Facility Security Officer / Contractor Program Security Officer (FSO/CPSO)

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

FACILITY SECURITY OFFICER (FSO) / CONTRACTOR PROGRAM SECURITY OFFICER (CPSO)

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's site in Chantilly, VA, the Facility Security Officer (FSO) / Contractor Program Security Officer (CPSO) is responsible for developing, implementing, supervising, and maintaining the security program for multiple Department of War (DoW) and Intelligence Community (IC) programs. As FSO, you will serve as the primary security point of contact for the Chantilly facility and oversee the site's physical security program, including the protection of accredited spaces. In this role you will support the Corporate FSO/CPSO and the Government Program Security organization, producing deliverables for internal leadership, the board of directors, customers, and investors. You will help manage multiple programmatic activities supporting classified launch campaigns as well as classified payload and space vehicle development. You will address security and program requirements across all security disciplines, including physical, information, personnel, operations security (OPSEC), and launch integration security.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Serve as the FSO for the Chantilly facility, acting as the primary liaison with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) and maintaining the Facility Clearance (FCL) in compliance with 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM).
• Manage and administer all aspects of industrial security programs for multiple programs in compliance with DoDM 5205.07, 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM), Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs), and other applicable government security directives. Enforce compliance with ICD and DoDM policy for Collateral, SCI, and SAP management.
• Serve as CPSO for assigned Special Access Programs, acting as the primary liaison to the Government Program Security Officer (GPSO) on all program security matters.
• Author, implement, support, and enforce comprehensive security plans that protect classified and unclassified hardware, Launch Vehicles, and Space Vehicles during manufacture, movement, transportation, integration, and launch. These plans include Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), Emergency Action Plans (EAP), Program Protection Plans (PPP), Construction Security Plans (CSP), and Fixed Facility Checklists (FFC).
• Lead the physical security program for the Chantilly site, including oversight of access control and badging systems, visitor control, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), CCTV, lock and key control, and security container and combination management.
• Maintain the accreditation and compliance of SCIFs, SAPFs, and closed areas in accordance with ICD 705 and applicable DoD standards. Coordinate with facilities, vendors, and government customers on the construction, modification, and accreditation of secure spaces.
• Conduct physical security surveys and risk assessments, and implement countermeasures to protect personnel, facilities, and classified assets.
• Lead preparation for and support of DCSA security reviews and government program security inspections.
• Conduct administrative inquiries into security incidents and non-compliance, and report incidents, adverse information, and suspicious contacts to the appropriate government authorities.
• Execute an ongoing facility and program-specific security education and training program, including initial, refresher, insider threat, and derivative classification training.
• Execute the security self-inspection program and the actions required to correct deficiencies and improve the overall security posture across each program area of responsibility.
• Perform personnel security (PERSEC) functions, including nomination interviews, validation of access requirements, submission of investigative requests and nomination packages, indoctrinations, and debriefings. Ensure personnel security records within your cognizance are accurately maintained in both internal and official government systems of record (SOR), such as DISS, NBIS, JADE, and TALON/SCT.
• Support the Insider Threat Program, foreign travel and foreign contact reporting, and the processing of visit requests and classified meetings.
• Properly account for, control, package, transmit, destroy, and safeguard classified assets and COMSEC.
• Perform courier duties and other security-related travel as needed.
• Review and generate DD Form 254s and provide guidance on flow-down security requirements.
• Provide indirect supervision and training of less experienced security staff members.
• Support Business Development by providing security requirements and estimating security support for proposals.
• Respond to alarms and other emergencies after business hours, including nights and weekends.
• Perform other security-related duties as assigned or required by program needs.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen with a current Tier 5 investigation (formerly SSBI) and must maintain an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with polygraph, as required by program sponsor(s).
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM), SAP, SCI, and related security regulations.
• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline and 5+ years of related work experience or have completed equivalent education, certification, and work experience (9+ years total experience).
• Must be located within (or relocate to) a 60 minute commute of the facility to be able to respond to and investigate after-hour alarms or on-call assignments when necessary.
• Ability to travel in support of other locations or programs when required.

The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at the listed location.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate on significant matters with senior level leaders, internal and external personnel, and customers.
• Self-driven and results-oriented, able to manage multiple tasks concurrently while presenting sound, decisive, risk-managed security recommendations in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Experience with Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) mitigation, including compliance with mitigation agreements and associated plans such as Technology Control Plans (TCP), Electronic Communications Plans (ECP), and Annual Implementation Reports.
• Experience with systems of record such as DISS, NBIS, NISS, TALON/SCT, SIMS, JADE, etc.
• Experience as titled COMSEC account manager.
• Experience developing and executing program protection strategies for existing and developing NISP, SAR, and/or SCI programs.
• Experience with SCIF/SAPF construction and the ICD 705 Technical Specification.
• Experience with access control and intrusion detection system platforms.
• Ability to manage large projects or processes that span outside of immediate job area.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.