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- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
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 a self-starting, customer service-oriented Contractor Program Security Officer to join our Special Programs Security Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This position will be responsible for development and administration of local security programs/procedures for classified and proprietary materials, documents, and equipment in support of United States Government (USG) and Department of Defense (DoD) programs.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
Apply a working knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs), and the sponsor’s amplifying instructions to assist the day-to-day of the Industrial Security Program operations
Assist with implementation of visitor control, safeguarding, classification management, physical security, information system security, security education, access control, alarm testing and maintenance, and personnel security for adherence to all government security requirements
Assist with development, review, coordination, and execution of Program Security documentation such as; Fixed Facility Checklist, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Transportation Plans, Program Access Requests (PARs), Emergency Action Plan (EAP), Disaster Recovery Plan, Continuity of Business Plan, and Document and Media Control
Manage the control of electronic devices and other security items
Assist opening and closing of facilities, perform end-of-day checks and daily inspections; provide/coordinate after-hours alarm support
Engage and collaborate with sponsor security staff to ensure program security policies and procedures follow company and customer requirements
Establish and maintain effective communications with customers, security staff, program leads, and department management
Collaborate with other security staff for special projects as required
Assist with escorting visitors, which may require support outside of normal business hours
Assist the local Communications Security (COMSEC) account manager for COMSEC policy implementation
Coordinate and support classified conferences and provide visitor management support and badging
Required skills/experience areas include:
An active Top Secret security clearance, with SCI eligibility
Industrial security
Success in environments, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
Government security policies, automated information systems security, physical security, and personnel security
Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, Pennsylvania. You will be responsible for responding to alarms and escorting visitors, sometimes at off-hours.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Integrated Security Specialist (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Integrated Security Specialist (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required 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 $75,408.00 - $132,204.00.
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.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
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Skills Required
- Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility
- U.S. citizenship
- Experience in industrial security and application of NISPOM and Intelligence Community Directives
- Bachelor's degree with 3+ years relevant experience OR Associate degree with 2+ years relevant experience, or equivalent combination
- Proven communication and organizational skills
- Ability to respond to alarms and escort visitors, including after-hours support
- Experience with government security policies, physical security, personnel security, and automated information systems security
- Familiarity with COMSEC policy implementation and account support
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
