Lead Personnel Security Specialist

ARA•Raleigh, NC

About The Position

Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc. Integrated Mission Systems is seeking a Lead Personnel Security Specialist to oversee and enhance its personnel security program in support of the National Industrial Security Program (NISP). The role leads day-to-day clearance processing, adjudication support activities, and personnel security compliance operations, while guiding and assisting internal staff and stakeholders. The specialist serves as the subject matter expert for personnel security activities and supports compliance with NISPOM, Department of War regulations, and Intelligence Community Directives. The position reports directly to the Assistant Facility Security Officer (AFSO) and assists other security subject matter experts, including the FSO, CSSO, and ISSM. The role is part of the ARA Raleigh Security Team, which includes Program Security, Special Security (SCI), and Cyber Security. These teams collaborate on security compliance across the Sector and work with program managers and staff in an evolving environment. ARA is an employee-owned international research and engineering company with more than 2,279 employee owners.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
Active Secret security clearance and ability to obtain and maintain a TS//SCI within a year.
Bachelor's degree.
2–4 years of personnel security experience within a cleared defense contractor or U.S. government environment.
Advanced knowledge of NISPOM PERSEC requirements and adjudicative guidelines.
Hands-on experience with DISS and NBIS, with strong proficiency managing investigation and eligibility workflows.
Strong attention to detail and analytical skills, and ability to manage sensitive information.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including comfort interfacing with government customers and internal stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience using Access Commander or similar security management tools.
Prior experience functioning as a Lead PERSEC Specialist or in a similar security role.
Familiarity with continuous vetting/continuous evaluation processes.
Completion of the CDSE Facility Security Officer for Possessing Facilities curriculum; completion is required within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

Serve as the subject matter expert for personnel security activities, including clearance initiation and maintenance, incident reporting, and separation actions.
Oversee use of DISS/NBIS and ensure accurate, timely processing of investigations, eligibility updates, in-processing and out-processing actions, and visit access requests (VARs).
Lead daily PERSEC workflow management, case review, and process improvement.
Conduct quality assurance reviews of clearance submissions and adjudicative documentation.
Interpret and apply NISPOM and/or ICD 704 requirements, DoD policies, and agency-specific guidance to personnel security actions.
Coordinate with government security representatives, program managers, and HR to resolve clearance or eligibility issues.
Maintain accurate records, metrics, and reporting for audits, inspections, and internal leadership briefings.
Support insider threat reporting requirements.
Provide training and guidance to employees on clearance procedures, responsibilities, and reporting requirements.
Assist with security incident reporting and corrective action tracking.
Participate in security self-inspections and internal audits, and prepare for government assessments.
Provide surge and/or special project support across the security department as needed.