Personnel Security Specialist
Saronic Technologies
Operations
Austin, TX, USA
Posted on Nov 4, 2025
Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing defense autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations for the Department of Defense (DoD) through autonomous and intelligent platforms.
Job Summary
Saronic Technologies is seeking an experienced Personnel Security Specialist to lead the management of personnel security clearances, with primary authority over operations in the National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) and Defense Information System for Security (DISS). This role will also serve as the lead for Visitor Access Requests (VARs) and Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD) 3 reporting guidelines. The specialist will ensure compliance with DoD personnel security policies, support onboarding and ongoing clearance processes, and contribute to the overall security posture in a rapidly growing defense environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
- General Security Program Management
- Support the overall personnel security program, including development and maintenance of procedures related to clearance management, reporting, and compliance.
- Ensure adherence to NISPOM (32 CFR Part 117), SEAD directives, DoD Manual 5200.01, and other relevant personnel security guidelines.
- Provide expert guidance on personnel security matters, coordinating with leadership, HR, and external agencies to resolve issues.
- Conduct audits and self-assessments of personnel security processes, assisting with DCSA reviews and inspections.
- Respond to personnel security incidents, conduct inquiries, document findings, and recommend corrective actions.
- Prioritize tasks, provide ad hoc support to program personnel, and integrate personnel security with broader security operations.
- Lead the management of security clearances using NBIS and DISS, including processing initial investigations, periodic reinvestigations, upgrades, and terminations.
- Perform access eligibility determinations, submit clearance requests, and manage nominations for SCI or SAP accesses as required.
- Maintain accurate personnel security records, including Security Information Files (SIFs) and records of cleared individuals.
- Handle briefings, debriefings, indoctrinations, and security education for personnel accessing classified information.
- Develop and conduct security awareness training programs, including initial, annual refresher, and SEAD-specific briefings.
- Serve as the lead for Visitor Access Requests (VARs), processing incoming and outgoing visit certifications, enforcing need-to-know, and coordinating access for visitors.
- Oversee SEAD 3 reporting guidelines, ensuring timely self-reporting of changes that may affect clearances, and manage reporting processes for personnel.
- Monitor and report on continuous evaluation and vetting activities, integrating with insider threat programs.
- Coordinate with external agencies for clearance passages, transfers, and reciprocity determinations.
- Assist in the control and accountability of classified information related to personnel security, ensuring proper handling and documentation.
- Implement systems to track and verify personnel access to classified materials in accordance with need-to-know and clearance levels.
- Stay current with updates to NBIS, DISS, SEAD directives, and emerging personnel security best practices.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., HR, security team) and external entities, including DCSA and other government agencies.
- Support insider threat initiatives by identifying and reporting potential risks through personnel security channels.
- Ensure compliance with additional requirements for sensitive programs, such as Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) mitigations.
Personnel Security and Clearance Management
Visitor Access and Reporting
Classified Information Support
Additional Responsibilities
Qualifications
- Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Human Resources, Criminal Justice, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in personnel security, with demonstrated expertise in NBIS, DISS, VAR processing, and SEAD 3 reporting.
- Active Secret clearance, with eligibility for Top Secret/SCI.
- In-depth knowledge of NISPOM, SEAD directives, DoD personnel security policies, and related regulations.
- Proficiency with security systems such as NBIS, DISS, JPAS, and e-QIP.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive information discreetly.
- U.S. citizenship required.
- Professional certifications such as Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC), Personnel Security Professional (PSP), or equivalent.
- Experience in defense contracting, particularly with high-volume clearance processing in growing organizations.
- Familiarity with continuous vetting and insider threat programs.
- Graduate degree in a related field.
Preferred:
Physical Demands
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Occasional standing and walking within the office
- Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
- Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports
- Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies
- Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)
Benefits
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
- Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
- Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
- Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
- Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
- Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
- Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
- Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
- Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
- Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office
This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.
