Program Security Representative (PSR) DARPA

About the role

Æsir International is seeking a Program Security Representative (PSR) to support the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) at its headquarters in Arlington, VA. The PSR will be embedded directly within DARPA technical offices, providing expert security support across a portfolio that may include fundamental research, CUI, collateral, SAP, SCI, and other compartmented information categories. The position can be performed on‑site at DARPA HQ (675 North Randolph Street, Arlington, VA 22203) or remotely, with up to 25 % domestic travel.

Work environment: business‑casual dress, core hours 7:00 am – 4:00 pm, parking available at Ballston Mall (pay to park) and surrounding streets, and Metro access via Ballston‑MU station (four blocks away).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement security architectures for new technology programs, balancing classification, cost, and schedule impacts.
• Research and recommend short‑ and long‑term program protection strategies and tactics for new, established, or evolving programs.
• Determine and apply appropriate security requirements (physical, information, personnel, etc.) for specific technology programs.
• Participate in the BAA process, ensuring security requirements are identified and integrated into schedules.
• Execute security aspects of the BAA process, including industry‑day briefings, PAR processing, facility/IT accreditation, and coordination for classified material handling.
• Create, submit, and disseminate DD‑254s for classified efforts within required timeframes.
• Apply expertise in EO 13526, NISPOM, DoD Information Security Manuals, and DoD SAP Security Manuals.
• Facilitate creation, coordination, and annual updates to Program Security Documents (PSDs) and Program Protection Implementation Plans.
• Identify critical and enabling technologies through Technology Decomposition and produce DARPA S&T Protection Plans.
• Incorporate Technical Area Protection Plan (TAPP) guidance into project security and classification architectures.
• Provide briefings to SID leadership on sensitive test plans for unclassified and classified projects.
• Assess risk associated with foreign government talent programs at U.S. colleges and universities and advise on mitigation.
• Support CUI projects, maintaining expertise in EO 13556, DoDI 5200.48, and relevant DFARS clauses (e.g., 252.204‑7012, 252.204‑7019, 252.204‑7021).
• Perform OPSEC analysis, develop OPSEC plans, and conduct security reviews of documents slated for public release.
• Coordinate with International Security and the DARPA International Cooperation Office on Designated Disclosure Letters and Project Agreements.
• Develop and deliver program indoctrination briefings; onboard new personnel and de‑brief departing staff.
• Support SAPF/SCIF and Automated Information Systems (AIS) accreditations and enter related data into DARPA security management systems (e.g., DFASTS, SCS, JADE, DSCRT, DSMD).
• Develop, review, and execute a wide range of security documentation, including Security Classification Guides, Program Protection Plans, Test Security Plans, Exposure Contingency Plans, Network Accreditation Plans, System Security Plans, Technology Transfer Plans, SOPs, and many others.
• Attend program reviews (PDR, CDR, IPT) to monitor progress and anticipate security needs.
• Conduct staff assistance visits, support contractor self‑inspection programs, and assist with SAPCO Security Compliance Team inspections.
• Mitigate security incidents, track investigations, and provide final recommendations for closure.
• Plan and execute program close‑out actions, including participation in close‑out reviews at performer sites.
• Communicate effectively across DARPA offices, performers, and transition partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree plus five years of DoD or IC program security experience, or associate degree plus eight years of related experience.
• Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Ability to provide a 30‑day notice of resignation.
• Willingness to travel up to 25 % (primarily domestic/CONUS).

Skills

• Understanding of fundamental research execution principles.
• Knowledge of foreign influence risks at U.S. colleges and universities.
• Familiarity with CUI policies and associated DFARS clauses.
• Science & Technology (S&T) protection planning and classification architecture creation.
• Operations Security (OPSEC) and Communications Security (COMSEC).
• Sensitive test planning and intelligence oversight requirements.
• Secure information transmission and hardware transportation.
• Interpersonal communication skills for advising PSOs, PMs, SETAs, technical leadership, and external partners.
• Subject‑matter expertise in EO 13526, NISPOM, DoD Information Security Manuals, and DoD SAP Security Manuals.
• Proficiency with DARPA security management tools (e.g., DFASTS, SCS, JADE, DSCRT, DSMD, DISS, NSS, NISS).

Schedule

Core hours are 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Flexible arrangements may be available for remote work, but on‑site presence at DARPA HQ is required for many duties.