Assistant Facility Security Officer

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

As the Assistant Facility Security Officer (AFSO), you will support the daily execution and continuous improvement of the company's industrial security program. Working closely with the Facility Security Officer (FSO), you will help ensure compliance with security requirements, assess and mitigate risk, guide security operations, and support the protection of sensitive information and assets across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Interprets National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) requirements, Department of Defense (DD) Form 254s, classification guidance, and customer requirements to develop facility controls, security procedures, and contract security recommendations for review and approval.
• Plans and prioritizes security activities, directs delegated work, performs quality reviews, and supports staff development, cross-training, and operational continuity.
• Evaluates complex personnel security, access, continuous vetting, Security Executive Agent Directive 3 (SEAD 3), and visit authorization matters, and prepares required security submissions.
• Assesses safeguards supporting classified manufacturing, storage, mail, and courier operations, including access controls, alarms, closed-circuit television (CCTV), material accountability, and corrective actions.
• Leads self-inspections and government or customer security reviews, analyzes findings and root causes, develops corrective-action plans, verifies closure evidence, and communicates risks and trends to leadership.
• Manages security education and operations security (OPSEC) awareness programs and coordinates insider threat activities and personnel reporting with designated stakeholders.
• Leads preliminary and administrative inquiries, coordinates incident response activities, preserves evidence, assesses potential classified exposure, and prepares required documentation and notifications.
• Serves as Alternate Communications Security (COMSEC) Account Manager and supports oversight of COMSEC controls and incident response activities.
• Coordinates Risk Management Framework (RMF), Authorization to Operate (ATO), Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), and export-control security matters with designated stakeholders.
• Maintains emergency safeguarding, destruction, and continuity plans to support security readiness and compliance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible industrial security experience, including at least two years at a cleared possessing facility.
• Demonstrated experience serving as an Assistant Facility Security Officer (AFSO), Facility Security Officer (FSO), or lead security specialist.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret NISPOM and contract security requirements, lead compliance assessments and Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) review preparation, analyze findings, and verify corrective-action closure.
• Proficiency with Defense Information System for Security (DISS) and working knowledge of National Background Investigation Services (NBIS)/eApp, National Industrial Security System (NISS), and Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission (SWFT).
• Experience directing delegated work, coaching security staff, managing security education programs, and conducting documented administrative inquiries.
• Strong risk analysis, report-writing, judgment, administrative, interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with NISPOM requirements.
• Understanding of federal contracts, reporting regulations, Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS), and Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP).
• Ability to work effectively in an occasionally high-pressure, high-visibility environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Communications Security (COMSEC) experience.
• Industrial Security Professional (ISP) certification or Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC).
• Completion of Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) Facility Security Officer Program Management for Possessing Facilities (IS030.CU).
• Understanding of Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) reporting requirements and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirements.

Special Mentions

• Onsite work is required.
• Occasional after-hours response may be required.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD\&D insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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