Contractor Program Security Officer

Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space—for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra’s ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms).Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed.

About the Job

The CPSO/CSSO will lead the charge on security operations, ensuring personnel clearances and the protection of our facilities are top-notch. We're looking for a dynamic, hands-on leader who can roll out innovative policies, procedures, and tech to keep both our physical assets and sensitive info safe. This role is all about collaboration, working closely with internal teams and external agencies to stay ahead of security regulations at every level. If you’re passionate about building a secure, cutting-edge environment, we want you to lead the way!

This is an on-site position based in our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and stewardship of Umbra’s Security program, ensuring compliance with USG requirements for all sensitive information, including CUI and Compartmented data for DoD and IC customers.
• Assist in the development of a framework to ensure continuous compliance with USG contractual, legal, and regulatory security requirements.
• Supervise security measures in line with NISP requirements (32 CFR Part 117), Intelligence Community Directives, (ICDs) and related USG security standards.
• Collaborate with shared services teams, to ensure a comprehensive security posture for the organization, aligning with both physical and information systems security.
• Develop and maintain physical security policies and procedures to protect company assets, facilities, and personnel, including managing access control, surveillance, and alarm systems.
• Maintains the west coast COMSEC account, conducts inventories and loads keying material on various pieces of equipment.
• Conduct risk assessments, identify security threats, and implement mitigation strategies, while overseeing the design and operation of physical security systems and vendor management.
• Provide security training for employees and contractors, perform physical security assessments, respond to incidents, and collaborate with local law enforcement to maintain a secure environment across facilities.
• Create and provide initial and ongoing training on security topics such as COMSEC, Information Systems security, derivative classification, and other mandatory subjects.
• Assist in the development of individual Program Protection Plans.
• Oversee the management of employee clearances, ensuring compliance with regulations such as NISPOM, ICDs and FSO requirements, and ensuring all personnel have appropriate access.
• Conduct regular audits of clearance status and initiate corrective actions when discrepancies arise, collaborating with HR, legal, and compliance teams to ensure timely clearance processing.
• Travel will be required approximately 25%.
• Other professional duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in security management, with a strong understanding of USG security requirements, including NISPOM, 32 CFR Part 117, and other DoD and IC regulations.
• 5+ years of experience working as, or closely with, a qualified Facility Security Officer (FSO), Contractor Program Security Officer or Contractor Special Security Officer managing a NISP/ICD-compliant security program for a USG contractor or similar organization.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance, read-in within the past two years.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to independently establish, develop, and manage a compliant security program for USG contractors.
• Solid understanding of information security compliance, particularly with US government standards like NIST 800-171 and related frameworks for sensitive data protection.
• Familiarity with NRO/NGA security processes, Acquisition Security, and Program Protection framework for the protecting commercial satellites.
• Experience managing controlled cryptographic items, (CCI), auditing COMSEC materials loading CCI, and ensuring compliance with NSA/CSS policy (e.g., Policy Manual 3-16).
• Expert knowledge of industry best practices for the development and management of contractor security programs, with a focus on compliance and risk mitigation.
• Strong understanding of requirements and effective practices across core industrial security activities: document control, classification guidance, SOP development, OPSEC principles, computer security, communications security, security indoctrination/education.
• Proficiency in preparing clear, concise, and accurate security documentation, including reports, assessments, procedural manuals, and presentations.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Security Management, Information Security, or related disciplines).
• Strong interpersonal abilities, adept at collaborating with internal teams and engaging effectively with customers to ensure security objectives are met.
• Adaptability to fast-paced, dynamic work environments, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize, and deliver results under pressure.
• Experience within aerospace or defense contractor environments, with expertise in both physical and IT security, as well as familiarity with the unique security needs of these industries.
• Demonstrated experience in security roles both within the U.S. government and as a federal contractor, providing a broad understanding of government-specific security requirements and procedures.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
• Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)
• 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution
• Stock Options
• Free parking in office building or Transit is reimbursed
• Free lunch daily in office

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions requiring an active U.S. Government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Employment Eligibility Verification

In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. 

Pay Transparency
This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role’s function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.

Compensation Range

The Compensation Range for this role is $135,000 - $165,000 DOE.