Special Security Officer (SSO)

Quantum Space•Hawthorne, CA

11h

About The Position

Quantum Space is seeking an experienced Special Security Officer (SSO) to lead and support security operations for classified and national security programs. The SSO will serve as a security partner to company leadership, engineering, business development, and program teams, and as a primary security interface with U.S. Government customers and other classified program stakeholders. The role supports the security infrastructure, processes, and relationships needed to pursue and execute complex classified missions. The position covers security requirements for classified programs, facilities, personnel, information, and operations, including support for SCI and SAP activities as applicable. The SSO will develop and implement security strategies, policies, procedures, and SOPs; advise leadership on security requirements and risks; support secure facilities such as SCIFs and SAPFs; and help teams address security needs throughout the capture and program lifecycle. The role also includes personnel security actions, employee education and training, and preparation for government security reviews and assessments. The position is based in Hawthorne, California. The listed base salary range is $150,000 to $200,000, with competitive equity and comprehensive benefits. Applicants must meet U.S. Government space technology export-control requirements.

Requirements

7+ years of progressively responsible security experience supporting classified U.S. Government, defense, intelligence, aerospace, or national security programs.
Significant experience supporting classified programs within the national security space or a highly regulated aerospace and defense environment.
Strong understanding of personnel, physical, information, and program security requirements.
Experience supporting SCI and/or SAP environments.
Working knowledge of applicable security policies and frameworks, including ICD 705, DoD Manual 5205.07, NISPOM requirements, and related government security guidance.
Experience interacting directly with government security representatives and program security stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to establish credibility and build trusted relationships with government customers.
Ability to navigate complex government organizations and security processes effectively.
Strong understanding of how security requirements intersect with program execution, business development, and new program capture.
Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to operate independently in sensitive environments.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex security requirements for technical and non-technical teams.
Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility.
Ability to maintain all security clearances and accesses required for the position.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations to comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR.

Nice To Haves

Established relationships within the Southern California national security space and classified security community.
Experience supporting government space acquisition, development, or operational programs.
Experience serving as an SSO, CPSO, FSO, CSSO, or senior security professional supporting classified aerospace or space programs.
Experience working directly with government program offices and customer security organizations.
Experience establishing, accrediting, or managing a SCIF and/or SAPF.
Experience supporting SAP and SCI program environments.
Experience helping an organization establish or expand its classified program capabilities.
Familiarity with DCSA requirements, DISS, NBIS, NISS, and related security systems.
Experience supporting classified capture, proposals, and new business activities.
Knowledge of counterintelligence, OPSEC, insider threat, and security education programs.
Experience operating in a fast-paced aerospace, defense technology, or growth-stage environment.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary security interface between Quantum Space and U.S. Government customers, security representatives, and classified program stakeholders.
Build and maintain trusted relationships across national security space and government security communities.
Develop and execute security strategies supporting classified programs and new mission opportunities.
Advise program and company leadership on security requirements, risks, and considerations affecting classified programs.
Manage security requirements associated with classified programs, facilities, personnel, information, and operations.
Support SCI and SAP activities, as applicable.
Coordinate personnel security actions, including clearance processing, indoctrinations, debriefings, visit requests, access determinations, and related documentation.
Support the establishment, accreditation, and ongoing operation of classified facilities and secure work environments, including SCIFs and SAPFs as required.
Develop, implement, and maintain security policies, procedures, and SOPs consistent with government and customer requirements.
Interpret and implement applicable security directives, including ICDs, DoD requirements, and customer-specific guidance.
Partner with business development and program teams to identify security requirements early in the capture and program lifecycle.
Support classified proposal, capture, and customer engagement activities.
Conduct security education, training, briefings, and awareness programs for employees supporting classified activities.
Prepare for and support government security reviews, inspections, and assessments.
Maintain strict accountability and protection of classified information and assets.
Help build a security culture that enables teams to move quickly while maintaining standards for protecting national security information.