Facility Security Officer - Security Specialist III or IV

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Job Summary

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Colorado Springs, CO.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Serve as the Facility Security Officer (FSO) supporting collateral programs and maintaining the Facility Clearance (FCL) at our Colorado Springs, CO facility
• Initiate, review, and process personnel security clearances and periodic reinvestigations (SF86s) through the Defense Information System for Security (DISS) and Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP)
• Prepare visit clearance requests, Common Access Card (CAC), and other government badge requests; facilitate military installation access for visitors without military IDs
• Manage the protection, transmission, and destruction of classified information
• Prepare for and participate in Security Vulnerability Assessments (SVAs) and Continuous Monitoring (CM) engagements
• Conduct periodic self-inspections in accordance with 32 CFR Part 1117 National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) and company policies
• Deliver initial security awareness, foreign travel, annual refresher, and special security briefings
• Provide security support for classified meetings and large events
• Support international security requirements for classified programs
• Provide day-to-day management of the onsite contract security guard force
• Support Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Program (SAP) security functions as needed
• Support Aerospace enterprise security initiatives and special projects such as FSO Working Group and SIMS Working Group

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements for the Security Specialist III include:  

• High school diploma or GED equivalent is required
• A minimum of (5) years experience in Security Administration for government classified programs is required

•  Demonstrated expertise in operating security programs in accordance with 32 CFR Part 1117 National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), with a thorough understanding of compliance requirements and best practices

• Proficiency in utilizing security systems including DISS, e-QIP, NISS, and SWFT for personnel security clearance processing and program management

• Proven ability to build trust and foster open communication with peers, leadership, and internal/external customers while providing reliable counsel and delivering high-quality security services and processes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to develop professional training materials, awareness products, and policy/procedure documents. Must effectively communicate security requirements and initiatives to all levels of management and stakeholders

• Strong presentation skills with confidence presenting to both small and large audiences across diverse organizational levels

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications including SharePoint, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel for documentation, reporting, and collaboration

• Availability for occasional after-hours alarm response as required (overtime compensation provided for after-hours responses)

• This position requires a current and active Top Secret (TS) clearance, with the ability to obtain SAP and SCI access, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Security Specialist IV include:  

• Bachelor’s degree is required
• A minimum of (10) years experience in Security Administration for government classified programs is required

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you had one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in Security Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred

• Five (5) or more years of progressive experience serving as a Facility Security Officer (FSO) or Assistant FSO in a cleared defense or aerospace environment is strongly preferred

• Demonstrated experience supporting international security requirements for classified programs, including foreign disclosure and technology transfer protocols

• Specialized experience with Special Access Program (SAP) or Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security operations, including program oversight and compliance management

• Proven experience managing onsite contract security guard forces, including oversight of post orders, performance evaluations, and vendor coordination

• NCMS Industrial Security Professional (ISP) Certification or equivalent professional security credential

• Advanced SharePoint management experience, including site administration, document library management, and workflow development

• Hands-on experience utilizing Security Information Management System (SIMS) software for personnel security clearance tracking, reporting, and compliance management

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.