The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Enterprise Protection and Resilience Division (EPRD) provides leadership, security services, and solutions to protect Aerospace's people, information, assets, and environment while enabling mission success. EPRD encompasses nine core disciplines: Industrial Security, Cybersecurity, Counterintelligence, Insider Threat, Physical Security and Force Protection, Environmental Health and Safety, Environmental Protection, Emergency Management, and Laboratory Safety. These capabilities support corporate priorities and customer requirements across the enterprise.

We are seeking a Special Access Program (SAP) Security Director to lead enterprise SAP security operations and provide strategic oversight for classified information security as defined by Executive Order 13526. This leader will partner cross-functionally with Aerospace senior leadership to support mission success by ensuring program protection, facility security, information assurance, and industrial security compliance across the enterprise. Reporting to the EPRD General Manager – Chief Security Officer, you will help protect our customers' and corporation's most sensitive programs, technologies, and personnel.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site in Chantilly, VA with travel to other secure facilities as mission requires.

What You'll Be Doing

Provide strategic direction and executive oversight for enterprise-wide Special Access Programs (SAP) security operations, including governance, policy development, and risk management aligned with corporate objectives
Lead and develop high-performing teams of Contractor Special Security Officers (CSSOs) supporting multiple SAP programs; implement succession planning, performance metrics, and professional development frameworks to ensure operational excellence and scalability
Engage with Aerospace leadership, government customers, and cognizant security authorities on SAP protections, acquisition and operational requirements, and security incident response
Manage classified program security operations in compliance with the National Industrial Security Program (NISP), Intelligence Community Directives (ICD), DoD 5205 series SAP Manuals, and the Joint SAP Implementation Guide (JSIG); develop and maintain enterprise SAP policies as the authoritative subject matter expert
Oversee SAP security budgets across multiple programs, optimizing resource allocation through portfolio management principles while maintaining security standards and cost-effectiveness
Partner strategically with EPRD security, cybersecurity, program management, engineering, and business operations leadership to develop and implement an integrated security posture that enables secure program execution
Maintain continuous inspection readiness by designing and overseeing internal self-inspection programs and customer security assessments with measurable corrective action plans
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, Aerospace policies, and SAP security requirements across all programs
Implement integrated security solutions encompassing risk management, crisis preparedness, threat intelligence, and regulatory compliance across classified environments

Minimum Requirements

What You Need to be Successful

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Security Management, Intelligence Studies, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, or related discipline
10+ years of relevant security experience with demonstrated leadership in the SAP community
At least 3 years in management roles involving classified programs, special access programs, or security operations in defense, aerospace, or intelligence community environments
Current Top Secret/SCI clearance with ability to obtain and maintain SAP accesses; U.S. citizenship required (adjudicated polygraph highly preferred)
Comprehensive knowledge of classified program security requirements, including DoD 5205 series SAP Manuals, JSIG, NISPOM, and Intelligence Community Directives (ICD 705, ICD 503)
Proven experience managing security teams of 10+ personnel in classified operational environments
Strong analytical and investigative skills with ability to interpret security data and translate technical issues into actionable recommendations for leadership
Direct experience with SAPF and SCIF operations, including ICD-705 compliance, classified storage management, and SCI handling
Availability for after-hours security incident response and approximately 20-25% domestic travel to secure facilities and customer sites

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

Master's degree in Security Management, Intelligence Studies, Information Security, Business Administration, or related field
12+ years of progressive security experience in defense, intelligence, or critical infrastructure sectors
Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with adjudicated polygraph and current investigation
Professional security certifications:
Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
CISSP or equivalent cybersecurity certification
ICD-705 SCIF Construction certification
SAP Security management courses
Government or military intelligence background in counterintelligence, special security, or force protection
Crisis management and emergency response experience, including leading security incident or insider threat investigations
Track record of implementing security technologies and driving process improvements in classified environments

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$144,800.00 - $217,200.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

Operate Strategically
Lead Change  
Engage with Impact  
Foster Innovation  
Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

The Aerospace Corporation

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