New

Senior Security Specialist - Operations

Puyenpa
$100,000 - $130,000
vision insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k)
United States, D.C., Washington
Oct 07, 2026
Puyenpa is seeking a Senior Security Specialist - Operations for an upcoming proposal supporting the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Joint Program Office (JPO) Security Services Contract. This senior-level position serves as a Security Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing operational security support, program security oversight, and guidance across multiple security disciplines supporting a complex Department of Defense acquisition environment. The successful candidate will independently execute security operations functions, advise stakeholders on security policy and compliance requirements, support mission-critical security activities, and provide expert guidance to government and contractor personnel. This is a key personnel position requiring demonstrated experience operating in high-visibility environments and supporting sensitive programs. This position will be located in Arlington, VA. or at Wright-Patterson AFB in the Dayton, OH area and is structured as a full-time, 40-hour-per-week role. An active DoD Top Secret clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Required (SAR) eligibility/access is required. This is a proposal position and is contingent upon contract award, customer approval, and final staffing authorization. Key Responsibilities Serve as a senior operational security advisor supporting F-35 JPO security programs and initiatives. Independently perform and coordinate operational security activities across personnel, physical, information, industrial, and program security disciplines. Provide subject matter expertise and guidance regarding security procedures, compliance requirements, and risk mitigation strategies. Develop, review, and maintain security documentation, assessments, reports, briefings, and operational procedures. Coordinate with government personnel, military organizations, industry partners, and security stakeholders to ensure mission requirements are met. Support access control, visitor management, classified material handling, secure facility operations, and security compliance activities. Evaluate security processes and recommend improvements to enhance program effectiveness and regulatory compliance. Assist in the planning, execution, and oversight of security-related initiatives supporting acquisition, sustainment, and international program activities. Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior and mid-level security personnel. Deliver executive-level briefings and communicate security requirements, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership. Support inspections, audits, assessments, and corrective action efforts associated with security programs. Ensure adherence to applicable Department of Defense, Joint Program Office, and federal security policies and procedures. Required Qualifications Senior-level qualifications consisting of: Master's degree in a related discipline; OR Bachelor's degree and four additional years of directly related experience in lieu of a Master's degree. Minimum of 10 years of experience performing work related to security operations, security management, program security, or a closely related field. Ability to independently perform complex security functions and provide SME-level guidance within a Department of Defense environment. Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying security policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience preparing reports, briefings, and recommendations for senior leadership. Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams supporting large-scale defense programs. Active DoD Top Secret clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Required (SAR) eligibility/access is required. Will be required to sign Letter of Intent. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting the F-35 program, Joint Program Office, or other major defense acquisition programs. Knowledge of DoD acquisition, lifecycle management, and security oversight processes. Experience supporting Special Access Required (SAR) programs. Experience coordinating with U.S. Government, military, and industry stakeholders. Prior experience leading security initiatives or mentoring security personnel. Relevant security certifications. Puyenpa provides a variety of benefits including company-paid health, dental & vision insurance coverage, as well as additional employee-paid health insurance options; company-paid life and disability insurance; 401k retirement savings plan with employer match; 11 company paid holidays per year, and paid time off.