Senior Industrial Security Specialist (TS//SCI, CI Poly)

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by $450M from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, and others – with an additional $500M in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers – we’re mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.

The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today’s and tomorrow’s massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.

With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we're Building Bigger to develop the solar system and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series C space startup, we’d love for you to apply.

The Role

K2 Space is seeking a Senior Industrial Security Specialist to support and help lead our comprehensive security program, ensuring compliance with DOW and Intelligence Community security requirements. You will oversee all aspects of our security program, including Personnel Security, Physical Security, Information Security, and Cybersecurity. These disciplines include maintenance of accreditations, co-use and joint-use agreements, compartmented areas, Personnel Security Clearances (PCLs), the Communications Security (COMSEC) program, and the security of our Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) and classified production facility.

This is a high-impact role for a self-motivated individual who can collaborate with government security stakeholders, safeguard classified information across multiple sensitivity levels, and drive a culture of security awareness at K2 Space.

As an early member of the Security Team, you will have the unique opportunity to establish our security culture, procedures, and best practices from the ground up. As we scale, you will ensure our security infrastructure grows to meet evolving classified program requirements, working closely with the Head of Facilities, IT Security and Compliance Lead, and executive leadership to develop and expand our secure facilities and networks.

Main Responsibilities: 

• Manage Special Access Program (SAP) operations programs.

• Create and maintain Program Protection Plans (PPP).

• Brief Security Classification Guides (SCGs) and ensure accountability of documents.

• Conduct security briefings including program-level indoctrinations, annual refresher training, and special event-driven training.

• Manage and administer all aspects of industrial security programs for multiple programs in compliance with DoDM 5205.07, NISPOM, ICDs, and other applicable government security directives. Enforce compliance with ICD and DOW Manual policy for SCI and SAP management.

• Ensure SAPCAs and SCIFs comply with ICD 705 requirements. Support accreditation and Authority to Operate (ATO) packages and ensure timely approval.

• Develop, coordinate, maintain, and execute Standard Operating Procedures for the SAPF and SCIF.

• In coordination with the government security team, conduct annual collateral, SCI, and SAP self-inspections using government-provided checklists. Upon completion, develop and submit corrective action plans addressing each deficiency for government approval.

• Assist in the preparation, review, coordination, and execution of OPSEC and transportation security plans as required.

• Review and generate DD Form 254s and provide guidance on flow-down security requirements.

• Conduct security inquiries, identify suspected security infractions and violations, develop reports, and make recommendations to the government security team for corrective action.

• Manage and maintain an Information Management System for classified documentation, ensuring document tracking, control, accountability, and reproduction and destruction capabilities.

• Manage safeguarding, control, and record keeping of classified information.

• Prepare processes and procedures for creating, handling, and storing classified material.

• Prepare documents for secure transmission, including marking, faxing, wrapping, and mailing.

• Respond to alarms and other emergencies after business hours and on nights and weekends.

• Assist the ISSM and ISSO with maintenance and monitoring of classified information systems.

Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance; must consent to a Counterintelligence (CI) Polygraph.

• 10+ years of experience as a Contractor Program Security Officer (CPSO) or Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO), managing DOW and Intelligence Community security programs.

• Strong understanding of NISPOM, ICD 705, and DOW security protocols.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to brief executives, employees, and government stakeholders on security requirements.

Nice to Have  

• Experience establishing a security program from the ground up in a commercial or government contractor environment.

• Hands-on experience planning, building, accrediting, and maintaining SCIFs and SAPFs.

• Current security certification, such as Industrial Security Professional (ISP), Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC), SPeD Certification, or equivalent.

Compensation and Benefits:  

• Base salary range for this role is $175,000 - $220,000 + equity in the company.  

• Salary will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level. 

• Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks. 

If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.”

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.