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Pennsylvania State University

Integrated Security Specialist

🇺🇸 San Diego, CA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $80K - $152K 💻 Other 🗓️ July 2nd, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an Integrated Security Specialist to join the DevSecOps Department in the Joint Mission Integration and Experimentation Division at the Applied Research Laboratory. The role involves administering advanced security architectures, managing security compliance and documentation across multiple classification levels, and collaborating with government customers to support defense technology programs.

Highlights
  • Administer advanced security architectures and facilitate intelligence requests for new technology programs.
  • Recommend program protection strategies and oversee security requirements like COMSEC, INFOSEC, and OPSEC.
  • Prepare and issue DD 254s to contractors and provide guidance on relevant executive orders and security manuals.
  • Manage creation and updates of program security documents and program protection plans.
  • Review public release security documents and support classified efforts with DD 254 creation.
  • Collaborate with government customers and provide briefings to leadership.
  • Required skills include program security compliance, quality control of security documentation, risk management, and active TS/SCI security clearance.
  • Senior Professional level requires supervisory experience and ability to influence management with constructive feedback.
  • Requires a Bachelor's degree with 3+ years experience for Advanced Professional or 6+ years for Senior Professional.
  • Salary range is $80,100 to $152,004; offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount.

Integrated Security Specialist Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:


Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for an experienced, organized, positive, and self-motivated Integrated Security Specialist to join our DevSecOps Department in San Diego, CA, in the Joint Mission Integration and Experimentation (JMIE) Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. JMIE specializes in rapid development of warfighter capabilities in an
aggregated and integrated multidomain environment. This position may be filled at the Advanced Professional or Senior Professional, based on successful candidate's qualifications. 

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

As an Advanced Professional, you will:
  • Administer advanced security architectures for new technology programs across the spectrum of classification; facilitate intelligence requests to obtain state-of-the-world, rest-of-the-world, and state-of-the-art technology/capability status
  • Assist with the research and recommendations of long and short-term program protection strategies and tactics for new and established programs; address program extensions or changes in program direction
  • Administer appropriate security requirements, (e.g. COMSEC, INFOSEC, OPSEC, etc.) analysis, and procedures relative to specific technology programs; provide guidance and suggestions for improvement as appropriate; administer security requirements for breaches
  • Prepare and issue DD 254s to appropriate contractors and contracting agents
  • Provide guidance of Executive Order 13526, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), DoD Information Security Manuals, DoD SAP Security Manuals, and Technical Area Protection Plan (TAPP)
  • Oversee the creation, coordination, and updates to program security documents and program protection implementation plans; Assess and coordinate performer created protection plans
  • Develop and present briefings to leadership
  • Assist with public release document security reviews for assigned programs

Advanced Professional Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Program security compliance across multiple global venues and node locations; security support for sensitive tests, field activities, and program lifecycle events
  • Quality control reviews of program security documentation including Security Classification Guides (SCGs), Concept of Operations plans (CONOPS), Operations Security (OPSEC) plans, test and transportation plans, Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs), Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), and Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs)
  • Security architecture and Program Protection Plans (P2) for advanced R&D and acquisition programs across multiple classification levels, including documentation lifecycle
  • Risk management, security strategy, and execution timelines for complex defense technologies
  • Public release review for classified and controlled information
  • Success in collaborations with government customers where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
  • DD 254 creation for classified efforts
  • Active security clearance, at the TS/SCI level
Additional required skills/experience areas for Senior Professional level include: 
  • Indirect supervisor for other full-time employees 
  • Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions
  • Give candid and constructive feedback to others to influence and persuade managers and employees to accept and implement findings and recommendations

Your working location will be fully onsite in San Diego, CA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position will require frequent travel to remote locations.
 
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Integrated Security Specialist (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position 
requires:Bachelor's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Integrated Security Specialist (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None
 
ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). 
 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
 
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
 Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory 
(ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
 
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $80,100.00 - $152,004.00.
 
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
 
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.