Senior Security Specialist - Program Protection

Puyenpa is seeking a Senior Security Specialist - Program Protection for an upcoming proposal supporting the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Joint Program Office (JPO) Security Services Contract. This key position serves as a Program Protection SME responsible for independently executing program security requirements, advising leadership on security risk management, and supporting the development and implementation of program protection policies, processes, and controls across complex defense acquisition programs.
The successful candidate will provide expert guidance to government leadership, coordinate with stakeholders across multiple organizations, and ensure program protection requirements are effectively integrated throughout the program lifecycle. This position requires the ability to work independently, provide strategic recommendations, and deliver senior-level support in a highly visible mission environment. The labor category requires the ability to independently fulfill Program Protection responsibilities and provide SME-level guidance. This position will be located in Arlington, VA. and is structured as a full-time, 40-hour-per-week role. An active DoD Top Secret clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Required (SAR) eligibility/access is required.

This is a proposal position and is contingent upon contract award, customer approval, and final staffing authorization.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior advisor on Program Protection planning, implementation, and oversight activities.
• Independently perform Program Protection functions supporting government security and acquisition objectives.
• Develop, review, and maintain Program Protection documentation, briefings, analyses, and recommendations.
• Assess security risks and vulnerabilities affecting critical program information, technologies, capabilities, and mission assurance objectives.
• Coordinate with acquisition, engineering, intelligence, counterintelligence, cybersecurity, physical security, and other security disciplines to ensure integrated protection strategies.
• Provide subject matter expertise to government leadership on security policies, procedures, and program protection requirements.
• Support security reviews, assessments, inspections, and compliance activities.
• Prepare and present briefings, reports, and recommendations to senior government stakeholders.
• Analyze emerging threats and recommend mitigations to protect sensitive program information and critical technologies.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure security requirements are incorporated throughout program execution.
• Provide mentoring, guidance, and knowledge transfer to supporting team members as required.
• Support additional security activities associated with F-35 JPO mission requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Senior-level experience consistent with labor category requirements, including at least ten years of experience performing work related to the functional discipline. Senior personnel typically support mission-critical programs and perform all functional duties independently.
• Master's degree in a related discipline; OR Bachelor's degree plus four additional years of relevant experience may be substituted for a Master's degree. Degrees must be obtained from an accredited college or university.
• Ability to comprehensively and independently fulfill Program Protection-related tasking and provide subject matter expert guidance.
• Demonstrated experience supporting Department of Defense security programs, policies, and procedures.
• Strong analytical, communication, and briefing skills.
• Experience developing reports, recommendations, and briefing materials for leadership decision-making.
• Ability to work effectively in a complex, fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Required (SAR) eligibility/access is required.
• Will be required to sign Letter of Intent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting the F-35 program, Joint Program Office, or other major defense acquisition programs.
• Knowledge of Department of Defense acquisition, security, risk management, and program protection frameworks.
• Experience coordinating across engineering, cybersecurity, intelligence, counterintelligence, and acquisition organizations.
• Experience supporting senior military, civilian, or executive-level leadership.
• Program Protection Plan (PPP) development or review experience.
• Experience with Critical Program Information (CPI) identification and protection activities.

Puyenpa provides a variety of benefits including company-paid health, dental & vision insurance coverage, as well as additional employee-paid health insurance options; company-paid life and disability insurance; 401k retirement savings plan with employer match; 11 company paid holidays per year, and paid time off.