New

Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO)/Facility Security Officer (FSO)

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Virginia, Reston
1850 Centennial Park Drive (Show on map)
Jan 08, 2026
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for an energetic, detail-oriented, analytical, and self-starting security professional to operate as a Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO)/Facility Security Officer (FSO) in our Security Services Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State, located in Reston, VA. In this position, you'll be a key contributor of our security team, building high-trust partnerships with our team and management as you support collateral and sensitive compartmented information programs. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will: Follow the 32 CFR Part 117 National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Intelligence Community Directive (ICD), and other government regulations to administer aspects of the Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence, and other industrial security programs while ensuring compliance with government and ARL security policies and procedures Prepare SF86/ eApplication (eAPP) and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) customer nomination packages, and coordinate with customer security representatives to process security clearance requirements Prepare and issue subcontractor DD254s and visit authorization letters (VALs), validate/coordinate cleared visitors, and create/program employee badges Interface with program management to address specific security items for each program/contract, protect classified government information, monitor security procedures, and ensure compliance with all program aspects, including personnel, physical, and administrative security systems and procedures Interpret security policies and directives, develop and conduct various security and security education program briefings, and provide guidance and train employees on access, classification, marking, and record maintenance Maintain classified storage and audits of documents, investigate losses and security violations, and recommend corrective actions Maintain alarm system including updates, combination changes, and records Maintain files for customers and audits Prepare for and represent ARL in bi-annual self-inspections Required skills/experience areas include: Active security clearance, at the Top-Secret level or higher with the ability to obtain SCI eligibility Defense Information System for Security (DISS), Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Process (e-QIP)/eAPP, National Industrial Security System (NISS), and National Background Investigations Services (NBIS) Industrial security with 32 CFR, 117 NISPOM, and ICD knowledge Personnel and physical security, visitor control, and document handling Security management in a contractor community Completion of FSO Program Management for Possessing Facilities in Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint Ability to effectively manage ambiguity and multi-task in a fast-paced and agile environment Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective Preferred skills/experience areas include: Completion of SCI Contractors Special Security Officer (CSSO) course Completion of additional CDSE correspondence courses DOD/IC policy and nomination process Your working location will be fully on-site, located in Reston, VA. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as Integrated Security Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Integrated Security Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates topossess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 - $129,500.00.THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines