Director of Security
Location : Arlington, VA
Client : Confidential - Aerospace & Defense Sector
Our client is a pioneering organization in the aerospace and defense industry, focused on delivering cutting-edge space-based technologies that enable high-fidelity Earth observation. Their mission is to provide global situational awareness to support climate monitoring, geopolitical analysis, and crisis response.
They are seeking a Director of Security to lead the development and execution of a comprehensive, multi-domain security strategy across the organization. This executive-level role will oversee industrial security, program protection, and compliance initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in security leadership, a strong understanding of U.S. Government security frameworks, and the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Serve as the senior authority on security strategy, risk management, and compliance.
- Lead and develop a multidisciplinary security team with a mission-driven culture.
- Communicate security vision and priorities across the organization.
- Represent the security function to external agencies and regulatory bodies.
- Lead incident response and audit engagements with transparency and decisiveness.
Program Management
Design and manage a comprehensive Program Protection framework across business units.Coordinate cross-functional efforts involving engineering, cybersecurity, counterintelligence, OPSEC, and supply chain risk.Advise executive leadership on critical asset protection and emerging threats.Manage budgets, vendors, and resource allocation for security programs.Ensure compliance with NISPOM, ICD 705, DODI 5000.83, and related frameworks.Continuously improve program effectiveness through assessments and performance metrics.Industrial Security
Oversee execution of the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) in compliance with DCSA guidelines.Manage classified facility operations including SCIF design / build, access control, and accreditation.Lead personnel security functions including clearance processing, insider threat mitigation, and foreign travel oversight.Liaise with U.S. Government sponsors on inspections and program requirements.Program Protection
Develop and implement Program Protection Implementation Plans (PPIP) per DoD and Intelligence Community directives.Identify and safeguard Critical Program Information (CPI) and Critical Technologies (CT).Integrate protection strategies into system engineering, acquisition, and lifecycle processes.Conduct threat assessments, vulnerability analyses, and risk mitigation planning.Enforce supply chain assurance and counterintelligence protocols.Qualifications
Required
10+ years of experience in security management, including 5+ years in a leadership role within a U.S. Government-regulated environment.Active TS / SCI clearance (read-in within the last two years).Expertise in NISPOM, ICD 705, DCSA, and other federal security standards.Proven success managing complex security programs and cross-functional initiatives.Strong knowledge of Program Protection principles and compliance frameworks.Demonstrated ability to lead teams and collaborate across organizational levels.Analytical skills for identifying vulnerabilities and implementing countermeasures.Excellent communication and project management capabilities.Familiarity with security technologies and their practical applications.Preferred
Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, or related field (or equivalent experience).Experience in aerospace, defense, or space systems environments.Knowledge of mission systems, aerospace platforms, or space infrastructure.Background in crisis management and incident response.