Freelance Contractor Program Security Officer Jobs in Illinois

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. This is an on‑site position for a Contractor SAP Security Officer (CSSO) who will ensure compliance with Special Access Programs (SAP). The CSSO serves as the principal point of contact with Aerospace Special Access Program Management and government agencies/customers on all program security matters and requirements. This role is responsible for delivering security support to ensure proper safeguarding of SAP classified information and providing on‑site assistance for all SAP security activities in accordance with corporate and government policies and directives. This position is onsite in Crystal City, VA.

• Collaborate with the PSO and GPM/CPM to establish a secure environment for SAP operations
• Oversee security operations within assigned activities, organizations, or offices
• Partner with the ISSM/ISSO to protect Information Systems in the SAPCA and ensure compliance with applicable laws, SCI, and SAP security policies and requirements
• Support enterprise‑level SAP discussions and activities to meet corporate and program requirements; provide assistance to other office locations as needed
• Develop and deliver training for SAP‑accessed personnel
• Coordinate initial access eligibility determinations and prepare PARs or SCI nominations
• Maintain personnel security records for SAP and SCI programs using DISS, JADE, and other customer systems of record
• Conduct pre‑and post‑travel briefings; oversee foreign travel and contact reporting
• Manage the visitor control process for SAP meetings
• Deliver initial program indoctrination briefings and security education/refresher training
• Perform annual self‑inspections and submit corrective action plans
• Develop, update, and maintain facility‑specific SOPs for security policies and SAP
• Supervise transmission of SAP material using approved methods
• Provide courier instructions and training to SAP‑briefed couriers
• Create transportation plans and reproduction procedures
• Establish and ensure compliance with the Security Education, Training, and Awareness (SETA) program
• Conduct briefings on reporting requirements and security incidents
• Maintain administrative security documentation, including co‑use/joint‑use agreements
• Support customer development of Program Protection Plans
• Prepare DD Form 254 and manage SAP material inventory and disposition
• Coordinate physical security construction needs/facility modifications with direct supervisor
• Collaborate with enterprise colleagues to balance multiple customer workloads and ensure coverage
• Conduct security inquiries, identify suspected infractions and violations, develop reports, and recommend corrective actions to the government security team
• Develop, coordinate, obtain approval for, and implement entry/exit inspection procedures
• Execute and document annual physical inventory of Top‑Secret material under facility registry control
• Apply DoD and IC policies with working knowledge of DoDM 5205.07 (DoD SAP Security Manual, dated 17 January 2025), ICD 705, ICD 704, and/or NISPOM and applicable sponsor procedures
• Obtain rulings, interpretations, and acceptable deviations for regulatory compliance from government agencies

Minimum Requirements for Security Specialist III - CSSO:

• High School Diploma or equivalent experience in a related field
• 5 to 7 years of experience in SAP security operations
• Familiarity with DoDM 5205.07 and related security directives
• Contractor SAP Security Officer experience
• Current TS/SCI with the ability to obtain and maintain SAP access

In addition to the requirements above, the minimum requirements for Security Specialist IV- CSSO are:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant CSSO experience with a High School Diploma, or 8 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Security Management, Criminal Justice, or Information Security) or equivalent experience
• Experience in SAP security, including managing complex security operations
• SAP experience with DoDM 5205.07 and related security directives

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

• Master’s degree in related field
• Industrial Security Professional (ISP) certification or equivalent preferred
• TS/SCI with adjudicated polygraph
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills
• Working knowledge of the Intelligence Community Directives (ICD's) and 32 CFR Part 117 National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) Rule
• Proficiency in security management systems, such as JADE, DISS and SIMs

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) $45.68 - $84.00 Pay Basis: Hourly

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

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.

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 has over 26 locations nationwide, which allows us to build a workforce that will nurture the best ideas, and generate the most novel innovations and solutions to our nation’s toughest space enterprise challenges.

Right Path Aerospace covers all stages of the space lifecycle, from concept to operations. We believe our people are our most valuable resource and that’s why we propel our employees forward in their careers through ongoing education, training, and professional development.

We can all serve a mission much greater than ourselves, and at Aerospace that is exactly what we do. By hiring the industry’s most preeminent scientists and engineers, Aerospace advances emerging technologies that protect some of the most critical missions on Earth and above it.

Aerospace employees working in organizations with technical responsibilities are required to obtain a Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for those positions.