Industrial Security Specialist

Arete Associates•Huntsville, AL

7h•$65,000 - $73,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Areté, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation’s most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth. Discover your future with us. As an Industrial Security Specialist, you will implement the industrial security program for the Arete Huntsville, Alabama facility, ensuring compliance with government and company security policies and procedures. This role involves coordinating and monitoring highly sensitive aspects of Department of Defense (DoD) and other industrial security programs, as well as supporting a wide range of security activities. Responsibilities include supporting clearance processing, visit certifications, document control, and physical security operations, including alarm response for controlled area programs and other security-related tasking.The position requires a thorough understanding of security systems and databases such as DISS/NBIS, eApp, SIMS, and NISS. The Industrial Security Officer will also provide guidance to customers and management on a variety of security matters, including security education, classified document control, security investigations, classification management, and personnel clearance processes. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of physical security requirements, including collateral Open Storage Areas, and possess working knowledge of key security documentation such as DD-254, SF-700, SF-701, and SF-702. They will apply this expertise, along with Operations Security (OPSEC) principles, to develop, implement, and maintain an effective OPSEC program that protects sensitive unclassified information, activities, equipment, and materials. The successful candidate will also support the Personnel Security Administrator by conducting pre-screens, reviewing and submitting clearance documentation, and assisting with additional security-related duties as required. This position is based in our Huntsville, AL office and is classified as a non-exempt, non-supervisory, full-time role.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred)
2-3 years of administrative or security-related experience a plus.
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work collaboratively across teams and adapt to changing priorities
Active Top Secret clearance

Nice To Haves

Experience in industrial security or classified environments
Familiarity with NISPOM or DoD security protocols
Previous administrative experience supporting multiple departments or reporting lines
Experience with logistics coordination, facilities liaison, or event support (e.g., catering)
Ability and willingness to learn and grow within the security field

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will interface at all levels, including government representatives, to ensure contract security compliance with National Industrial Security Operating Manual (NISPOM) 32 CFR Part 117, Contract Security Classification Specification (DD254) and Program Classification Guides.
Collaborate effectively as a team player, demonstrating flexibility, strong organizational skills, and the ability to analyze moderately complex issues and deliver practical solutions. Communicate security risks clearly to the FSO, senior management, and Program Managers (PMs).
Conduct security self-inspections in coordination with the FSO, apply risk mitigation strategies, support customer assessments, and implement required security measures.
Manage access control by creating and maintaining badges for employees, contractors, and visitors using company systems; review and update access privileges as needed.
Prepare and process visit authorization requests (VARs).
Initiate, review, and process personnel security clearances and periodic reinvestigations for DoD programs.
Perform DISS administrative functions, including visit requests, employee in-processing, indoctrinations, debriefings, out-processing, Customer Service Requests (CSRs), and report generation.
Conduct security briefings and debriefings, including SF-312, new hire, and termination briefings.
Conduct security pre-screening of candidates and provide support to the Personnel Security Administrator as needed.
Process and review background investigation requests using the eApp system, including preparing, collecting, and evaluating SF-86 forms and related clearance documentation to assess suitability for access.
Submit clearance actions, track investigation statuses, and maintain personnel security records in DISS/NBIS.
Manage classified document control within SIMS, ensuring all materials are properly accounted for, transmitted, stored, safeguarded, and destroyed in compliance with NISPOM and contractual requirements.
Perform additional security duties as assigned.