SAP Security Director

About this role

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Enterprise Protection and Resilience Division (EPRD) provides leadership, security services, and solutions to protect Aerospace's people, information, assets, and environment while enabling mission success. EPRD encompasses nine core disciplines: Industrial Security, Cybersecurity, Counterintelligence, Insider Threat, Physical Security and Force Protection, Environmental Health and Safety, Environmental Protection, Emergency Management, and Laboratory Safety. These capabilities support corporate priorities and customer requirements across the enterprise. We are seeking a Special Access Program (SAP) Security Director to lead enterprise SAP security operations and provide strategic oversight for classified information security as defined by Executive Order 13526. This leader will partner cross-functionally with Aerospace senior leadership to support mission success by ensuring program protection, facility security, information assurance, and industrial security compliance across the enterprise. Reporting to the EPRD General Manager – Chief Security Officer, you will help protect our customers' and corporation's most sensitive programs, technologies, and personnel.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site in Chantilly, VA with travel to other secure facilities as mission requires.

What You'll Be Doing • Provide strategic direction and executive oversight for enterprise-wide Special Access Programs (SAP) security operations, including governance, policy development, and risk management aligned with corporate objectives • Lead and develop high-performing teams of Contractor Special Security Officers (CSSOs) supporting multiple SAP programs; implement succession planning, performance metrics, and professional development frameworks to ensure operational excellence and scalability • Engage with Aerospace leadership, government customers, and cognizant security authorities on SAP protections, acquisition and operational requirements, and security incident response • Manage classified program security operations in compliance with the National Industrial Security Program (NISP), Intelligence Community Directives (ICD), DoD 5205 series SAP Manuals, and the Joint SAP Implementation Guide (JSIG); develop and maintain enterprise SAP policies as the authoritative subject matter expert • Oversee SAP security budgets across multiple programs, optimizing resource allocation through portfolio management principles while maintaining security standards and cost-effectiveness • Partner strategically with EPRD security, cybersecurity, program management, engineering, and business operations leadership to develop and implement an integrated security posture that enables secure program execution • Maintain continuous inspection readiness by designing and overseeing internal self-inspection programs and customer security assessments with measurable corrective action plans • Ensure compliance with applicable laws, Aerospace policies, and SAP security requirements across all programs • Implement integrated security solutions encompassing risk management, crisis preparedness, threat intelligence, and regulatory compliance across classified environments

What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements: • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Security Management, Intelligence Studies, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, or related discipline • 10+ years of relevant security experience with demonstrated leadership in the SAP community • At least 3 years in management roles involving classified programs, special access programs, or security operations in defense, aerospace, or intelligence community environments • Current Top Secret/SCI clearance with ability to obtain and maintain SAP accesses; U.S. citizenship required (adjudicated polygraph highly preferred) • Comprehensive knowledge of classified program security requirements, including DoD 5205 series SAP Manuals, JSIG, NISPOM, and Intelligence Community Directives (ICD 705, ICD 503) • Proven experience managing security teams of 10+ personnel in classified operational environments • Strong analytical and investigative skills with ability to interpret security data and translate technical issues into actionable recommendations for leadership • Direct experience with SAPF and SCIF operations, including ICD-705 compliance, classified storage management, and SCI handling • Availability for after-hours security incident response and approximately 20-25% domestic travel to secure facilities and customer sites

How You Can Stand Out: It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: • Master's degree in Security Management, Intelligence Studies, Information Security, Business Administration, or related field • 12+ years of progressive security experience in defense, intelligence, or critical infrastructure sectors • Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with adjudicated polygraph and current investigation • Professional security certifications: • Certified Protection Professional (CPP) • CISSP or equivalent cybersecurity certification • ICD-705 SCIF Construction certification • SAP Security management courses

• Government or military intelligence background in counterintelligence, special security, or force protection • Crisis management and emergency response experience, including leading security incident or insider threat invest

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