Job Abstract

Come and join are dynamic group of problem solvers at the Analytical Solutions Division (ASD) of Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc. We have an exciting opportunity full-time Physical Security Specialist to join on our team and provide our customer support on-site in Arlington, VA. The ideal candidate will plan, organize, develop, write and coordinate Physical Security (PS) program requirements focusing on security forces, law enforcement, force and asset protection, counter-unmanned aerial system (cUAS) and antiterrorism. Must have a strong and substantial background with proven history in physical security in support of senior-level DoD officials and advising on strategy, policy, implementation, and execution of Department of the Navy (DON) and HQMC tasks and supporting tasks associated with Marine Corps Mission Assurance, cUAS, PS, Antiterrorism, and Law Enforcement program requirements.

Will ensure proposed written solutions meet regulatory guidance, is accurate, complete, meets DoD-level policy and tasks intent and is supported by corresponding policies and procedures. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

This position is contingent upon award of a contract expected in late summer or early fall 2024 supporting the Dept. of Navy and HQMC. The work location is on-site in the National Capital Region, from ARA facilities and/or customer site.

What you will do as a Physical Security Specialist (may not be all inclusive):

• Develop reports, schedules, plan of action, tracking project execution and milestones
• Provide support on policy development and administrative/technical tasks
• Coordinate with other Service entities as required during requirements development
• Draft assessment criteria, participate in assessment planning and site assessments
• Provide input, research, and support to Mission Assurance Assessments
• Conduct data collection
• Conduct visit coordination
• Assist with the development of capability requirement documentation and other artifacts that facilitate transition of projects to become programs of record
• Assist with the development of documentation that identifies, quantifies, and evaluates the future costs and benefits of alternative solutions associated with business initiatives and research and development projects
• Provide reports/briefs with recommendations to close physical security gaps, ensuring the identification and selection of proposed projects that satisfy all Services validated physical security requirements
• Collect and analyze data, assess technology feasibility, research alternative solutions, and perform testing of proposed technological solutions
• Provide requisite deliverables to support tasking above (e.g., briefings, meetings, trip reports, monthly reporting)
• Develop and maintain strategic communications portal for research and development emanating from the above tasks internally and externally for customers supporting research
• Collaborates with internal and external counterparts and agencies

Physical Security Specialist Experience and Skill Required:

• Must be U.S. Citizen
• Ability to obtain & maintain Secret Security Clearance
• Bachelor's degree and 2+ years’ work-related experience OR S. Diploma or equivalent and 8-10 years’ work-related experience in lieu of degree
• Knowledge in a wide range of antiterrorism/force protection, security specialties, concepts, principles, criteria, requirements, technology, and electronic security practices
• Strong Technical Writing Skill required
• Ability to travel up to 35%
• Electronic Infrastructure/Security/Law Enforcement/Security Systems Administrator/Program Manager experience
• Knowledge in a wide range of antiterrorism/force protection, security specialties, concepts, principles, criteria, requirements, technology, and electronic security practices
• Proven ability to write about complex issues in an accessible manner, provide written recommendations and process large amounts of information
• Physical Security training certification from DoD recognized formal training organization
• Electronic Security System design and application training certification from DoD recognized formal training organization (e.g. USACE ESS Design, DSS CDSE Application of Physical Security Concepts, DSS CDSE ODNI ICD 705 Physical Security, etc.)
• Ability to provide technical writing and review of Mission Assurance/Critical Infrastructure Protection reports and information papers
• Ability to evaluate security requirements and the ability to communicate technical security requirement issues to internal and external audiences
• Proven ability to lead large programs and personnel
• Law enforcement training certification from DoD and Navy recognized formal training organization (e.g. USAMPS, FLETC, etc.)
• Fluent or advanced working knowledge in SharePoint 2010 and all Microsoft Office products, to include Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook

Nice to Have/Preferred:

• Certified Physical Security Specialist/Physical Security Officer
• Expertise in Automated Access Control (AIE) systems System Administration, IT infrastructure designs, Electronic Security Systems, and a wide variety of Information Technology Systems
• Project Management skills
• ICIDS Certification

ARA Company Information

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2208 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns’ greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.

Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Physical Security Specialist position.