Contractor Special Security Officer

Job Description

The Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) has an outstanding opportunity for a Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO) to join the Security Department.

About this Opportunity:

Reporting to the Director of Security, the Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO) provides strategic leadership and executive oversight of the University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory’s Compartmented Security Program. The CSSO ensures security enables cutting-edge classified research and advanced technology development in support of national security priorities while protecting national security information and maintaining compliance with Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, Cognizant Security Agency, and University requirements. As the senior authority for compartmented security, the CSSO integrates SCI security, personnel security, physical security, classified information protection, Information Assurance, and regulatory compliance into a unified, mission-focused security program that supports the Laboratory’s research enterprise.

This position requires exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and independent judgment in a highly regulated environment where decisions directly affect the University’s ability to conduct classified research and maintain sponsor confidence. The CSSO interprets and applies complex IC, DoD, CSA, and University requirements across multiple integrated security disciplines, routinely resolving issues that demand balancing regulatory compliance, operational priorities, organizational risk, resource constraints, and mission objectives. The role establishes program strategy, develops policy, directs operations, manages organizational risk, and provides executive-level guidance on matters affecting classified research.

As the University’s principal advisor for compartmented security, the CSSO builds collaborative partnerships with Laboratory leadership, Principal Investigators, Program Managers, researchers, engineers, Information Technology personnel, Information Assurance professionals, government sponsors, and oversight agencies. The CSSO provides strategic leadership for the Special Security Office, directly supervises Contractor Special Security Representatives (CSSRs), and offers functional leadership to Information Assurance personnel supporting classified information systems. Success requires balancing compliance, operational effectiveness, customer service, workforce development, and continuous improvement within a dynamic and rapidly evolving research environment.

Decisions made by the CSSO influence organizational risk, sponsor confidence, regulatory compliance, workforce effectiveness, SCIF readiness, and the University’s ability to compete for and execute classified research. Errors in judgment, policy interpretation, leadership, or program execution may result in the compromise of classified information, loss of government confidence, regulatory findings, operational disruption, or adverse impacts to the University’s national security mission. The position therefore demands exceptional technical competence, integrity, discretion, and the ability to make sound decisions in complex operational environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Compartmented Security Program Leadership & Administration (30% FTE):

• Lead the Compartmented Security Program — Provides strategic direction, executive oversight, and long-range vision for the University’s Compartmented Security Program.
• Direct Special Security Office Operations — Manages daily operations, resources, workflows, and organizational performance of the Special Security Office.
• Establish Security Policy — Develops, implements, and enforces security policies, procedures, and operating standards governing SCI/SAP operations.
• Advise Executive Leadership — Provides executive‑level guidance on compartmented security, organizational risk, and regulatory compliance.
• Align Security Strategy — Ensures security strategy supports Laboratory research priorities and University objectives.

Personnel Security, Information Assurance & Integrated Security Operations (20% FTE):

• Oversee Personnel Security — Directs SCI eligibility, indoctrinations, debriefings, visit authorizations, and personnel access management.
• Lead Information Assurance Integration — Provides functional leadership for IA personnel supporting classified information systems and cybersecurity coordination.
• Coordinate Integrated Security Operations — Ensures cohesive security operations across IT, IA, and research programs to support mission readiness.

SCIF Operations, Physical Security & Information Protection (20% FTE):

• Manage SCIF Accreditation — Directs accreditation, lifecycle management, compliance, and operational readiness of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities.
• Oversee Physical Security — Ensures protection of classified information, government assets, and secure facility infrastructure.
• Approve Secure Facility Requirements — Reviews and authorizes security requirements for construction, renovation, and modification of secure spaces.

Governance, Risk Management, Compliance & Government Relations (20% FTE):

• Lead Governance & Compliance — Directs regulatory compliance, internal controls, enterprise risk management, and program governance activities.
• Conduct Inspections & Assessments — Executes internal inspections, self-assessments, and program evaluations to measure compliance and organizational performance.
• Resolve Security Findings — Directs corrective actions for vulnerabilities, incidents, inspection findings, and compliance deficiencies.
• Represent University to Government — Serves as a primary interface with government sponsors and oversight agencies for inspections, accreditation, and program reviews.

Leadership, Workforce Development & Stakeholder Engagement (10% FTE):

• Develop Security Workforce — Recruits, mentors, evaluates, and retains a high-performing security team, including CSSRs and IA personnel.  This position manages employees.
• Promote Security as a Mission Enabler — Fosters a customer-focused culture that integrates security early in research planning and supports operational excellence.
• Strengthen Stakeholder Partnerships — Builds collaborative relationships with researchers, PIs, PMs, engineers, IT personnel, and government sponsors.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field, and a minimum 6 to 8 years of progressively responsible leadership experience administering Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), Special Access Programs (SAP), collateral security, or comparable classified security programs.

Equivalent combinations of education, military service, and progressively responsible security experience may substitute for the degree requirement.

Additional Qualifications:

• Experience leading integrated security operations supporting classified research, engineering, advanced technology, or national security programs.  
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams, managing organizational priorities, and exercising independent judgment in complex operational environments.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Intelligence Community (IC), Department of Defense (DoD), and National Industrial Security Program (NISP) security requirements, including ICD 704 (personnel security), ICD 705 (SCIF standards), DoDM 5105.21 (SCI security), and 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM).
• Working knowledge of key security directives, including ICDs, ICSs, ICD 705 Technical Specifications, DoDM 5105.21, 32 CFR Part 117, and essential reporting and adjudication requirements such as SEAD 3 and SEAD 4.
• Ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and translate them into effective organizational policies and operational practices, ensuring compliance across SCI, collateral, personnel security, incident reporting, and facility accreditation activities.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, communication, organizational, and relationship management skills, enabling effective coordination with government security counterparts and internal program stakeholders.
• Proficiency with government security information systems, including DISS, NISS, NBIS, and standard Microsoft Office applications.
• Active Top-Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required security clearances and government approvals as a condition of employment.
• US Citizenship.

A Top-Secret security clearance is required to hold this position. The person hired into this position must be a U.S. citizen and successfully continue to maintain a Department of Defense (DOD) Top-Secret Personnel Security Clearance. The process for obtaining a DOD Security Clearance can be viewed using the following links: Processing Applicants (dcsa.mil) or General Investigations and Clearance Processes (dcsa.mil)

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Preferred Qualifications:

The following qualifications strengthen leadership effectiveness and support the continued advancement of the University's Compartmented Security Program.

• Experience leading classified research security programs within a university, federal laboratory, Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, or cleared contractor environment.
• Experience integrating SCI Security, Personnel Security, Physical Security, Information Protection, Information Assurance, SCIF Operations, and Security Education into a unified security program.
• Experience leading SCIF planning, accreditation, construction, operations, inspections, and lifecycle management.
• Experience advising executive leadership and partnering with government sponsors, researchers, Principal Investigators, and Program Managers.
• Completion of advanced professional education through DCSA, CDSE, the Intelligence Community, the Department of Defense, or equivalent government security training programs.
• Professional certifications in security management, cybersecurity, project management, leadership, or organizational excellence.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational transformation, workforce development, strategic planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated commitment to the philosophy that security is a strategic partner that enables research through leadership, collaboration, innovation, operational excellence, and uncompromising protection of national security information.

About APL:

The Applied Physics Laboratory is a research unit at the University of Washington. Our research expertise is in ocean physics and engineering, ocean and medical acoustics and imaging, polar science, remote sensing, and signal processing. We conduct research and development that is sponsored by a variety of federal and state agencies and take great pride in our long-standing status as a US Navy-designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). Our work takes place not only on the University of Washington campus and medical centers, but in field locations around the world – at sea, in the air, and on polar ice caps. We apply rigorous scientific inquiry and engineering excellence in pursuit of solutions to important problems for the good of our region, nation, and world.

We are focused on building and sustaining a laboratory where all students, staff, and collaborators can realize success. We believe every member of our team enriches our research enterprise by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, discover, design, and deliver solutions. We invite you to explore our laboratory, to find answers to Common Questions about the University’s application process, and to See Yourself at APL.

 

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$135,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$200,004.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.