Areté, we are at the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation’s most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we empower our team members with meaningful career development opportunities and a strong sense of ownership in our shared success.

Discover your future with us.

Arete is seeking an experienced Senior Industrial Security Officer to support the development, administration, maintenance, and compliance of Special Access Programs (SAPs) as the Contractor Special Access Program Security Officer (CSSO) for the site. This role provides expert, multi-disciplined security support within a SAPF environment and plays a key role in maintaining a strong security posture across multiple classified program environments. The selected candidate will support the Facility Security Officer (FSO), Contractor Program Security Officers (CPSOs) and other CSSOs across multiple sites to ensure compliance, continuity, and effective security operations. Responsibilities include interpreting and applying security policy, managing day-to-day security activities, and serving as a trusted security partner to internal stakeholders and government customers. The ideal candidate is well-versed in 32 CFR Part 117, Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs), and Security Executive Agent Directives (SEADs). They are a self-starter who can prioritize competing security actions, communicate clearly and professionally with employees, leadership, and government representatives, and take ownership of resolving complex security issues in a results-driven manner. We have the opportunity for two full-time, exempt, non-supervisory positions, one based in Falls Church, VA and one based in Tucson, AZ.

Primary responsibilities:

• Interpret and enforce government and company security policies and provide direction and guidance to program personnel, ensuring both the business needs and the customer security policies are aligned.
• Provide guidance and support to staff as needed and perform duties as assigned by the Program Security Manager in support of overall program objectives, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
• Interface with Program Managers, liaise with Government Program Security Officers, and partner with the Program Security Manager to address evolving program needs.
• In coordination with the Program Security Manager, maintain inspectable records in accordance with DoD, IC, and 32 CFR Part 117 guidelines.
• Prepare, review, coordinate, and execute Concepts of Operations, Standard Operating Procedures, OPSEC Plan, Program Protection Plans, Emergency Action Plans, Security Test Plans, and Transportation Security Plans and provide updates as required.
• Conduct and support self-inspections, audits, and compliance reviews.
• Conduct security inquiries, identify suspected security infractions and violations, develop reports, and make corrective actions recommendations to the government security team.
• Execute all aspects of the Personnel Security Program, including nominations, investigations, validation of access requirements, briefings/debriefings, NDAs/NDSs, foreign travel/contact/activity reports, and other personnel security actions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Maintain personnel security records and manage access requests using DISS, JADE, and other relevant systems.
• Establish and implement a Security Education, Training and Awareness program tailored to program and facility requirements that provide all aspects of security training and documentation.
• Attend Customer provided training, achieve and maintain Lead Trainer certification.
• Perform duties of a SAP Accountability Officer; execute and document completion of an annual physical inventory of material under control of the assigned facility; provide training on proper marking, transmission, control, storage, distribution, and destruction of classified material.
• Prepare material designated for destruction and ensure destruction is documented in an approved accountability system.
• Ensure proper accounting, control, transmission, packaging, safeguarding, and authorized destruction of COMSEC, including software and cryptographic key updates
• Maintain the physical security standards of all responsible SAP/SCI facilities per DoDM 5205.07 Volume 3 and ICD 705.
• Develop, coordinate, and submit physical security documentation such as Fixed Facility Checklists (FFC), TEMPEST Checklists; conduct annual self-inspections and prepare and execute corrective action plans.
• Collaborate with Security Team Members and Stakeholders on compliance with physical/technical security requirements during facility renovations or new construction.
• Provide prime and subcontractor security support and direction, including the development and maintenance of DD254’s and security guidance.
• Draft security volumes for Request for Information or Request for Proposals.
• Support after-hours and emergency response activities.
• Serve as the SAPF Safety Officer, ensuring compliance with facility safety procedures, conducting routine safety inspections, maintaining emergency equipment, and coordinating response actions in accordance with applicable security and safety protocols.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer: Health & Wellness:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement
• Fitness Reimbursement

Financial:

• Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Continuing Education Assistance

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible Scheduling
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

What We Value:

• Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
• Integrity and responsibility in all actions
• Collaboration across teams and specialties
• Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
• Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For:

• U.S. Citizenship and active Top-Secret clearance. Candidate selected must be eligible to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI government security clearance with polygraph.
• 8+ years of professional experience with high school diploma; 6 years security experience with Bachelors.
• Demonstrated experience working with SIMS, Scattered Castles, JADE, or DISS.
• Operate with a high degree of independence, exercising sound judgment, initiative, and strong organizational skills with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated experience working with communications security.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities.
• Organized with a proven ability to prioritize, complete, and update customer and program leadership on all security concerns and coordinate resolutions.
• FSO, CSO, ISP, SFPC or CSSO Security training/certificate(s).
• Experience modifying or building SCIFs to ICD 705 technical specification requirements.
• Completed formal training in ICD 705 SCIF/SAPF planning and construction (e.g., SSM or equivalent).
• Be familiar with CUAs/JUAs/MOUs/MOAs.
• Strong background utilizing Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative mindset.
• Familiarity with UL2050 alarm standards and semi-annual inspection requirements.
• Experience with architectural drawings, facility schematics, and build documentation.
• Ability to produce professional-level security documentation and reports.
• Knowledge of SCI, SAP, and DoD security policies, procedures, directives, and requirements.
• Must be willing and able to travel (10–15%) to support other facilities as needed.
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods; lift/carry up to 25 lbs.
• Comfortable working at elevated heights or in construction areas with PPE (e.g., hard hats, gloves, safety glasses).
• Familiarity with UL2050 alarm standards and semi-annual inspection requirements.
• Experience with architectural drawings, facility schematics, and build documentation.
• Ability to produce professional-level security documentation and reports.
• Knowledge of SCI, SAP, and DoD security policies, procedures, directives, and requirements.
• Must be willing and able to travel (10–15%) to support other facilities as needed.
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods; lift/carry up to 25 lbs.
• Comfortable working at elevated heights or in construction areas with PPE (e.g., hard hats, gloves, safety glasses).