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Federal Security Specialist (ARL)


Job Location:

University Park, IL - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 75408 - 132204
Posted: 13 August 2026 (24 days ago)
Application Deadline: 10 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work additional information on remote work at Penn State seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a self-motivated highly experienced Security Specialist to join our Security Services Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. ARLs 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). ARL Security Services mission is to ensure the security of ARL personnel facilities material and information as an agile efficient and service-driven team.

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

You will:

  • Coordinate and provide oversight to advanced security programs including Counterintelligence Insider Threat Personnel Security (PerSec) Communications Security (COMSEC) and Operations Security (OPSEC) as well as physical security systems such as electronic access control alarm systems and CCTV systems

  • Assist in the development and management of advanced industrial security practices procedures processes trainings and briefings while ensuring compliance with government policies and regulations

  • Provide agile efficient and exemplary security support/outstanding customer service to all organizational groups and personnel in a fast-paced complex and rapidly evolving environment

  • Work autonomously in a very busy and highly service-driven environment

  • Handle the intake of complex collateral security matters providing assistance and determining appropriate processes

  • Prepare for and represent ARL in all aspects of security inspections and oversight by U.S. government (USG) agencies

Required skills/experience areas include:

  • Knowledge of all facets of advanced security programs as listed in bullet number one (above)

  • Demonstrated experience handling classified materials

  • Microsoft Office software databases and web applications

  • Success in an office environment where various forms of communication and organizational skills are crucial to be effective

  • Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and effectively in fast-paced environment

  • Active security clearance at the Secret level or higher

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

  • A Bachelors or advanced degree in Security Risk Management/Analysis Criminal Justice Military Science or Business Administration

  • National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) specifically safeguarding classified information

  • Security Information Management System (SIMS)

  • Department of Defense (DoD) security systems such as DISS NBIS and NISS

  • Past success in leadership compliance risk-management and/or military experience

Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Federal Security Specialist (ARL) - Senior Professional this position requires: Bachelors Degree 6 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Federal Security Specialist (ARL) - Advanced Professional this position requires: Bachelors Degree 3 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

ARLs 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 .

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 $75408.00 - $132204.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn States salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional 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 .

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Required Experience:

IC


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Penn State is a major, public, research-I university serving Pennsylvania and the global community. Learn more about our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs.

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