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Program Protection Specialist information

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$27K

$68K

$121.5K

How much do program protection specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for program protection specialist in the United States is $68,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $86,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Program Protection Specialist vs Security Analyst?

AspectProgram Protection SpecialistSecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsSecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISA), relevant degreesSecurity certifications, technical degrees
Work EnvironmentDefense, aerospace, government agenciesCorporate, government, cybersecurity firms
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily defense and aerospace sectorsBroadly across industries including finance, tech, government
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Program Protection Specialist focuses on safeguarding defense programs and intellectual property, often within government and aerospace sectors. Security Analysts typically work on protecting organizational networks and data across various industries. While both roles involve security expertise and certifications, their primary focus areas and work environments differ, making the Program Protection Specialist more specialized in defense-related program security.

What does a Program Protection Specialist do?

A Program Protection Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing security measures to safeguard sensitive programs and information. They assess risks, ensure compliance with security standards, and coordinate with engineering and security teams to protect critical assets throughout the program lifecycle.

What are popular job titles related to Program Protection Specialist jobs?

For Program Protection Specialist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Program Protection Specialist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,012 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Senior Program Protection Specialist

Lexington Park, MD • On-site

Air Combat Effectiveness Consulting Group, LLC
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Air Combat Effectiveness Consulting Group, LLCexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop, review, and maintain Program Protection Plans (PPP) in accordance with DoD and Navy policy.

  • Identify and document Critical Program Information (CPI) and mission-critical functions/components for aviation and weapons systems.

  • Conduct threat-informed risk assessments to evaluate vulnerabilities to foreign intelligence collection, supply chain compromise, and cyber threats.

Job description

Description:

POSITION DESCRIPTION


ACE Consulting Group is seeking a Senior Program Protection Specialist to support Department of Defense acquisition programs at Naval aviation program offices located in Patuxent River, MD.

The Senior Program Protection Specialist will provide subject matter expertise in program protection planning, system security engineering, and critical technology protection for advanced aviation and weapons systems. The candidate will support the development and implementation of Program Protection Plans (PPP), assist program offices in identifying and protecting Critical Program Information (CPI), and ensure protection strategies are integrated across the system lifecycle.

This position supports government program managers, systems engineers, and security organizations to ensure program protection requirements are incorporated into acquisition strategies, engineering efforts, and sustainment activities.


This position is contingent upon contract award 


SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

  • Develop, review, and maintain Program Protection Plans (PPP) in accordance with DoD and Navy policy.
  • Identify and document Critical Program Information (CPI) and mission-critical functions/components for aviation and weapons systems.
  • Conduct threat-informed risk assessments to evaluate vulnerabilities to foreign intelligence collection, supply chain compromise, and cyber threats.
  • Integrate program protection requirements with systems engineering, cybersecurity, and acquisition activities.
  • Support implementation of Anti-Tamper (AT) and supply chain risk management strategies.
  • Assist program offices with milestone documentation including acquisition strategies, system engineering plans, and test documentation.
  • Coordinate program protection activities with security offices, intelligence organizations, and program Integrated Product Teams (IPTs).
  • Provide technical analysis, briefing materials, and written reports supporting program leadership and senior stakeholders.
  • Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and milestone decision reviews to ensure protection measures are incorporated into system design.
  • Provide subject matter expertise on DoD program protection policies, procedures, and best practices.
Requirements:

Experience

  • Over 10 years of experience performing duties related to DoD acquisition, systems engineering, cybersecurity, or program protection.
  • At least 5 years of experience supporting program protection or system security engineering activities.
  • Experience supporting Naval aviation or weapons system acquisition programs.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting risk assessments, vulnerability analysis, and protection strategy development for defense systems
  • Strong experience in technical writing, analysis, and development of acquisition documentation.

Security

  • Active Top Secret clearance with current background investigation is required.
  • TS/SCI eligibility desired.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting Naval aviation program offices.
  • Experience with Anti-Tamper, supply chain risk management, and system security engineering practices.
  • Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes and milestone reviews.
  • Professional certifications such as CISSP, Security+, or DAWIA certification.
  • Experience supporting classified programs and working within secure DoD environments.

About ACE Group


ACE Group is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business providing expertise in the operational application of current and future airborne weapons systems, emphasizing their lethality and survivability in the battlespace. Our employees draw from extensive operational, acquisition, and engineering experience to provide decision makers with the knowledge required to equip the Armed Services with affordable, lethal, and survivable weapons systems.

We serve as trusted agents within customer organizations, providing expertise in the design, development, procurement, and test and evaluation of advanced weapons and aviation platforms. Our philosophy is simple: success is grounded in service and honest relationships with our customers and employees.


ACE Consulting Group, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.