Security Systems Architect (Principal Safeguards & Security Specialist)

Mission Support and Test Services, LLC (MSTS) manages and operates the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).  Our MISSION is to help ensure the security of the United States and its allies by providing high-hazard experimentation and incident response capabilities through operations, engineering, education, field, and integration services and by acting as environmental stewards to the Site’s Cold War legacy.  Our VISION is to be the user site of choice for large-scale, high-hazard, national security experimentation, with premier facilities and capabilities below ground, on the ground, and in the air. (See NNSS.gov for our unique capabilities.) Our 2,750+ professional, craft, and support employees are called upon to innovate, collaborate, and deliver on some of the more difficult nuclear security challenges facing the world today.   

• MSTS offers our full-time employees highly competitive salaries and benefits packages including medical, dental, and vision; both a pension and a 401k; paid time off and 96 hours of paid holidays; relocation (if located more than 75 miles from work location); tuition assistance and reimbursement; and more.  
• MSTS is a limited liability company consisting of Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell), Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (Jacobs), and HII Nuclear Inc.

MSTS seeks a dedicated Security Systems Architect (Principal Safeguards and Security Specialist) with a strong passion for security technology and system management, you will oversee the design, administration and life cycle management of the Physical Security Systems. Your responsibilities will encompass security system design, developing roadmaps, integration and collaborate with teams from construction, IT infrastructure, applications, and cybersecurity for the life cycle of Physical Security Systems. Adhere to security policies, providing comprehensive plans to integrate new systems, and recommend improvements. Additionally, you will maintain thorough documentation, lead projects, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and manage risks. Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams to meet business needs and keep stakeholders informed will be essential for success in this role. 

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with teams from cybersecurity, infrastructure, construction, and applications to develop and integrate a comprehensive, highly available Physical Security System.
• Partner with Cybersecurity and IT Infrastructure to document and address information security, security architecture, and systems security engineering requirements throughout the acquisition life cycle.
• Evaluate the impact of relevant emerging technology and business trends.  Uses business knowledge and drives innovation by empowering SMEs and relevant stakeholders to perceive, evaluate, and prioritize opportunities based on significant business impact.
• Interpret and deliver impactful plans/road maps that specify strategy and improve security systems integration in support of business initiatives to achieve results.
• Ensure that acquired or developed security system(s) and architecture(s) are consistent with cybersecurity, infrastructure, construction, and IT organizational guidelines.
• Perform security reviews, identify gaps in security architecture, and develop a security risk management plan.
• Define and document how the implementation of a new security system or new interfaces between systems impacts the current security and IT environments.
• Identify systemic security issues based on the analysis of vulnerability and configuration data; apply secure system design tools, methods and techniques.
• Evaluate security architectures and designs to determine the adequacy of security design and architecture proposed or provided in response to requirements contained in acquisition documents.
• Assist in Security Plan Development.
• Involved in security reporting and analysis to regulatory agencies and federal oversight.
• Manage multiple priorities of projects and requests.
• Serve as the technical lead on very large, complex Physical Security Systems projects.
• Perform other duties assigned by Management. 

• Bachelor's degree in a field related to the position or equivalent training and experience, plus 8 years of progressive related experience.
• Expert knowledge of advanced principles, concepts and theory related to the position and ability to address issues and define and resolve the most difficult and challenging problems.
• Able to work independently on safeguards and security program objectives and strategies, and formulate strategies for improving operations/processes.
• Able to develop and maintain relationships with all levels of employees throughout the company, customers, outside agencies, and various levels of personnel within parent organizations, DOE/HQ, DOE/NNSA, and other contractors including LANL, LLNL, and Sandia as needed to facilitate meeting safeguards and security program objectives while screening and maintaining confidentiality.
• Able to prioritize and schedule multiple activities in the most efficient manner and meet required deadlines.
• Able to use software applications needed in the position, including accounting software, analytical software, financial analysis software, word processing software, spreadsheet software, presentation software, and database software.
• Attention to detail and accuracy required in ensuring that policy decisions, procedures, and operations follow MSTS and DOE regulations, procedures, and federal and state laws.
• Must possess planning/organizing skills and initiative; employ independent judgment; and apply knowledge and experience to ensure that requirements are completed efficiently and on time.
• Must possess interpersonal communication skills of an influencing and motivating nature to interface effectively with all levels of management, DOE security personnel, and outside agencies.
• Must possess the ability to understand complex data, terminology, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Able to utilize independent judgment, creativity, and initiative to evaluate alternative methods of solving problems, problem resolution, and to ensure that requirements are completed efficiently and on time.
• The primary work location will be at the Nevada National Security Site (located 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada).
• Work schedule will be 4/10s Monday through Thursday (subject to change).
• Pre-placement physical examination, which includes a drug screen, is required. MSTS maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

MSTS is required by DOE directive to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants offered employment with MSTS are also subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. In addition, Applicants for employment must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship, at least 18 years of age. Reference DOE Order 472.2, “Personnel Security”. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Department of Energy Q Clearance (position will be cleared to this level). Reviews and tests for the absence of any illegal drug as defined in 10 CFR Part 707.4, “Workplace Substance Abuse Programs at DOE Sites,” will be conducted.  Applicant selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation, required to participate in subsequent reinvestigations, and must meet the eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. Successful completion of a counterintelligence evaluation, which may include a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination, may also be required. Reference 10 CFR Part 709, “Counterintelligence Evaluation Program.”

MSTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. MSTS is a background screening, drug-free workplace. 

Annual salary range for this position is: $99,790.57 - $152,180.63.

Starting salary is determined based on the position market value, the individual candidate education and experience and internal equity.