1

Senior Contractor Program Security Officer Jobs in Reston, VA

Contractor Program Security Officer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

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

Program Security Officer

Washington, DC · On-site

$18 - $21.50/hr

Program Security Officers support program security operations for highly classified environments ... Ability to effectively liaise with program stakeholders, government officials, and contractors.

Program Security Officer

Washington, DC · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Program Security Officers support program security operations for highly classified environments ... Ability to effectively liaise with program stakeholders, government officials, and contractors.

Contractor Program Security Officer (CPSO) HLM Associates (www.hlma.net) is currently seeking a ... under senior oversight to support current and new SCI programs, ensuring compliance with NRO ...

Program Security Officer

Washington, DC · On-site

$18 - $21.50/hr

Program Security Officer Program Security Officers support program security operations for highly ... Ability to effectively liaise with program stakeholders, government officials, and contractors.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Contractor Program Security Officer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$34.9K

$104.4K

$161.8K

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

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior contractor program security officer in Reston, VA is $104,415.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,400.00 and $137,300.00 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 are Senior Contractor Program Security Officers?

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Contractor Program Security Officer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Contractor Program Security Officer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Contractor Program Security Officer jobs in Reston, VA? For Senior Contractor Program Security Officer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Contractor Program Security Officer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Contractor Program Security Officer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior Contractor Program Security Officer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Senior Contractor Program Security Officer job openings:

Contractor Program Security Officer

Penn State University

Reston, VA • On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist with the development, administration, and implementation of local security programs and procedures for classified and proprietary materials, documents, and equipment in support of USG and DoD programs.

  • Support day-to-day Industrial Security Program operations including visitor control, safeguarding, classification management, physical security, information system security, security education, access control, alarm testing and maintenance, and personnel security.

  • Coordinate and provide support for classified conferences, visitor management, badging, and after-hours alarm response and escorting visitors as required.


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

197th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
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 Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This position will be responsible for development and administration of local security programs/procedures for classified and proprietary materials, documents, and equipment in support of United States Government (USG) and Department of Defense (DoD) programs.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
  • Apply a working knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs), and the sponsor's amplifying instructions to assist the day-to-day of the Industrial Security Program operations
  • Assist with implementation of visitor control, safeguarding, classification management, physical security, information system security, security education, access control, alarm testing and maintenance, and personnel security for adherence to all government security requirements
  • Assist with development, review, coordination, and execution of Program Security documentation such as; Fixed Facility Checklist, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Transportation Plans, Program Access Requests (PARs), Emergency Action Plan (EAP), Disaster Recovery Plan, Continuity of Business Plan, and Document and Media Control
  • Manage the control of electronic devices and other security items
  • Assist opening and closing of facilities, perform end-of-day checks and daily inspections; provide/coordinate after-hours alarm support
  • Engage and collaborate with sponsor security staff to ensure program security policies and procedures follow company and customer requirements
  • Establish and maintain effective communications with customers, security staff, program leads, and department management
  • Collaborate with other security staff for special projects as required
  • Assist with escorting visitors, which may require support outside of normal business hours
  • Assist the local Communications Security (COMSEC) account manager for COMSEC policy implementation
  • Coordinate and support classified conferences and provide visitor management support and badging
Required skills/experience areas include:
  • An active Top Secret security clearance, with SCI eligibility
  • Industrial security
  • Success in environments, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Government security policies, automated information systems security, physical security, and personnel security

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in Reston, Virginia. You will be responsible for responding to alarms and escorting visitors, sometimes at off-hours.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Integrated Security Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Integrated Security Specialist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Associate Degree2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None
ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,200.00 - $115,100.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines

What Penn State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom