R&D Security Program Protection Specialist - SPSC / SPIPC / SAPPC

Security Program Protection Specialist

Springfield, VA (100% Onsite) | Full-Time

Work at the forefront of protecting critical national security programs, advanced technologies, and intelligence initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to influence research security strategy, assess emerging threats, and safeguard highly sensitive programs that support U.S. Government and Intelligence Community missions.

What You Get

• Opportunity to support mission-critical national security and intelligence programs
• High-impact role protecting advanced research and technology initiatives
• Exposure to cutting-edge GEOINT, R&D, and program protection efforts
• Collaboration with senior government, security, and intelligence stakeholders
• Long-term career growth within a highly specialized security environment

What You'll Do

• Conduct security risk assessments supporting research and technology protection initiatives.
• Analyze threats, vulnerabilities, and risks impacting research and development programs.
• Develop and maintain security documentation, assessments, and protection strategies.
• Provide recommendations on risk mitigation and program protection planning.
• Develop classification guidance and specialized handling instructions for sensitive programs and technologies.
• Advise leadership on classification management, industrial security, special security, investigations, and security education.
• Coordinate with program managers and legal teams to identify export-controlled and ITAR-restricted technologies.
• Deliver security briefings and training on evolving policies, threats, and foreign engagement considerations.
• Apply business intelligence and social network analysis to identify threats across supply chains, partnerships, and technology ecosystems.
• Evaluate domestic and foreign technology, manufacturing, and innovation networks supporting critical technologies.

What You Need

• Active Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Willingness to sit for a Counterintelligence (CI) Polygraph.
• Bachelor's degree.
• 15+ years of professional experience.
• Experience developing, managing, and supporting security programs for research and development environments.
• Experience with Research and Technology Protection (RTP).
• Experience with Program Protection Planning (PPP).
• Working knowledge of DoD security, classification, controlled unclassified information, and program protection regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• NGA experience.
• Master's or PhD degree.
• SFPC, SAPPC, SPIPC, or SPSC certification.