Security Specialist

Summary

This position is part of the Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Sandia Field Office (SFO). A successful candidate in this position will serve as Security Specialist, with responsibility for providing oversight of protection and control of sensitive or classified information and Special Nuclear Material (SNM) at Sandia National Laboratories.

Learn more about this agency

Duties

Help

As a Security Specialist , you will:

• Provide expert guidance and oversight for Safeguards and Security (S&S) programs, ensuring contractor compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and NNSA requirements. Evaluates contractor performance, identifies risks, and recommends corrective actions to support safe and secure operations.
• Lead assessments and oversight activities to evaluate contractor security programs, management systems, and internal controls. Analyzes performance trends, documents operational awareness activities, and ensures security issues are identified and resolved before affecting mission operations.
• Serve as a technical authority on complex Safeguards and Security matters by interpreting policy, advising leadership on emerging issues, setting program priorities, and recommending improvements to enhance program effectiveness. Provides expertise in physical security, protective forces, personnel security, classified information protection, special nuclear material accountability, and security program management.
• Collaborate with NNSA leadership, contractors, federal, state, and local agencies, and other stakeholders to resolve complex security issues. Prepares and delivers technical briefings, recommendations, and written reports to support informed decision-making and program execution.
• Demonstrate adaptability and commitment to continuous training and qualification, managing multi-site responsibilities and responding to high-stakes technical decisions with significant safety or national security implications.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

• Subject to Random Drug Testing
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Favorable suitability determination required.
• Financial Disclosure is required.
• Must be able to obtain/maintain a Q level Security Clearance.
• You must be a United States Citizen.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
• Compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-12) governing personal identity which will require that you provide two forms of identification.
• May be required to successfully complete a one (1) year probationary period. Employees serving on a probationary period may be terminated at any time during the probationary period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service.
• Must be able to obtain certification in the DOE's Technical Qualification Program (TQP) within 18 months of start date. This position is covered by the Technical Qualification Program (TQP), which requires the incumbent to acquire and demonstrate competencies identified in the TQP Functional Area Qualification and Field Office specific standards and requires certification of the competencies by NNSA supervision and TQP qualifying officials.
• Please limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, you will be disqualified.

Qualifications

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower NNSA Demonstration Project pay band or GS grade level in the Federal service, i.e., NQ-2 level (GS12).

Specialized experience is defined as experience applying advanced knowledge of safeguards and security principles, regulations, and compliance requirements to independently evaluate, assess, and improve contractor security programs. Qualifying experience includes planning and conducting security assessments, analyzing program performance, identifying security vulnerabilities and trends, interpreting complex regulatory requirements, and providing technical guidance and recommendations to ensure compliance with Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) security requirements.

Examples of specialized experience includes:

1. Oversight and Compliance Auditing - Independently planned and executed comprehensive compliance assessments to evaluate contractor security programs, such as physical security, information security, and protective force programs, for compliance with DOE/NNSA regulations. Identified, documented, and tracked non-compliance findings through corrective actions and final resolution.

2. System Analysis and Trend Identification - Conducted analyses of contractor security program performance by evaluating operational precursors, security incidents, and performance indicators over time. Identified emerging trends, assessed associated risks, and developed or recommended corrective actions to strengthen security posture and reduce vulnerabilities.

3. Technical Inspection and Survey Planning - Coordinated and led technical security inspections and vulnerability surveys by developing schedules, reviewing historical performance data, evaluating on-site security controls, and documenting findings. Prepared and delivered comprehensive vulnerability assessment reports with actionable recommendations for management.

4. Reporting and Regulatory Interpretation - Analyzed and interpreted complex security regulations, including DOE Orders and related directives, to prepare executive-level reports, policy interpretations, technical recommendations, and formal briefings for senior leadership and external stakeholders in support of defense nuclear facility safety, security, and regulatory compliance.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section. If you are eligible for career transition assistance plans such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the definition of "well qualified" which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

• Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website.
• If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section.
• More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
• All positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
• All males born after December 31,1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.
• In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration.

EEO Policy: Click HERE.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Click HERE.

Veterans Information: Click HERE.

Telework: Click HERE.

Selective Service Registration: Click HERE.

Information about the NNSA Demonstration project can be found by clicking HERE.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.