Lead Personnel Security Specialist

Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc.

Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) is seeking a skilled Lead Personnel Security Specialist to oversee and enhance our personnel security program in support of the National Industrial Security Program (NISP).

This role leads day to day clearance processing, adjudication support activities, and personnel security compliance operations while providing guidance and assistance to internal staff and stakeholders.

The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of DISS/NBIS processes, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and the ability to think critically and trouble shoot problems effectively.

This position will report directly to the Assistant Facility Security Officer (AFSO) and assist other security subject matter experts (FSO, CSSO, and ISSM) in ensuring compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Department of War (DoW) regulations and Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs).

What you’ll do as a Lead Personnel Security Specialist at ARA:


* Serve as the subject matter expert for all personnel security (PERSEC) activities, including clearance initiation, maintenance, incident reporting, and separation actions.


* Oversee the use of DISS/NBIS, ensuring accurate and timely processing of investigations, eligibility updates, in-processing and out-processing actions, and visit access requests (VARs).


* Lead the PERSEC team in daily workflow management, case review, and process improvement.


* Conduct quality assurance reviews of clearance submissions and adjudicative documentation.


* Interpret and apply NISPOM and/or ICD 704 requirements, DoD policies, and agency-specific guidance to personnel security actions.


* Coordinate with government security representatives, program managers, and HR to resolve clearance or eligibility issues.


* Maintain accurate records, metrics, and reporting for audits, inspections, and internal leadership briefings.


* Support insider threat reporting requirements.


* Provide training and guidance to employees on clearance procedures, responsibilities, and reporting requirements.


* Assist with security incident reporting and corrective action tracking.


* Participates in security self-inspections, internal audits, and prepares for government assessments.


* Provides surge and/or special project support across the security department as needed.

Lead Personnel Security Specialist Requirements:


* Must have US citizenship with an active secret security clearance with ability to obtain and maintain a TS//SCI within a year.


* Bachelors degree with 2-4 years of personnel security experience within a cleared defense contractor or U.S.

government environment.


* Advanced knowledge of NISPOM PERSEC requirements and adjudicative guidelines.


* Hands-on experience with DISS and NBIS; strong proficiency managing investigation and eligibility workflows.


* Strong attention to ...