Contractor SAP Security Officer (CSSO)

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.

This is an on-site position for a Contractor SAP Security Officer (CSSO) who will ensure compliance with Special Access Programs (SAP). The CSSO serves as the principal point of contact with Aerospace Special Access Program Management and government agencies/customers on all program security matters and requirements. This role is responsible for delivering security support to ensure proper safeguarding of SAP classified information and providing on-site assistance for all SAP security activities in accordance with corporate and government policies and directives.

In this role, you will be a trusted advisor and hands-on subject matter expert, working closely with program leadership, government security counterparts, and internal stakeholders to build and maintain a highly secure environment that enables critical national security missions. You will help shape security processes, drive continuous improvement, and mentor personnel on SAP security best practices.

This position is 100% onsite in Crystal City, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Collaborate with the PSO and GPM/CPM to establish a secure environment for SAP operations, ensuring mission success while enabling efficient program execution
• Oversee security operations within assigned activities, organizations, or offices, serving as the day-to-day security focal point for program personnel
• Partner with the ISSM/ISSO to protect Information Systems in the SAPCA and ensure compliance with applicable laws, SCI, and SAP security policies and requirements
• Support enterprise-level SAP discussions and activities to meet corporate and program requirements; provide assistance to other office locations as needed, including occasional travel as required
• Develop and deliver training for SAP-accessed personnel, tailoring content to different audiences and reinforcing a strong security culture
• Coordinate initial access eligibility determinations and prepare PARs or SCI nominations in accordance with customer and government guidelines
• Maintain personnel security records for SAP and SCI programs using DISS, JADE, and other customer systems of record, ensuring accuracy and audit readiness
• Conduct pre- and post-travel briefings; oversee foreign travel and contact reporting, and ensure timely and accurate documentation
• Manage the visitor control process for SAP meetings, including verification of clearances and need-to-know, and coordination with host offices
• Deliver initial program indoctrination briefings and security education/refresher training; maintain records of attendance and compliance
• Perform annual self-inspections and submit corrective action plans; track findings through closure and drive process improvements
• Develop, update, and maintain facility-specific SOPs for security policies and SAP, ensuring alignment with corporate and government directives
• Supervise transmission of SAP material using approved methods and procedures to prevent unauthorized disclosure
• Provide courier instructions and training to SAP-briefed couriers and ensure proper documentation for classified movement
• Create transportation plans and reproduction procedures that comply with DoD and customer requirements
• Establish and ensure compliance with the Security Education, Training, and Awareness (SETA) program, including recurring briefings and targeted training
• Conduct briefings on reporting requirements and security incidents; reinforce expectations for timely reporting and accountability
• Maintain administrative security documentation, including co-use/joint-use agreements and other program-specific security artifacts
• Support customer development of Program Protection Plans and other program security documentation as required
• Prepare DD Form 254 and manage SAP material inventory and disposition, ensuring accurate tracking and compliant destruction/transfer
• Coordinate physical security construction needs/facility modifications with direct supervisor and facilities personnel to meet ICD 705 and SAP requirements
• Collaborate with enterprise colleagues to balance multiple customer workloads and ensure coverage across programs and locations
• Conduct security inquiries, identify suspected infractions and violations, develop reports, and recommend corrective actions to the government security team
• Develop, coordinate, obtain approval for, and implement entry/exit inspection procedures for SAP areas
• Execute and document annual physical inventory of Top-Secret material under facility registry control, reconciling discrepancies as needed
• Apply DoD and IC policies with working knowledge of DoDM 5205.07 (DoD SAP Security Manual, dated 17 January 2025), ICD 705, ICD 704, and/or NISPOM and applicable sponsor procedures
• Obtain rulings, interpretations, and acceptable deviations for regulatory compliance from government agencies, and communicate requirements to program stakeholders

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Security Specialist III – CSSO:

• High School Diploma or equivalent experience in a related field
• 5 to 7 years of experience in SAP security operations or closely related classified security roles (e.g., SCI, collateral, or industrial security)
• Familiarity with DoDM 5205.07 and related security directives, with the ability to interpret and apply policy in an operational environment
• Demonstrated Contractor SAP Security Officer experience, or equivalent experience performing SAP security functions (e.g., managing access, visitor control, training, and self-inspections)
• Current TS/SCI with the ability to obtain and maintain SAP access
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief senior leaders and interact professionally with government customers

In addition to the requirements above, the minimum requirements for Security Specialist IV – CSSO are:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant CSSO experience with a High School Diploma, or
  8 years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Security Management, Criminal Justice, or Information Security) or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated experience in SAP security, including managing complex security operations for multi-site or multi-customer programs
• SAP experience with DoDM 5205.07 and related security directives, with a proven track record of successfully supporting audits, inspections, and program reviews
• Experience leading or mentoring junior security staff and influencing stakeholders to adopt security best practices

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Industrial Security Professional (ISP) certification, Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC), or equivalent professional security certification preferred
• TS/SCI with adjudicated polygraph
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team
• Working knowledge of the Joint Special Access Program (SAP) Implementation Guide (JSIG), Intelligence Community Directives (ICD's) and 32 CFR Part 117 National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) Rule
• Proficiency in security management systems, such as JADE, DISS, and SIMS, and comfort learning new customer or enterprise security tools
• Experience supporting inspections by DCSA, SAPCO, or other government oversight entities
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver engaging security training and awareness materials

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)

$45.68 - $84.00

Pay Basis: Hourly

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.