Job Requisition: Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO)
Location: Woburn, MA
Clearance Requirement: Active Top Secret with SAP/SCI eligibility
Position Summary
STR seeks an experienced Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO) to lead a DoW Special Access Program (SAP) portfolio at our Woburn, MA facility. The successful candidate will collaborate with security management, program management, program personnel, and customer security to ensure compliance with U.S. Government directives, regulations, and requirements. Role will primarily manage one DoW SAP customer, with potential future direct reports.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
CSSO Responsibilities (Primary):
- Maintain robust security posture and compliance for multiple SAP programs in accordance with DoDM 5205.07, ICD 705, and IC/DOD security policies
- Serve as primary liaison for SAP program security requirements while providing excellent customer service with internal and external customers
- Partner routinely and effectively with Program Manager and Security disciplines, to include Personnel Security, ACSSOs, Classified Cybersecurity, Classified Information Technology, and the Facility Security Officer
- Lead Government compliance inspections, self-inspections, support staff assistance visits and manage external/internal program security assessments
- Develop, review, and implement security policies, Standard Operating Procedures, Program Protection (P2), and OPSEC/transportation plans
- Oversee document control and classified material accountability, including duties as a SAP Accountability Officer
- Write, interpret, and administer DD254s and support documentation.
- Review operational requirements and system specification documents to ensure applicable security requirements are addressed and incorporated into security processes
- Interpret and implement security classification guidance for each respective program
- Perform inquiries on security incidents and implement corrective actions
- Attend and participate in security and program meetings
- Develop and conduct initial and refresher program security briefings, debriefings, and foreign travel briefings, as required
- Perform other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Active Top Secret security clearance with SAP/SCI eligibility
- Minimum 7 years of experience as a security representative with SAP/SCI security compliance
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent relevant security experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of NISPOM, ICD 705, DoDM 5205.07, FOCI, ITAR, and relevant standards
- Proficiency with MS Office, DISS, JADE, SIMS, TALON, and NISS
- Experience in interpreting and implementing security classifications, contracts, and incident response/mitigation
- Successful completion of CDSE’s ‘Intro to SAPs’
- Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to discreetly/diplomatically manage sensitive and complex communications
Key Competencies
- Strong independent judgment and compliance orientation.
- Expertise in security policy interpretation and development.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to manage complex or sensitive communication scenarios.
Physical Demands / Work Environment
- Full Time Onsite position in Woburn, MA
- Ability to stand, bend, move throughout the facility for audits/inspections.
- Occasional travel (approx. 5–10%) as required.
Full-Time Salary Range: $152,000 to $175,000
The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.
STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [email protected] and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.
Skills Required
- U.S. Citizenship
- Active Top Secret security clearance with SAP/SCI eligibility
- Minimum 7 years experience as a security representative with SAP/SCI security compliance
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant security experience
- Demonstrated knowledge of NISPOM, ICD 705, DoDM 5205.07, FOCI, ITAR
- Proficiency with MS Office, DISS, JADE, SIMS, TALON, and NISS
- Experience interpreting and implementing security classifications, contracts, and incident response/mitigation
- Successful completion of CDSE's 'Intro to SAPs'
- Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to manage sensitive communications discreetly
- Full-time onsite in Woburn, MA
- Ability to travel occasionally (approximately 5-10%)
STR Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is presented as comprehensive, with medical, dental, and vision for employees and families, plus mental‑health support and FSAs. Inclusive elements such as transgender healthcare and pet insurance are also cited.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings include a 401(k) with company match and mentions of profit sharing, positioning long‑term savings as a core part of total rewards. Life and disability insurance are commonly listed alongside these plans.
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Parental & Family Support — Materials highlight generous parental leave, family medical leave, and onsite Mother’s Rooms, with fertility benefits also noted. These supports complement a broader emphasis on employee wellbeing.
STR Insights
What We Do
STR makes the world a safer place by developing technology and applying it to solve emerging national security challenges.
Why Work With Us
We believe in a people-first culture. Yes, we are scientists, engineers, and researchers, but first, we are people. Our environment is designed to foster innovation by encouraging our employees to work collaboratively on things they are passionate about. We also really like to have fun. We believe that working hard and playing hard go hand in hand.
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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.





