About Us:

VT-ARC, a technical services and applied research company, has built an organizational culture marked by four primary values: Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Service. Integral to our success is our staff’s enthusiasm for solving tough problems by working together in teams to get the job done. We foster a culture where every employee’s contribution is valued and performed with integrity while maintaining a fun work environment. VT-ARC strives for excellence in all that is done for our clients, and such achievement is recognized through service/merit awards. Moreover, we promote a sense of community larger than VT-ARC alone, where staff and institutional resources can be applied in service to our country.

We are proud to be the recipient of the Best Workplace in Defense Award by Emergent Magazine, an honor that recognizes companies with positive cultures that not only impact their people but also make a meaningful difference in the community.

About You:

VT-ARC is seeking an experienced Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO) to oversee security operations in classified environments supporting high-visibility programs. This role requires deep knowledge of IC and DoD security requirements, strong coordination skills, and the ability to manage SCI/SAP–related processes in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.

As the CSSO, you will enforce security policy, manage personnel access, maintain SCIF compliance, and synchronize activities with VT-ARC staff, partners, and government sponsors to ensure all program deliverables are met.

This position is contingent based upon contract award

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage daily security operations for classified environments, ensuring compliance with all security policies and directives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with government security officials (e.g., DCSA) to resolve issues and maintain accreditation.
• Oversee SCIF operations and access per ICD 705 requirements.
• Conduct and document SCI/SAP briefings, debriefings, and foreign travel briefings.
• Operate and monitor access control and surveillance systems; respond to security incidents.
• Conduct internal self-inspections and support formal government audits and assessments.
• Manage classified document control, storage, transmission, and destruction in accordance with governing directives.
• Use government systems such as DISS, NISS, eQIP, JADE, SCATTERCASTLES, SIMS, or equivalent tools to process and track clearance and access actions.
• Maintain accurate personnel security records, logs, and documentation.
• Coordinate classified meetings, secure spaces, and visitor authorization processes.
• Support general office operations (equipment, supplies, vendor coordination).
• Perform additional tasks as assigned in support of secure program operations.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma and 4+ years of security experience in a classified environment.
• Completion of SSO/FSO formal training or ICD 705 SCIF accreditation coursework.
• Strong working knowledge of NISPOM, IC security directives, and DoD security requirements.
• Experience in one or more security domains: personnel, physical, or information security.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard security systems.
• Strong communication skills; able to work with minimal supervision.
• U.S. Citizenship and active TS clearance with SCI eligibility required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Security, Business, or related field.
• FSO Program Management for Possessing Facilities (IS030.CU).
• Experience as a COMSEC Custodian.
• Familiarity with RMF or cybersecurity fundamentals.

Work Environment:

• Fully onsite in Arlington, VA (minimal telework under VT-ARC’s Hybrid Work Policy).
• Occasional CONUS travel may be required.
• Ability to support extended hours during surge periods.

Why VT-ARC?

• Join a mission-focused R&D organization supporting national security, emerging technologies, and government sponsors across the Defense and Intelligence communities. You’ll work with a collaborative team dedicated to integrity, innovation, and operational excellence.

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation: VT-ARC is a 501(c)(3), non-profit R&D organization affiliated with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech or VT). Our mission is to provide superior analytic and technology solutions across multiple domains by leveraging Virginia Tech’s multidisciplinary research and innovation ecosystem. With unique access to the broad and rich research enterprise found at Virginia Tech, VT-ARC forms multi-disciplinary teams to apply innovative solutions to the real-world problems that strain our social, political, industrial, and economic foundations.

To learn more about VT-ARC’s Benefits, Perks, Culture & more visit our Careers page: https://vt-arc.org/careers/

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.E-Verify.gov.