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.