Lead Personnel Security Specialist

ARA Career•Raleigh, NC

About The Position

Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc. Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) is seeking a Lead Personnel Security Specialist to oversee and improve the personnel security program in support of the National Industrial Security Program (NISP). The role leads daily clearance processing, adjudication support, and personnel security compliance operations, and provides guidance to 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 Raleigh Security Team includes Program Security, Special Security (SCI), and Cyber Security sections that collaborate to maintain security compliance and work with program managers and staff.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
Active Secret security clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS//SCI clearance within one year.
Bachelor's degree.
Two to four years of personnel security experience in a cleared defense contractor or U.S. government environment.
Advanced knowledge of NISPOM personnel security requirements and adjudicative guidelines.
Hands-on experience with DISS and NBIS, including proficiency managing investigation and eligibility workflows.
Strong attention to detail, 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 Personnel Security Specialist or in a similar security role.
Familiarity with continuous vetting or continuous evaluation processes.
Completion of the CDSE Facility Security Officer for Possessing Facilities curriculum; the posting states this is required to be completed within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

Serve as the subject matter expert for personnel security activities, including clearance initiation, maintenance, incident reporting, and separation actions.
Oversee DISS/NBIS use and ensure accurate, timely processing of investigations, eligibility updates, in-processing and out-processing actions, and visit access requests.
Lead the personnel security team in daily 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 records, metrics, and reporting for audits, inspections, and internal leadership briefings.
Support insider threat reporting requirements.
Provide employees with training and guidance 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 special project support across the security department as needed.