VP of Security

AeroVironment•Arlington, VA

2d•$245,500 - $393,000•Onsite

About The Position

AeroVironment is seeking a Vice President of Security to lead all aspects of the company’s security program and provide expertise in support of its strategies and business objectives. The role spans industrial and physical security, technical operations, classified program management, personnel security, and corporate and risk intelligence. The VP partners with the CISO to maintain a comprehensive security posture and serves as a subject matter expert on U.S. government policies and regulations, building relationships with government agencies and ensuring compliance with federal oversight requirements. The VP will help integrate recent acquisitions and develop a team that enables delivery success and business growth. The position calls for a mission-oriented leader who protects national security interests and promotes accountability, trust, and excellence. The role oversees security leadership and operations, compliance and audits, classified IT, personnel and physical security, secure facilities, travel security, and international security strategy. It also represents the company to government and industry partners and works with executive, program, cybersecurity, and subcontractor teams. The position involves travel up to 50% of the time. Work is performed in a climate-controlled office environment. Physical demands include sitting, standing, stooping, reaching, bending, lifting up to 10 pounds, and using hand and wrist dexterity to operate a computer. The salary range is $245,500–$393,000. The position requires access to ITAR/EAR-controlled information; U.S. citizenship is required as stated in the posting.

Requirements

Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility; CI or Full Scope Polygraph is preferred.
At least 15 years of experience in industrial security, SAP/SCI programs, and management of classified security programs.
At least 10 years of direct managerial experience.
Deep understanding of NISPOM, ICD 705, DoDM 5205.07, and other relevant security regulatory frameworks.
Experience leading DCSA security reviews, customer inspections, and government audits.
Ability to cultivate a high-performing security culture that balances mission execution and team engagement.
Excellent interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration skills and exceptional leadership capabilities.
Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently.
Superior oral and written communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
High degree of professionalism and meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, bend, lift up to 10 pounds, and use hand and wrist dexterity to operate a computer.
Must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR or be eligible for an export license; the posting also states U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

CI or Full Scope Polygraph.
Certifications such as PSP, CISSP, ISP, or SPeD.
Experience managing multiple security disciplines, including personnel, physical, cybersecurity, OPSEC, and INFOSEC, in a complex environment.
Senior security experience collaborating with defense primes, intelligence agencies, or DoD contractors.
Ability to drive process improvements, build scalable security programs, and elevate organizational compliance.

Responsibilities

Lead the security program and ensure compliance with DoD, Intelligence Community, and federal regulations, including NISPOM, DoDM 5205.07, and applicable Intelligence Community Directives.
Establish and sustain a security culture aligned with mission needs and employee engagement, positioning security as a strategic business enabler.
Oversee security investigations, prepare incident reports, and recommend mitigating and corrective actions.
Develop and implement organization-wide security education, training, and awareness programs.
Manage a security leadership team overseeing industrial security, special security, and corporate and risk intelligence operations.
Maintain organizational readiness to navigate DD Form 254 requirements, program security guides, and classified contract obligations.
Lead industrial security self-inspections, audits, and assessments, and prepare for DCSA and customer security reviews.
Oversee classified information technology and compliance with U.S. government requirements.
Conduct security briefings and maintain comprehensive training and awareness programs.
Oversee personnel security, including eligibility determinations, clearance processing, Continuous Evaluation, and reporting for employees with classified access.
Establish procedures for handling, storing, and maintaining records and granting access to restricted materials and program areas.
Oversee physical security at U.S. facilities, including intrusion detection, access control, surveillance, guard forces, and visitor management.
Coordinate secure construction planning and obtain accreditation for classified workspaces such as SCIFs and SAPFs as needed.
Oversee travel security and executive protection requirements.
Develop international security strategies that support business objectives.
Represent the company to government agencies, defense contractors, and intelligence community partners on security requirements and operational effectiveness.
Collaborate with executive leadership, program managers, and cybersecurity teams to integrate security into business strategies and operational planning.
Mentor, train, and develop security professionals to support performance and career growth.
Develop and maintain subcontractor relationships to ensure adherence to DD Form 254 security requirements, as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.