Federal Security Specialist

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Jul 18, 2025
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for a self-motivated, highly experienced Security Specialist to join our Security Services Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). ARL Security Services mission is to ensure the security of ARL personnel, facilities, material, and information as an agile, efficient, and service-driven team. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will: Coordinate and provide oversight to advanced security programs including Counterintelligence, Insider Threat, Personnel Security (PerSec), Communications Security (COMSEC), and Operations Security (OPSEC), as well as physical security systems such as electronic access control, alarm systems, and CCTV systems Assist in the development and management of advanced industrial security practices, procedures, processes, trainings, and briefings, while ensuring compliance with government policies and regulations Provide agile, efficient, and exemplary security support/outstanding customer service to all organizational groups and personnel in a fast-paced, complex, and rapidly evolving environment Work autonomously in a very busy and highly service-driven environment Handle the intake of complex collateral security matters, providing assistance and determining appropriate processes Prepare for and represent ARL in all aspects of security inspections and oversight by U.S. government (USG) agencies Required skills/experience areas include: Knowledge of all facets of advanced security programs, as listed in bullet number one (above) Demonstrated experience handling classified materials Microsoft Office software, databases, and web applications Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills are crucial to be effective Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and effectively in fast-paced environment Active security clearance, at the Secret level or higher Preferred skills/experience areas include: A Bachelor's or advanced degree in Security, Risk Management/Analysis, Criminal Justice, Military Science, or Business Administration National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), specifically safeguarding classified information Security Information Management System (SIMS) Department of Defense (DoD) security systems such as DISS, NBIS, and NISS Past success in leadership, compliance, risk-management, and/or military experience Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as Federal Security Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Federal Security Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates topossess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,200.00 - $129,500.00.THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines