VP of Security

AeroVironment•Arlington, VA

17h•$245,500 - $393,000

About The Position

AeroVironment is seeking a Vice President of Security to lead all aspects of the company’s security program and provide expertise that supports its strategies and business objectives. The role oversees industrial security, physical security, technical operations, classified program management, personnel security, and corporate and risk intelligence services. It partners with the CISO to maintain a robust security posture and serves as a subject matter expert on U.S. government policies and regulations, including Intelligence Community directives, industry guidance, and DoD policy. The position also builds relationships with U.S. government agencies, ensures compliance with federal oversight requirements, and supports acquisition integration, delivery success, and business growth. The VP will lead security operations and develop a high-performing team and an organization-wide culture of accountability, trust, and excellence. The role requires extensive experience in security program management, government compliance, and classified programs, together with leadership, collaboration, and talent-development capabilities. The position requires 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 a computer with hand and wrist dexterity. The salary range is $245,500–$393,000. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR; some positions require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements. The posting states that ITAR U.S. citizenship is required.

Requirements

Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility; CI or Full Scope Polygraph 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 with 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, and lift up to 10 pounds; hand and wrist dexterity to use a computer.
Must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR; the posting also states ITAR U.S. citizenship required.

Nice To Haves

CI or Full Scope Polygraph.
Certifications such as PSP, CISSP, ISP, or SPeD.
Experience managing personnel, physical, cybersecurity, operations security (OPSEC), and information security (INFOSEC) disciplines in a complex environment.
Prior senior security experience collaborating with defense primes, intelligence agencies, or DoD contractors.
Demonstrated 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 directives.
Establish and sustain a security culture aligned with customer mission needs and employee engagement.
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.
Prepare the organization 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 a comprehensive training, education, and awareness program.
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 for granting employees and visitors 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 in support of business objectives.
Represent security to government agencies, defense contractors, and Intelligence Community partners.
Collaborate with executive leadership, program managers, and cybersecurity teams to integrate security into business strategy and operational planning.
Mentor, train, and develop security professionals to support performance and career growth.
Maintain subcontractor relationships and ensure adherence to security requirements in DD Form 254 as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.