Program Protection Officer

Support the Program Protection Office at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Lima, Ohio, ensuring compliance across the U.S. market in meeting Program Protection requirements for new and existing programs. Advise functional leadership, Program Management, and staff on interpreting security policies and developing plans and procedures to meet customer Program Protection requirements.

About GDLS

We Serve Those Who Protect What Matters. At General Dynamics Land Systems, we build combat vehicles and integrated technologies that give soldiers a decisive advantage. We design, engineer, and sustain advanced tracked and wheeled systems paired with modern electronic architecture, AI-enabled capabilities, and autonomy-ready technology. From Abrams to LAV, Stryker to AJAX, robotic platforms to software solutions and beyond, our portfolio delivers proven performance for customers around the world. That’s why Soldiers and Marines have trusted General Dynamics Land Systems products in the toughest conditions for decades. We deliver the power to win. Every day, our global team looks beyond the horizon, solving problems before they become challenges.

Responsibilities

• Guide assessment, definition, development, and implementation of program protection requirements, including assessing data security provisions in technical reviews, specifications, engineering and test plans, designs, sub-contractor SOWs, RFPs, and other acquisition and engineering plans and documents.
• Assess incoming RFPs and Contract Modifications for Program Protection requirements and advise program leadership and contracts on cost and impacts for implementation.
• Participate in the development of Program Protection Implementation Plans (PPIP) as required by each program with PPIP responsibilities.
• Advise Program Management and staff in interpreting program protection policies and developing plans and procedures to meet customer requirements.
• Exercise discretion and independent judgment while complying with policies, procedures, and applicable federal laws and regulations, including NIST 800-171, NIST 800-53, Executive Order 13526, various DoDI and DFARS clauses, and other program protection policies.
• Develop and implement program protection strategies for existing and new programs, including analysis and activities to ensure comprehensive, consistent protection strategies are incorporated into program planning and execution.
• Support development of a consistent program folder structure and manage their execution, including managing and applying access controls.
• Serve as secondary interface with government program managers and security officers, internal/external customers, security support staff, Program Management, program personnel, and the GD Land Systems Facility Security Office.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) with the ability to train program personnel in recognizing and protecting CUI.
• Guide the management and tracking of data access controls, including communication across the user community to ensure compliance with program protection requirements.
• Provide guidance, manage, and participate in peer reviews to ensure proper document (data) markings have been applied.

Position will report to the Sterling Heights Program Protection Officer with dotted line reporting responsibility to the Industrial Security Manager at the Lima, Ohio JSMC facility.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Business, Criminal Justice, or related discipline OR Associate degree in similar disciplines with an additional 5 years of related experience.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience.
• Previous experience in law enforcement, DoD, or military desired.
• Strong understanding of information technology, particularly system/network administration.
• Ability to develop scripts to help manage data is desired but not required.
• Solid understanding of ground combat and support vehicle technical work.
• Ability to rapidly analyze complex data, conduct research, and acquire facts.
• Sound and logical thinking in choosing a course of action.
• Good organizational skills, flexibility, and sound judgment.
• Demonstrated experience working in teams and matrix environments.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and coordinate activities within deadlines.
• Ability to interact with senior management on matters pertaining to program protection and procedures.
• Ability to analyze DD Form 254s, Security Classification Guides, and related security documentation for Program Protection requirements.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Project).
• Eligibility to obtain a U.S. security clearance (Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible).

Benefits

• Healthcare including medical, dental, vision, HSA, and Flex Spending.
• Competitive base pay and incentive pay that rewards individual and team performance.
• Comprehensive benefits.
• 401k match up to 6%.
• Educational assistance.

Schedule

• 9-80 work schedule (nine-hour days Monday through Thursday, with every other Friday off).

This position may require occasional travel to various U.S. locations and availability to work outside regular business hours as needed to address critical issues.