Alternate Facility Security Officer (AFSO)

Alternate Facility Security Officer (AFSO)

The Alternate Facility Security Officer (AFSO) supports the management and execution of IMS-Raleigh's industrial security program under the 32 CFR 117 National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM). Working under the direction of the IMS-Raleigh Security Operations Manager, the AFSO plays a key role in maintaining security compliance, managing personnel security (PERSEC) functions, and overseeing contract security requirements, including DD254 management.

This position requires a detail-oriented and technically proficient security professional who can effectively balance compliance with operational priorities. The AFSO oversees a team of industrial security professionals that provide contract and personnel security support across multiple classified programs. The AFSO collaborates closely with the Information System Security Manager (ISSM), Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO), program managers, contracts staff, and government security counterparts to ensure classified programs are executed in full compliance with contractual and ARA requirements. This position is required to work on-site full-time.

Following are the primary responsibilities of the AFSO, which may include other duties as assigned.

Leadership and Collaboration :

• Provide daily security support and guidance to employees and program managers in a professional and customer-oriented manner.
• Collaborate with the FSO, ISSM, CSSO and Program Managers to ensure consistent interpretation and application of security policy.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team of Program Security Officers (PSOs) and PERSEC Admins capable of executing across multiple classified domains.
• Define clear objectives, performance standards, and career development paths for direct reports.
• Support development and delivery of security awareness and refresher training.
• Serves as acting FSO when designated, ensuring continuity of operations.

Industrial Security Operations :

Contract Security Management :

Personnel Security (PERSEC) Management :

Program Security Support :

Alternate Facility Security Officer (AFSO) Required Qualifications :

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,353 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company.