Senior Industrial Security Specialist

At Arete, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation's most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.

Discover your future with us.

As an Senior Industrial Security Specialist, you will implement the industrial security program for the Arete Huntsville, Alabama facility, ensuring compliance with government and company security policies and procedures. This role involves coordinating and monitoring highly sensitive aspects of Department of Defense (DoD) and other industrial security programs, as well as supporting a wide range of security activities.

Responsibilities include supporting clearance processing, visit certifications, document control, and physical security operations, including alarm response for controlled area programs and other security-related tasking.The position requires a thorough understanding of security systems and databases such as DISS/NBIS, eApp, SIMS, and NISS. The Industrial Security Officer will also provide guidance to customers and management on a variety of security matters, including security education, classified document control, security investigations, classification management, and personnel clearance processes.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of physical security requirements, including collateral Open Storage Areas, and possess working knowledge of key security documentation such as DD-254, SF-700, SF-701, and SF-702. They will apply this expertise, along with Operations Security (OPSEC) principles, to develop, implement, and maintain an effective OPSEC program that protects sensitive unclassified information, activities, equipment, and materials. The successful candidate will also support the Personnel Security Administrator by conducting pre-screens, reviewing and submitting clearance documentation, and assisting with additional security-related duties as required.

Primary Responsibilities:

• The successful candidate will interface at all levels, including government representatives, to ensure contract security compliance with National Industrial Security Operating Manual (NISPOM) 32 CFR Part 117, Contract Security Classification Specification (DD254) and Program Classification Guides.
• Collaborate effectively as a team player, demonstrating flexibility, strong organizational skills, and the ability to analyze moderately complex issues and deliver practical solutions. Communicate security risks clearly to the FSO, senior management, and Program Managers (PMs).
• Conduct security self-inspections in coordination with the FSO, apply risk mitigation strategies, support customer assessments, and implement required security measures.
• Manage access control by creating and maintaining badges for employees, contractors, and visitors using company systems; review and update access privileges as needed.
• Prepare and process visit authorization requests (VARs).
• Initiate, review, and process personnel security clearances and periodic reinvestigations for DoD programs.
• Perform DISS administrative functions, including visit requests, employee in-processing, indoctrinations, debriefings, out-processing, Customer Service Requests (CSRs), and report generation.
• Conduct security briefings and debriefings, including SF-312, new hire, and termination briefings.
• Conduct security pre-screening of candidates and provide support to the Personnel Security Administrator as needed.
• Process and review background investigation requests using the eApp system, including preparing, collecting, and evaluating SF-86 forms and related clearance documentation to assess suitability for access.
• Submit clearance actions, track investigation statuses, and maintain personnel security records in DISS/NBIS.
• Manage classified document control within SIMS, ensuring all materials are properly accounted for, transmitted, stored, safeguarded, and destroyed in compliance with NISPOM and contractual requirements.
• Perform additional security duties as assigned.

This position is based in our Huntsville, AL office and is classified as a non-exempt, non-supervisory, full-time role.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Health & Wellness:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement
• Fitness Reimbursement

Financial:

• Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Continuing Education Assistance

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible Scheduling
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

What We Value:

• Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
• Integrity and responsibility in all actions
• Collaboration across teams and specialties
• Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
• Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):

• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred)
• 2-3 years of administrative or security-related experience
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and adapt to changing priorities
• Active Top Secret clearance

Nice To Have (Preferred Skill):

• Experience in industrial security or classified environments
• Familiarity with NISPOM or DoD security protocols
• Previous administrative experience supporting multiple departments or reporting lines
• Experience with logistics coordination, facilities liaison, or event support (e.g., catering)
• Ability and willingness to learn and grow within the security field

The salary range for this role is $65,000/yr to $73,000/yr; however, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Other Considerations

Arete is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration.

Arete is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.

Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Arete will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Arete Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.