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Industrial Security Lead

Job Description

Who we are

Helsing develops artificial intelligence-enabled capabilities to protect and defend democracies. We are growing our US operations, cultivating an ambitious and committed team of mission-driven professionals to apply their skills to solve challenging problems.

The role

As the Industrial Security Lead for Helsing's US Business, you will own and advance every dimension of our security posture—from facilities and personnel security to CMMC compliance and COMSEC operations—ensuring we meet and exceed the stringent requirements of operating under a Special Security Agreement. This is more than locks, alarms, and compliance checklists; it's an opportunity to architect the security infrastructure that makes breakthrough AI capabilities possible for the warfighter, while navigating the unique complexities of foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI) mitigation. If you thrive in high-stakes, mission-critical environments where your expertise directly safeguards the technologies that protect democracies, we want to hear from you.

The day-to-day

  • Serve as the Facility Security Officer (FSO) for Helsing's US subsidiary, maintaining full compliance with NISPOM (32 CFR Part 117), DCSA requirements, and all obligations under the company's Special Security Agreement (SSA)
  • Own and manage all aspects of facilities security, including physical security plans, access controls, intrusion detection systems, and classified space (SCIF/SAPF) accreditation and operations
  • Lead the organization's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) readiness and compliance efforts, partnering cross-functionally with IT, engineering, and program teams to achieve and maintain required certification levels
  • Manage the COMSEC program end-to-end, including account management, key material handling, destruction, and coordination with controlling authorities
  • Ensure full compliance with SSA governance requirements, maintaining appropriate separation protocols, Technology Control Plans (TCPs), and Electronic Communications Plans (ECPs) while enabling operational efficiency across the organization
  • Administer personnel security processes including clearance sponsorship, processing, briefings, debriefings, and continuous vetting monitoring through DISS and related systems
  • Develop and deliver a robust security education, training, and awareness (SETA) program that builds a culture of security consciousness across all levels of the organization
  • Serve as the primary liaison to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), the SSA Government Security Committee (GSC), and other cognizant security authorities
  • Partner with executive leadership and the Board of Directors to ensure security operations are aligned with strategic growth objectives, including facility expansions and new program captures
  • Manage classified material control, visitor control programs, and subcontractor security administration
  • Lead incident reporting, security violation investigations, and corrective action implementation
  • Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing security team capable of supporting rapid organizational growth and evolving program requirements

You should apply if you

  • You have 8+ years of progressive industrial security experience, with at least 3 years managing security programs at a cleared defense contractor facility
  • You've operated within a FOCI-mitigated environment—ideally under a Special Security Agreement (SSA) or Proxy Agreement—and understand the governance, reporting, and separation requirements that come with it
  • You hold or have held FSO certification (FSO Program Management for Possessing Facilities) and have hands-on experience with DCSA inspections and assessments
  • You have demonstrated experience standing up or managing CMMC compliance programs, with a strong understanding of NIST 800-171 controls and the CMMC assessment framework
  • You've managed a COMSEC account and are familiar with NSA policies, key material lifecycle management, and associated reporting obligations
  • You possess a working knowledge of NISPOM, ICDs, DoD Manual 5205.07 (SAP security), and related security directives
  • You communicate complex security requirements with clarity and influence to technical, operational, and executive stakeholders alike
  • You're energized by ambiguity, thrive under pressure, and are motivated by mission-driven work that has real-world consequences

Note: We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the listed qualifications; ability and impact cannot be summarized in a few bullet points.

Nice to Have

  • CMMC Certified Professional (CCP) or CMMC Certified Assessor (CCA) credential
  • Familiarity with ITAR/EAR export control compliance and the management of Technology Control Plans in a FOCI environment
  • Background in supporting classified manufacturing or hardware production environments
  • Experience with security management tools such as SIMS, DISS, NISS, and e-FCL
  • Insider Threat Program (ITP) management experience, including compliance with NISPOM Change 2 requirements

Join Helsing and work with world-leading experts in their fields

  • Helsing’s work is important. You’ll be directly contributing to the protection of democratic countries while balancing both ethical and geopolitical concerns

  • The work is unique. We operate in a domain that has highly unusual technical requirements and constraints, and where robustness, safety, and ethical considerations are vital. You will face unique Engineering and AI challenges that make a meaningful impact in the world

  • Our work frequently takes us right up to the state of the art in technical innovation, be it reinforcement learning, distributed systems, generative AI, or deployment infrastructure. The defense industry is entering the most exciting phase of the technological development curve. Advances in our field of world are not incremental: Helsing is part of, and often leading, historic leaps forward

  • In our domain, success is a matter of order-of-magnitude improvements and novel capabilities. This means we take bets, aim high, and focus on big opportunities. Despite being a relatively young company, Helsing has already been selected for multiple significant government contracts

  • We actively encourage healthy, proactive, and diverse debate internally about what we do and how we choose to do it. Teams and individual engineers are trusted (and encouraged) to practice responsible autonomy and critical thinking, and to focus on outcomes, not conformity. At Helsing you will have a say in how we (and you!) work, the opportunity to engage on what does and doesn’t work, and to take ownership of aspects of our culture that you care deeply about

What we offer

  • A focus on outcomes, not time-tracking

  • A generous compensation and benefits package (in addition to base salary) that includes, but may not be limited to, insurance coverage (medical and travel), flexible paid time off, paid holidays, and remote and/or hybrid work available depending on position. All compensation and benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the underlying plans or programs, as applicable and as may be amended, terminated or superseded from time to time.

The base salary offered to the successful candidate will be determined by a variety of factors including relevant experience, qualifications, education, skill level, interview performance, and the level and scope of the position.

Helsing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetics, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Please do not submit personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning your health, or data concerning your sexual orientation.

Helsing's Candidate Privacy and Confidentiality Regime can be found here.

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Job Details

Department
Security
Category
Security
Employment Type
Contract
Location
Washington, DC
Posted
Apr 15, 2026, 03:16 PM
Listed
Apr 15, 2026, 03:16 PM

About Helsing

Part of the growing space & AI ecosystem pushing the frontiers of technology.

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Industrial Security Lead
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