Security Specialist - Program Protection Lead

American Systems•Arlington, VA

3d•$132,500 - $221,300

About The Position

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Program Mission Support, Engineering & Analysis, and Training. As the Security Specialist - Program Protection Lead, you will integrate safeguards into planning and execution to protect critical information, sensitive technologies, and mission capabilities from compromise or exploitation. You will support risk-informed protection strategies, develop and maintain protective documentation, and coordinate security measures across engineering, acquisition, operations, security, and other functional stakeholders. You will evaluate vulnerabilities and dependencies, translate identified risks into practical controls, and monitor implementation throughout program activities. By maintaining a coherent view of threats, critical assets, and protective actions, the Security Specialist Program Protection helps leadership make informed decisions and ensures that security considerations remain embedded in technical and operational planning rather than addressed only after risks emerge.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant discipline and 10 years of directly relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline plus 14 years of directly related work experience.
Experience must include support to Special Access Program and Sensitive Compartmented Information environments
Demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively across Government, contractor, and external stakeholders; prepare briefings, reports, standard operating procedures, and official correspondence; and lead a team in fast paced classified environments.
Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility; must be able to meet any applicable Special Access Program eligibility requirements identified by the Government.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain program-protection plans, strategies, assessments, and supporting documentation.
Identify critical information, technologies, capabilities, and dependencies requiring coordinated protection measures.
Assess vulnerabilities and security risks that could affect sensitive program information or mission capabilities.
Integrate protective requirements into engineering, acquisition, operational, sustainment, and decision-making activities.
Coordinate safeguards with Government security, technical, intelligence, export, disclosure, and operational stakeholders.
Track implementation of approved protection measures and document risks, decisions, exceptions, and corrective actions.
Prepare leadership briefings and recommendations addressing protection priorities, residual risk, and emerging concerns.
Evaluate changes in program activities or threat conditions and recommend updates to protective strategies.