Facility Security Officer (FSO)

Facility Security Officer (FSO)

Position Summary

The Facility Security Officer (FSO) is responsible for establishing, implementing, and continuously improving the organization’s Industrial Security Program in accordance with 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM) and applicable federal safeguarding requirements. This position oversees personnel, facility, operational, and physical security programs; manages cleared personnel processes; directs classified safeguarding operations; and ensures the organization maintains a continuous inspection-ready posture. The FSO serves as the primary liaison with DCSA and other federal security representatives. This position will also lead the organization’s insider threat program.

About Specter Aerospace:

Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for defense and commercial applications. Specter is headquartered in Peabody, MA, just north of Boston, where it leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations, commercial customers, and private funding, Specter is a growing aerospace and defense startup. Close relationships with MIT, Notre Dame, AFRL, NRL, ANL, and other research organizations provide access to cutting-edge developments, facilities, and personnel. Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.

Industrial Security Program Administration

Creates, updates, and maintains security policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures to fulfill requirements of the National Industrial Security Program (NISP).

Implements and oversees operational, personnel, and physical security plans.

Directs and conducts annual comprehensive security self-inspections in accordance with 32 CFR 117.

Leads preparation for and actively participates in DCSA Security Vulnerability Assessments (SVAs) and Continuous Monitoring engagements.

Develops and manages corrective action plans and tracks remediation of identified vulnerabilities.

Investigates security violations and infractions; documents findings and reports to the assigned DCSA Industrial Security Representative (ISR) as required.

Personnel Security & Clearance Management

Oversees and maintains personnel and facility clearances, ensuring proper scope and level of access.

Initiates and processes personnel clearance actions (new submissions, upgrades, periodic reinvestigations, debriefings).

Processes visit access requests accurately and in a timely manner.

Manages onboarding and offboarding security processes, including indoctrinations and debriefings.

Oversees adverse action reporting, foreign travel, foreign contacts, and outside engagements.

Maintains detailed clearance tracking logs and compliance documentation.

Cleared Visitor & Access Control Management

Manages incoming and outgoing classified visit requests and visit authorization letters.

Oversees badging, access control systems, escort procedures, and visitor logs.

Coordinates classified courier needs and secure data transmittal procedures.

Maintains working knowledge of federal requirements for foreign, U.S. government, and cleared visitor monitoring.

 Security Education & Training

Develops and administers the Security Education Program.

Conducts required briefings and annual refresher training for cleared personnel.

Identifies and addresses evolving training needs in coordination with research and operational teams.

Engages with the federal security community to stay current on new threats, trends, and regulatory changes.

Maintains complete and accurate training records.

Open Storage Area (OSA) & Physical Security Oversight

Leads planning, implementation, and sustainment of Open Storage Areas.

Ensures safeguarding measures comply with NISPOM requirements for Secret and/or Top Secret material.

Oversees physical security systems including:

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

Access control systems

GSA-approved containers

CCTV (as required)

Coordinates facility modifications impacting classified safeguarding.

Manages classified material inventories and destruction in compliance with federal requirements.

Coordinates occasional disposal of classified and sensitive materials.

COMSEC Account Management

 Serves as COMSEC Custodian or Alternate (as appointed).

Establishes and maintains COMSEC account compliance.

Conducts required inventories and reconciliations.

Oversees receipt, transfer, safeguarding, and destruction of COMSEC materials.

Ensures strict accountability and audit readiness.

Required Qualifications

A University Degree or equivalent experience and minimum 5-7 years prior relevant experience

Active Secret or Top Secret clearance (TS preferred).

Eligibility to serve as FSO under 32 CFR Part 117.

Demonstrated experience managing a cleared facility in the Defense Industrial Base.

Strong working knowledge of:

NISPOM (32 CFR 117)

DD-254 administration

Personnel clearance processing systems

Classified safeguarding requirements

Experience leading DCSA inspections and corrective actions.

Strong organizational, investigative, and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Open Storage Area implementation.

Experience managing COMSEC accounts.

Familiarity with Insider Threat Program requirements.

Experience supporting Top Secret safeguarding environments.

Professional security certifications (ISP®, CPP®, CISSP®, etc.).