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Cpso Security Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... CPSO, or related security support roleExperience supporting Insider Threat Program activitiesCompletion of all Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency FSO training requirements (possessing ...

Security Specialist III

Poway, CA · On-site

$73K - $128K/yr

CPSO or CSSO Security training/certificate(s) preferred. * Demonstrate ability to manage internal and external record management systems (i.e. DISS, SIMS, JADE, Lenel)

Prior experience in an AFSO, Security Specialist, CPSO, or related security support role * Experience supporting Insider Threat Program activities * Completion of all Defense Counterintelligence and ...

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Cpso Security information

See California salary details

$27.6K

$66.8K

$159.9K

How much do cpso security jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for cpso security in California is $66,789.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,400.00 and $80,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a CPSO Security professional?

CPSO Security professionals, or Certified Program Security Officers, are responsible for ensuring that classified information and sensitive data are protected in compliance with government and organizational security policies. They manage security programs, oversee the implementation of security measures, and coordinate with various departments to maintain secure environments. Their duties include risk assessment, incident response, and ongoing security training for staff. CPSOs play a vital role in protecting national security interests and organizational assets.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in a CPSO Security role, and how are they addressed on the job?

Professionals in a CPSO (Contractor Program Security Officer) Security role often encounter challenges such as ensuring compliance with complex government security regulations, managing sensitive information, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders across projects. These challenges are addressed by staying up-to-date with evolving security guidelines, maintaining clear documentation, conducting regular training, and fostering strong communication with both internal teams and external government agencies. Collaboration and attention to detail are essential to effectively safeguard classified information and support organizational security objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CPSO Security professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a CPSO Security professional, you typically need a background in security management, knowledge of government security regulations (such as NISPOM or equivalent), and relevant experience in classified environments. Familiarity with security clearance processes, document control systems, and certifications like the Industrial Security Professional (ISP) or Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC) is often required. Strong attention to detail, discretion, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing sensitive information and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills and qualifications ensure the protection of classified data, regulatory compliance, and secure operations within organizations handling sensitive government contracts.

What is the difference between Cpso Security vs Cpso Security?

AspectCpso Security

Since the comparison is between identical titles, there is no difference in roles, responsibilities, or credentials. Both refer to security professionals working within the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, focusing on healthcare security, compliance, and safety protocols. They typically hold certifications related to healthcare security and work in healthcare environments, ensuring safety and regulatory adherence. The roles are used interchangeably in the industry, and search intent often overlaps. Therefore, Cpso Security roles are consistent in scope and requirements across organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cpso Security jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cpso Security jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Cpso Security jobs in California?

For Cpso Security jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cpso Security jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cpso Security job openings:

Infographic showing various Cpso Security job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,789 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Assistant Facilities Security Officer (AFSO)

Santa Barbara, CA

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Strategic Operations, Analysis and Research (SOAR) of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a highly motivated and organized Assistant Facilities Security Officer (AFSO) to join our security program in support of U.S. Department of War programs in Santa Barbara, CA. The right candidate will have previous experience as an FSO, AFSO, CPSO, Security Manager or military security manager. This person should have experience working with federal / government agencies or defense contractors.  The qualified candidate must have an active DoD security clearance at the Secret level and must be able to obtain a Top-Secret clearance.

Essential Functions:

  • Assist with security in-processing for all new employees including orientation for company policies and clearance application submissions for uncleared employees
  • Submit visit access requests (VARs) using Defense Information Systems for Security (DISS)
  • Assist with performing status checks on current investigations, determining upcoming reinvestigations dates, and relaying the information back to the employee
  • Assisting the Facilities Security Officer (FSO) with conducting security self-inspections, physical security surveys, and threat/vulnerability assessments.
  • Assist FSO with document control, inventory, and safeguarding of documents
  • Assist the FSO with conducting and presenting security presentations to staff members
  • Security Education: track and ensure trainings are current
  • COMSEC: administer COMSEC account including single secure phone

Required Qualifications:

  • High school diploma and 6-8 years of related experience OR a Bachelor’s degree with 0-2 years of experience
  • Must have an active Secret security clearance and must be able to obtain a Top-Secret clearance
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite software
  • Experience working with federal/government agencies or defense contractors
  • Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments
  • Ability to multi-task and work successfully in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to communicate in a professional manner

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Top Secret clearance
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent and five to seven years of related experience.  Experience can consist of any time spent as an FSO, AFSO, CPSO, Security Manager, or military security manager
  • Previous working knowledge of DISS and SF86s
  • Previous working knowledge of NBIS
  • Previous working knowledge of DD254s
  • Working experience with Access Commander

 

Compensation & Benefits: Pay Ranges: From $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that you may bring to the position. We mostly reserve the upper half of our compensation bands for internal growth. During all call with one of our recruiters or hiring managers, they can further clarify the salary range and total compensation. ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/

 

COMPANY INFORMATION:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2000 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.

Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the ­­­Assistant Facility Security Officer (AFSO) position.