Industrial Security Subject Matter Expert (SME)

ABOUT NOOKS

Are you seeking an exciting and unique opportunity to grow and support our national security? As a startup, we are offering a limited-time opportunity to be an equity owner in a pioneering new industry. Nooks is pioneering Classified Infrastructure-as-a-Service (CIaaS) to provide government and industry partners with the fastest, most efficient access to classified infrastructure. We are building a nationwide network of accredited classified spaces and systems, ensuring that the best technologies equip our nation’s warfighters. At Nooks, we value innovation, collaboration, and a service-first mindset.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a highly experienced and expert Industrial Security Subject Matter Expert (SME) to manage and oversee all aspects of the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) across the entire US Space Force classified enterprise. This strategic role ensures the command's compliance with the NISPOM (32 CFR Part 117), manages the flow-down of security requirements via classified contracts, and serves as the primary liaison with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).

The SME will be the authoritative resource on Facility Clearance (FCL) management, Insider Threat Program oversight, and classified material accountability, driving security excellence across all government and contractor programs within the USSF domain.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. NISP Compliance and DCSA Liaison

• Primary DCSA Liaison: Serve as the primary liaison with the DCSA and other government security organizations on all matters related to the facility clearance, compliance, and official security assessments.
• FCL Management: Oversee the status and maintenance of the command’s Facility Clearance (FCL), ensuring continuous adherence to all requirements set forth in the NISPOM (32 CFR Part 117).
• Self-Inspection Program: Manage and execute a continuous, robust, enterprise-wide security self-inspection program to proactively identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with the NISPOM and program-specific security guides.
• Audit Readiness: Lead and successfully prepare for all DCSA Security Assessments/Inspections, managing the entire process from pre-inspection readiness to deficiency remediation and closure.

2. Classified Contracts and Subcontractor Management

• DD-254 Lifecycle Management: Expertly manage the full lifecycle of classified contracts by overseeing the review, receipt, processing, and distribution of the DD Form 254 (Contract Security Classification Specification).
• Security Flow-Down: Ensure the accurate and compliant flow-down of security requirements to all subcontractors, vendors, and partners, maintaining oversight of their security compliance and clearance status via the NISS (National Industrial Security System).
• Contract Register: Maintain a comprehensive and auditable register of all classified contracts and associated DD-254s, ensuring accurate tracking of security requirements and performance obligations.

3. Insider Threat Program (ITP) and Policy

• ITP Oversight: Provide expert oversight and direction for the Insider Threat Program (ITP) across the USSF enterprise, ensuring all personnel are properly trained and that reporting and compliance procedures meet all mandated requirements.
• Policy Development: Lead the development, update, and maintenance of the command's Standard Practice Procedures (SPP) and all related Industrial Security policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Material Control: Oversee the proper accountability, control, transmittal, and destruction of classified material, ensuring compliance with all material control regulations.

4. Security Education, Training, and Awareness (SETA)

• SETA Program Management: Develop, manage, and deliver comprehensive Security Education, Training, and Awareness (SETA) programs specific to Industrial Security requirements.
• Mandatory Briefings: Conduct all mandatory training and briefings, including new employee indoctrinations, annual refreshers, derivative classification, foreign travel/contact reporting, and security debriefings.
• Culture and Compliance: Promote a proactive security culture across the organization, ensuring all employees understand their security responsibilities and reporting requirements under the NISP and related directives.

THE SKILLSET:

• Experience: Minimum 10 years of dedicated professional experience in Industrial Security as an FSO, AFSO, CPSO, or Security Specialist within the U.S. Defense Industrial Base or Intelligence Community.
• Clearance: Must possess and maintain an Active Top Secret (TS) / Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) eligibility security clearance. U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Regulatory Expertise: Expert-level, practical knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), codified as 32 CFR Part 117.
• Auditing & Systems: Proven experience as a primary company liaison for DCSA Security Assessments/Inspections and managing the internal self-inspection program. Expert proficiency with government security databases, including NISS and DISS/NBIS.
• Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interpret complex security requirements (DD-254s) and translate them into actionable training and policy for all levels of the organization.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certification: Current security certification such as Industrial Security Professional (ISP®), Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC), or SPeD Certification or equivalent.
• Experience: Direct, embedded experience supporting the US Space Force or a similar Combatant Command SSO in an Industrial Security capacity.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Security Management, National Security).

This position requires the ability to travel to USSF and partner facilities, work in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs), and involves physical requirements such as climbing stairs/ladders or working in confined spaces to complete facility inspections and assessments.

This employment offer is contingent upon continued funding of the underlying government contract. Should the contract be modified, or terminated, or if funding is reduced or eliminated, the employer reserves the right to adjust or rescind the offer accordingly.