, and occasional flexibility in work hours may be needed to support time-sensitive security operations. Parallax Advanced Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable. #J-18808-Ljbffr