Junior Security Specialist Officer (SSO)

Are you enthusiastic about working and collaborating with a highly skilled and motivated team that genuinely enjoys their work? We are currently seeking a security professional to join us on-site as a Junior Security Specialist Officer (SSO) in our Raleigh, NC office.

The Junior Security Specialist Officer (SSO) is responsible for various aspects of security within at our Raleigh, NC office. This role can encompass a wide range of responsibilities depending on the specific security needs. The SSO works to protect people, facility, assets, and information from threats and risks.

The SSO will work closely with the Facility Security Officer (FSO), Program Security Officers (PSOs), Cybersecurity teams. The SSO will report directly to the Senior SSO.

Candidates applying for this position must possess an active Secret level security clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret/SCI level clearance. Applications from individuals without an active security clearance will not be considered. This is a full-time on-site position.

Junior Security Specialist Officer (SSO) Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Security Policies and Procedures: Interprets and enforces government policies and directives pertaining to security policies, procedures, and guidelines to protect data, assets, and personnel.
• Security Clearance Process: Assist in the initiation of security clearance investigations and reinvestigations for ARA Raleigh personnel using DISS and NBIS databases.
• Access Control: Manage and control access to our Raleigh facilities, and resources, ensuring that only authorized personnel have the appropriate access rights to Secure Spaces (Badging, etc.).
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure physical security measures comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Security Training: Provide security training and awareness programs for employees to help them recognize and respond to security threats.
• Security Documentation: Maintain records and documentation related to security, including incident reports and security plans.
• Other Duties: As deemed appropriate by the FSO and Senior SSO.

Junior Security Specialist Officer (SSO) Required Skills

• Working knowledge of U.S. Government security systems and databases, including the Defense Information System for Security (DISS), National Background Investigation Services (NBIS), Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP), and National Industrial Security System (NISS).
• General understanding of personnel security, physical security, information security, SCI security, controlled access areas, classified material handling, visit requests, access control, and security documentation requirements.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, track suspense dates, maintain accurate records, and support day-to-day security operations in a fast-paced classified environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint, with the ability to prepare reports, trackers, briefings, logs, and other security documentation.
• Professional demeanor with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with employees, leadership, government customers, and security stakeholders.
• Strong sense of personal motivation, initiative, and attention to detail, with the ability to learn new systems, follow established procedures, and adapt to changing security requirements.
• Ability to work under general supervision, identify routine security issues, elevate concerns when needed, and support corrective actions in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.

Junior Security Specialist Officer (SSO) Position Requirements

• US Citizenship required.
• Active security clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret/SCI clearance within six months.
• Bachelor's degree with 0-2 years of work experience, equivalent professional experience (at least 6 years) will be considered for talented candidates without a degree.
• Works on assignments requiring considerable judgment and initiative.
• Develops solutions to routine technical problems of limited scope following detailed instructions.
• Works under general supervision, providing solutions to technical problems of moderate scope/complexity.
• Knowledge of dealing with a comprehensive spectrum of security principles, concepts, practices, products, and services, along with expertise in assessing risk and vulnerability, implementing effective mitigation measures, and disseminating security procedures and processes.

Junior Security Specialist Officer (SSO) Desired Qualifications

• Special Security Officer Course.
• DoD 8570 IAM Level I professional certification, such as CompTIA Security+.
• Experience interfacing with DCSA and other government representatives.
• Experience collaborating with federal or government agencies as well as defense contractors.
• Working knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program (NISPOM) and Department of Defense regulations.
• Knowledge of DCSA Assessment and Authorization Process Manual (DAAPM).
• Knowledge of Closed Area Standards and Intelligence Community Directive 705. Knowledge of the NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-57 and the NIST SP 800-171.
• Knowledge of DoD Manuals 5200.01 volumes 1-4, 5205.07, ICD 705.
• Experience with NISS, DISS, SWFT, ACCS, Access Commander, or other government applications.
• Experience with SharePoint.

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,279 employee owners and continues to grow rapidly.

Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice with what happens in the company.

We are also very proud of our Women’s Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.

To find out more about what the Integrated Mission Systems Sector has to offer, visit our website at https://www.ara.com/raleigh/

To learn more about our generous benefits program including health, life & disability, retirement, flexible spending, rewards & recognition, work/life balance, professional development and relocation visit https://www.ara.com/benefits/