1

Senior Contractor Program Security Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for a self-starting, customer service-oriented Contractor Program Security Officer to join our Special Programs Security Department at the Applied Research ...

Contractor Program Security Officer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Overview The Contractor Program Security Officer will assist in overseeing and managing physical and operational security measures to safeguard personnel, facilities, and classified information ...

Contractor Program Security Officer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Overview The Contractor Program Security Officer will assist in overseeing and managing physical and operational security measures to safeguard personnel, facilities, and classified information ...

Contractor Program Security Officer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Overview The Contractor Program Security Officer will assist in overseeing and managing physical and operational security measures to safeguard personnel, facilities, and classified information ...

Contractor Program Security Officer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Overview The Contractor Program Security Officer will assist in overseeing and managing physical and operational security measures to safeguard personnel, facilities, and classified information ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Contractor Program Security Officer information

See salary details

$33.5K

$100.4K

$155.5K

How much do senior contractor program security officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior contractor program security officer in the United States is $100,365.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $132,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the main challenges a senior contractor program security officer faces when managing security compliance for multiple classified programs?

One of the main challenges in this role is balancing the diverse and sometimes conflicting security requirements of multiple government contracts while ensuring full compliance with federal regulations such as the NISPOM. Senior Contractor Program Security Officers must stay updated on evolving security protocols and coordinate closely with program managers, government security representatives, and subcontractors. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential, as is the ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities or threat levels. Building trust and maintaining clear documentation helps mitigate risks and ensures smooth audits and inspections.

What is a senior contractor program security officer?

Senior Contractor Program Security Officers (CPSOs) are security professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the security aspects of classified government contracts within a defense or intelligence contractor organization. They ensure compliance with national security regulations, such as the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), and implement security policies to protect sensitive information. CPSOs coordinate with government security officials, provide security training to staff, and conduct security briefings and audits. Their role is crucial in safeguarding classified programs and ensuring that the organization meets all security requirements.

What is the difference between Senior Contractor Program Security Officer vs Contractor Program Security Officer?

AspectSenior Contractor Program Security OfficerContractor Program Security Officer
CertificationsSecurity+ or CISSP, DSS certificationsSecurity+ or DSS certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees security programs, manages teamsSupports security operations, implements policies
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment contractors, defense industryGovernment agencies, defense contractors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior security rolesEntry to mid-level security roles

The main difference between a Senior Contractor Program Security Officer and a Contractor Program Security Officer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership scope. The senior role involves overseeing security programs and managing teams, while the contractor role focuses on supporting security operations. Both roles require similar certifications and are common in government and defense industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior contractor program security officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Contractor Program Security Officer, you need in-depth knowledge of industrial security regulations (such as NISPOM), risk management, and experience with security program management, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and security clearances. Familiarity with security information management systems, classified material handling procedures, and certifications like ISP (Industrial Security Professional) are commonly required. Exceptional attention to detail, strong leadership, and effective communication skills help ensure compliance and foster teamwork. These capabilities are crucial for protecting sensitive information, maintaining regulatory compliance, and supporting organizational security objectives.
More about Senior Contractor Program Security Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Contractor Program Security Officer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Contractor Program Security Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Contractor Program Security Officer jobs? The most popular types of Contractor Program Security Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Contractor Program Security Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Contractor Program Security Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Contractor Program Security Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,365 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Senior Contractor Program Security Officer (CPSO)

Bowhead

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

Other

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Senior Contractor Program Security Officer (CPSO)

Bowhead seeks a Senior Contractor Program Security Officer (CPSO) to support our customer on the Nautical contract in the Arlington, VA area. This position provides day-to-day security management oversight for all program and contract security activities, ensuring full compliance with government security requirements across facilities where classified work is conducted.

Purpose of Position: Provide security management oversight for all security activities related to various programs and contracts.

Responsibilities
  • Provide day-to-day security oversight in the facility or complex where classified work is being conducted
  • Implement and execute all security requirements, as well as any additional guidance issued by the Government contract/Program Office
  • Coordinate program security efforts with government security POCs, including the GSSO, PSO, SSO, and others as necessary
  • Conduct and document annual self-inspections and evaluate all inspection documentation
  • Develop corrective action plans from inspection shortfalls and ensure they are distributed to applicable entities (e.g., PSO, SSO) until complete
  • Establish and enforce Security Standard Operating Procedures
  • Establish, conduct, and document initial, situational, and annual refresher training for all assigned classified-access individuals
  • Coordinate security matters, including personnel vetting issues and security incidents, with applicable contract leadership and Government POCs, and ensure records are updated within applicable security systems (DISS, JADE)
  • Interface with facility Cybersecurity ISSMs/ISSOs to ensure full protection of all classified material
  • Report and track personnel reporting requirements (e.g., foreign travel, foreign contacts) to applicable entities
  • Ensure complete understanding and implementation of NISPOM and ICD requirements
  • Plan, schedule, and prioritize security activities to accomplish mission objectives
  • Handle classified information according to proper procedures and security protocols
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree (4-year degree) or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of 4 years of Industrial Security experience on a contract of similar size and complexity
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic environment and effectively interact with numerous DoD, military/civilian personnel, and industry partners
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for technical and executive audiences
  • Proven ability to work in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments
  • Recent experience with security management policies and procedures
Certification Requirements:

Desired: Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC), Special Security Program Credential (S-SPC or SSPC), or other relevant industrial/special security certifications

Physical Demands:
  • Must be able to lift 25 pounds on occasion
  • Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time
  • Must be able to twist, bend, and squat periodically

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to maintain a security clearance at the Top Secret level with SCI eligibility and maintain SAP eligibility. Due to work requirements, this position will not entertain work from home capabilities. US Citizenship is a requirement for this contract.