Physical Security Subject Matter Expert (SME)

ABOUT NOOKS

Are you seeking an exciting and unique opportunity to grow and support our national security? As a startup, we are offering a limited-time opportunity to be an equity owner in a pioneering new industry. Nooks is pioneering Classified Infrastructure-as-a-Service (CIaaS) to provide government and industry partners with the fastest, most efficient access to classified infrastructure. We are building a nationwide network of accredited classified spaces and systems, ensuring that the best technologies equip our nation's warfighters. At Nooks, we value innovation, collaboration, and a service-first mindset.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a highly specialized and seasoned Physical Security Subject Matter Expert (SME) to manage, lead, and administer all physical security operations and compliance for the US Space Force classified enterprise. This critical role is dedicated to the planning, implementation, and maintenance of security measures designed to protect all Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) and related assets from unauthorized access, compromise, or loss across the entire USSF domain.

The SME will serve as the authoritative physical security resource for the HQ Special Security Officer (SSO), providing expert guidance to facilities management, security personnel, and command leadership. This position requires deep, hands-on expertise in all aspects of ICD 705 and related regulations, ensuring the continuous accreditation and compliance of all USSF classified facilities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. SCIF Management and Accreditation

• SCIF Accreditation & Oversight: Serve as the Subject Matter Expert for the physical security of all SCIFs within the USSF enterprise. Manage and oversee the accreditation status of facilities, ensuring continuous compliance with ICD 705 and relevant DoDMs/AFMANs.
• Inspections and Vulnerability Assessment: Lead and conduct regular, comprehensive inspections and site surveys of SCIFs to proactively identify and report security vulnerabilities. Recommend and implement corrective actions based on risk assessments.
• Documentation & SOPs: Develop, implement, and maintain SCIF Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across the enterprise. Maintain meticulous records of accreditations, inspections, security incidents, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Maintenance Coordination: Coordinate closely with construction, maintenance, and IT personnel to ensure that all SCIF modifications, upgrades, and routine maintenance activities strictly adhere to physical security requirements.

2. Technical Security Systems Management

• Access Control Systems: Expertly manage and administer physical access control systems, including card readers, biometric scanners, and badging systems. Issue and maintain security badges for authorized personnel and monitor access control logs to investigate potential security breaches.
• Alarm Systems: Oversee the integrity and functionality of alarm systems. Conduct regular testing of alarm systems and coordinate response to alarm activations with monitoring companies and law enforcement as needed.
• Visitor Control: Manage and enforce robust visitor control procedures for all classified facilities, including security briefings and badge issuance for authorized guests.

3. Construction Security, TEMPEST, and Risk Mitigation

• Construction Security Management: Oversee and manage Construction Security Plans for new SCIF builds or major modifications to existing facilities. This includes ensuring compliance with both TEMPEST and physical security requirements.
• TEMPEST Compliance: Serve as the SME for TEMPEST requirements within the SCIF environment. Conduct or coordinate testing and evaluations, and ensure appropriate countermeasures are implemented to prevent electronic emissions compromise.
• Security Planning and Risk: Conduct complex security risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities to classified assets. Develop and implement tailored security plans to effectively mitigate identified risks.

4. Compliance, Training, and Liaison

• Regulatory Oversight: As the SME, ensure the entire physical security program is fully compliant with all applicable regulations, including ICDs (e.g., ICD 705), SEADs, and relevant DoDMs/AFMANs.
• Audits and Inspections: Lead and coordinate internal annual self-inspections and serve as the physical security expert during external government compliance audits and inspections (e.g., DCSA, customer-led) across all USSF sites.
• Security Training: Develop and deliver mandatory physical security awareness training content, ensuring all personnel understand security policies and procedures related to facility access and protection.
• Liaison and Coordination: Coordinate directly with the SSO, Information System Security Manager (ISSM), and other USSF security elements to ensure a holistic and comprehensive security posture.

THE SKILLSET:

• Experience: Minimum 10 years of dedicated professional experience in Physical Security, with a significant focus on SCI/SCIF security management within the U.S. Defense Industrial Base or Intelligence Community.
• Clearance: Must possess and maintain an Active Top Secret (TS) / Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) eligibility security clearance. U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Regulatory Expertise: Expert-level, current knowledge of U.S. government physical security regulations, specifically ICD 705.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding and practical experience with access control systems, alarm systems, TEMPEST countermeasures, and security technologies.
• Skills: Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings. Strong problem-solving, analytical skills, and ability to prepare detailed, professional reports.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certification: Current certification such as the Physical Security SPeD Certification or equivalent.
• Formal Training: Completion of formal government SCI physical security training courses (e.g., SSO Course, SCIF Physical Security Course) is highly desirable.
• Experience: Direct, embedded experience supporting a US Space Force or other Combatant Command Special Security Office (SSO) with direct responsibility for multiple accredited SCIFs.

This position requires the ability to travel to USSF and partner facilities, work in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs), and involves physical requirements such as climbing stairs/ladders or working in confined spaces to complete facility inspections and assessments.

This employment offer is contingent upon continued funding of the underlying government contract. Should the contract be modified, or terminated, or if funding is reduced or eliminated, the employer reserves the right to adjust or rescind the offer accordingly.

Salary Range for all departments

Salary Range

$140,000 - $170,000 USD

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