What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Industrial Security Specialist position at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)?
Summary
DCSA's Industrial Security Component is seeking a Senior Industrial Security Specialist. In this role you will be responsible for handling complex Industrial Security Program (ISP) functions within the Field Office's Area of Responsibility (AOR), and to assist the Field Office Chief as necessary in managing, directing, and coordinating day-to-day operations.
Duties
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As a Senior Industrial Security Specialist you will be responsible for the following duties:
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Conditions of employment
The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/security-administration-series-0080/ for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 07/06/2026
Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.
You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GG/GS 12 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility.
Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience.
Specialized experience for this position includes: Overseeing operational Industrial Security guidance to entities within the National Industrial Security Program (NISP)/Defense Industrial Base, as well as, other mission areas; Conducting periodic security reviews and other security oversight actions to ensure contractor compliance with regulatory requirements, contractual obligations, and/or other security agreements; Conducting, recording and overseeing security violation investigations and/or associated activity occurring at contractor facilities to include the loss, compromise, or suspected compromise of classified information/material ensuring appropriate conclusions, identification of culpable individual(s), root cause and corrective actions to prevent recurrence; Integrating and collaborating with internal/external stakeholders to decrease associated risk to programs/technologies and support strategic initiatives; Mediating and resolving conflicts involving security requirements and/or guidance amongst internal or external stakeholders.
Specifically You Will Be Evaluated On The Following Competencies
Education
Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.
Additional information
VETERANS PREFERENCE/CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL
In accordance with DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, veterans preference is not required to be applied when considering candidates with prior Federal competitive or excepted service who have completed a probationary or trial period and have not been separated for cause. Therefore, veterans preference will not be applied to applicants with current federal service, or former federal civilian service meeting the above criteria.
Re-employed Annuitant: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf
Applicants selected from this announcement may be required to serve a two-year trial period.
If selected, Federal employees currently serving in the competitive service must acknowledge that they will voluntarily leave the competitive service by accepting an offer of employment for a DCIPS excepted service positions.
If selected, non-DCIPS candidates must acknowledge in writing that the position they have been selected for is in the excepted service and covered by DCIPS.
All Defense Intelligence positions under the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) are in the excepted service by specific statue, 10 U.S.C. 1601. This position is in the excepted service and does not confer competitive status.
For more information on the DCIPS occupational structure click here.
For more information about career advancement in DCIPS click here.
This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment.
You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
DCSA's Industrial Security Component is seeking a Senior Industrial Security Specialist. In this role you will be responsible for handling complex Industrial Security Program (ISP) functions within the Field Office's Area of Responsibility (AOR), and to assist the Field Office Chief as necessary in managing, directing, and coordinating day-to-day operations.
Duties
Help
As a Senior Industrial Security Specialist you will be responsible for the following duties:
- Utilizes senior level technical and critical thinking to identify, document, compose reports and communicate security program vulnerabilities and associated mitigation actions to internal/external stakeholders up to the senior executive level.
- Demonstrates senior-level competency of analysis methods, professional writing skills to complete comprehensive reports, and oral presentations with the ability to succinctly express ideas and concepts to internal/external stakeholders.
- Conducts recurring Security Reviews (SRs) of the most difficult and challenging contractor facilities.
- Independently conducts, records and oversees complex security violation investigations and/or associated activity occurring at contractor facilities to include the loss, compromise, or suspected compromise of classified information/material.
- Conducts on-site FCL eligibility surveys based on new requests to evaluate operational and/or physical vulnerabilities associated with threat to U.S. or foreign classified information as part of the DCSA FCL risk analysis process.
- Employs senior level interpersonal skills and uses a situationally adaptive approach with internal/external stakeholders to gain cooperation and commitment to resolve complex security issues.
- Performs as lead advisor, mentors, provides training and conducts quality assurance activities for junior Industrial Security Specialists.
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Conditions of employment
- Must be a US citizen
- Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. For more information http://www.sss.gov
- Resume and supporting documents received by 11:59PM EST will be considered
- This is a Drug Testing designated position
- Position is a (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under U.S.C. 1601
- Work Schedule: Full Time
- Overtime: Occasionally
- Tour of Duty: Flexible
- PCS (Permanent Change of Station): Not Authorized
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
- Financial Disclosure: Not Required
- Telework Eligibility: Supervisors may approve situational telework on a case-by-case, temporary basis for limited situations.
- If selected, the incumbent must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as indicated in job announcement.
- Telework is subject to Agency policy and mission demands. This is not a remote position.
- Incumbent may be subject to a Counterintelligence-Scope Polygraph examination upon request by competent authority.
- Incumbent may be required to operate automotive, passenger vehicles in connection with the performance of duties. A valid driver’s license is required.
The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/security-administration-series-0080/ for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 07/06/2026
Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.
You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GG/GS 12 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility.
Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience.
Specialized experience for this position includes: Overseeing operational Industrial Security guidance to entities within the National Industrial Security Program (NISP)/Defense Industrial Base, as well as, other mission areas; Conducting periodic security reviews and other security oversight actions to ensure contractor compliance with regulatory requirements, contractual obligations, and/or other security agreements; Conducting, recording and overseeing security violation investigations and/or associated activity occurring at contractor facilities to include the loss, compromise, or suspected compromise of classified information/material ensuring appropriate conclusions, identification of culpable individual(s), root cause and corrective actions to prevent recurrence; Integrating and collaborating with internal/external stakeholders to decrease associated risk to programs/technologies and support strategic initiatives; Mediating and resolving conflicts involving security requirements and/or guidance amongst internal or external stakeholders.
Specifically You Will Be Evaluated On The Following Competencies
- Self-Management: Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.
- Problem Solving: Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
- Vulnerabilities Assessment and Management: Conduct assessments on threats and vulnerabilities, determine the level of risk, and develop and recommend appropriate mitigation countermeasures in operational and non-operational situations. Conduct assessments in a counterintelligence context to protect against espionage, other intelligence activities, and sabotage conducted for or on behalf of foreign powers, organizations or persons, or international terrorist activities.
- Oral Communication: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
- Interpersonal Skills: Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.
Education
Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.
Additional information
VETERANS PREFERENCE/CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL
In accordance with DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, veterans preference is not required to be applied when considering candidates with prior Federal competitive or excepted service who have completed a probationary or trial period and have not been separated for cause. Therefore, veterans preference will not be applied to applicants with current federal service, or former federal civilian service meeting the above criteria.
Re-employed Annuitant: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf
Applicants selected from this announcement may be required to serve a two-year trial period.
If selected, Federal employees currently serving in the competitive service must acknowledge that they will voluntarily leave the competitive service by accepting an offer of employment for a DCIPS excepted service positions.
If selected, non-DCIPS candidates must acknowledge in writing that the position they have been selected for is in the excepted service and covered by DCIPS.
All Defense Intelligence positions under the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) are in the excepted service by specific statue, 10 U.S.C. 1601. This position is in the excepted service and does not confer competitive status.
For more information on the DCIPS occupational structure click here.
For more information about career advancement in DCIPS click here.
This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment.
You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.