Contractor Program Security Officer

Arete is seeking an experienced Contractor Program Security Officer (CPSO). This is a multidisciplinary security position requiring an experienced and knowledgeable security professional to support Special Programs. The Contractor Program Security Officer (CPSO) is responsible for the execution and sustainment of comprehensive security programs for assigned efforts with contractually mandated security requirements that exceed standard NISPOM (32 CFR Part 117) compliance. The CPSO serves as a liaison to government security representatives, ensuring full alignment with DoD policy and directives while maintaining a proactive and audit-ready security posture across all assigned programs. This position is based at our Northridge, CA office and is an exempt, non-supervisory, full-time position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Contractor Program Security Officer (CPSO) ensuring full compliance with DoD security requirements as outlined in DoDM 5205.07 Volumes.
• Interpret and apply policy guidance and security classification guides (SCGs) to ensure continued DoD compliance-driven security practices across all program elements.
• As a member of the Security team, you will support all aspects of program security administration, including Personnel Security (PERSEC), Security Education, Training, and Awareness (SETA), Operations Security (OPSEC), document control/inventories, visitor control, supporting hosted program meetings, etc. in coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure timely submission and management of program access requests (PARs), nomination packages, and eligibility actions within DISS and other applicable systems as directed by Program Management.
• Conduct indoctrinations, debriefings, and security training for program personnel in accordance with government directives. Accomplish and retain Lead Trainer status.
• In coordination with the Contractor Program Security Manager (CPSM) and other security team members review program-specific documentation as required, (e.g., Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Fixed Facility Checklists (FFC), Emergency Action Plan (EAP), Concept of Operations (ConOps), Media Control Plan, etc.
• Prepare for and support government security reviews, inspections, audits, and self-inspections. Implement corrective actions and maintain a state of readiness.
• Support secure facility operations in accordance with ICD 705 requirements, including alarm monitoring, guard testing, UL2050 inspections, TEMPEST compliance, etc.
• Track and report security incidents, conduct preliminary inquiries, and support investigations in conjunction with the Security Manager and government sponsors.
• Assist with the review and approval of technical documents, ensuring proper classification markings and adherence to security classification guidance.
• Demonstrate proficiency with/utilize specific databases to determine personnel eligibility to access classified information - DISS, JADE, Enterprise Security Systems (SIMS), and other databases and record-keeping repositories.
• Interface with government customers, contractors, employees, and all levels of management.
• Responsible for the daily handling of Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and clearance-related data in compliance with the Privacy Act and DoD policies; must demonstrate discretion and sound judgment in the protection and management of sensitive information.
• Maintain proficiency and currency in security policy and operational practices through continuous training and engagement with the security community.

• Support after-hours and emergency response activities related to alarms or ICD705 construction.
• Assist with enforcement of prohibited electronic device (PED) policies and perform entry/exit inspections as required.
• Support additional security tasks or projects as assigned by the CPSM.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Health & Wellness:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement
• Fitness Reimbursement

Financial:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan Contributions
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Continuing Education Assistance

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible Scheduling
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

What We Value:

• Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
• Integrity and responsibility in all actions
• Collaboration across teams and specialties
• Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
• Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For:

• U.S. Citizenship and active Top-Secret clearance required; must be eligible to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI with polygraph.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in Program Security, Physical Security, and direct support as a CPSO/CSSO, including extensive experience managing Special Access Programs (SAPs) in compliance with DoD, NISPOM, and ICD requirements.
• Individual must be reliable, dependable and trustworthy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are critical.
• Must be able to prioritize assignments, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and work well under deadlines with minimal supervision, often in fast-paced environments requiring quick turnaround.
• Proficient in Windows 10 and Microsoft Office Suite, to include: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative mindset is essential.
• Must be able to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods as part of routine facility inspections and escort duties.
• Comfortable working at elevated heights or in construction areas with PPE (e.g., hard hats, gloves, safety glasses).
• 6-month probationary period may apply.
• Must be willing and able to travel (10-15%) as needed for assessments or inspections at other Arete sites.

Nice to have:

• FSO training certificate
• COMSEC Custodian certificate or experience required. Complete IAEC-2112 COMSEC Training Course six months after being appointed as Alternate COMSEC Account Manager
• Courier preparation procedures
• Experience developing and implementing OPSEC plans
• Knowledge of Access Control and Intrusion Detection Systems
• Experience conducting Security incident inquiries
• Resourceful in solving problems and capitalizing on opportunities
• Professional Certifications/Affiliations

The salary range for this role is $90,000/yr to $135,000/yr; however, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Other Considerations

Arete is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration.

Arete is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.

Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Arete will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Arete Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.