The Senior SAP Security Specialist independently supports the security posture of Special Access Programs (SAPs) through the implementation, coordination, and continuous improvement of comprehensive security requirements across multiple security disciplines. The position serves as a trusted advisor to program managers, government customers, and organizational leadership by applying expertise in program protection, personnel security, physical security, information security, operations security, communications security, and classified program administration. The ideal candidate will be a strong, well-rounded and multi-disciplined SAP security professional.

Working collaboratively across government and contractor organizations, the Senior SAP Security Specialist develops security documentation, supports facility and system accreditations, coordinates security requirements throughout the program lifecycle, and ensures compliance with Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), and customer-specific security policies. This position operates with considerable independence while supporting highly sensitive research, acquisition, and operational programs.

Responsibilities:

• Independently administer security requirements supporting Special Access Programs (SAP), SCI, collateral, and other classified programs throughout the program lifecycle.

• Develop, coordinate, and maintain program security documentation including DD Form 254s, Security Classification Guides (SCGs), Program Protection Plans (PPPs), Test Security Plans, MOUs, MOAs, SOPs, accreditation packages, and related security artifacts.

• Coordinate SAP Facility (SAPF), Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), and Automated Information Systems (AIS) accreditation activities with government customers and mission partners.

• Interpret and apply Executive Order 13526, NISPOM, ICDs, DoD SAP Manuals, and other applicable security policies while providing guidance to program personnel.

• Advise program managers, engineers, contracting personnel, and government stakeholders regarding classification, program protection, personnel security, and security compliance requirements.

• Develop and implement security architectures and protection strategies that support classified research, development, acquisition, and operational programs.

• Coordinate personnel security activities including nominations, access requests, indoctrinations, debriefings, visit authorizations, adverse information reporting, and security documentation.

• Conduct OPSEC assessments, risk analyses, Critical Program Information (CPI) identification, and vulnerability assessments supporting program protection planning.

• Prepare executive-level reports, briefings, metrics, and recommendations regarding program security readiness, compliance, and risk mitigation.

• Support classified meetings, technical reviews, program milestones, and customer engagements requiring integrated security planning.

• Conduct security self-inspections, compliance reviews, and corrective action planning while identifying opportunities to improve security processes and operational efficiency.

• Mentor junior security personnel and provide guidance regarding SAP security processes, documentation, and customer expectations.

• Partner with physical security, personnel security, industrial security, cybersecurity, and information security professionals to provide integrated security support across classified programs.

• Recommend and implement process improvements that enhance customer service, compliance, reporting accuracy, and overall program effectiveness.

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 7 years of related DoD or IC experience

• Candidates must hold a TS/SCI and a current CI polygraph

• Senior-level knowledge of SAP security principles, regulations, and emerging best practices.

• Deep understanding of physical, personnel, and industrial security requirements within a complex SAP environment.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication, briefing, and interpersonal skills.

• Proven ability to lead and manage large security teams and complex projects.

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Qualifying relevant experience includes demonstrated recent experience in successfully performing as a program security representative (or similar title) for one or more programs on a contract or in an organization that provides security support to a federal entity or private corporation in a classified environment

• The SAP Security Specialist requires a fundamental knowledge of the basics of program protection, classification architectures, Operations Security, Communications Security, sensitive test planning, intelligence & counterintelligence threat support requirements, secure information transmission, secure hardware transportation, and the principles governing controls on fundamental research activities.