Cleared Senior/Principal Physical Security Systems Specialist, Onsite - TTR
Job Description
About Sandia:
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
- Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
- Extraordinary co-workers
- Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
- Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
- Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*
World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
*These benefits vary by job classification.
What Your Job Will Be Like:
We are seeking a dedicated Physical Security Systems Specialist to join our Physical Security team supporting the Tonopah Test Range (TTR) mission, as well as Sandia National Laboratories. In this role, you will develop innovative physical security solutions to address unique national security challenges at TTR and the Laboratory.
You will implement the DOE/NNSA Technical Security Program and support a broad range of security functions specifically at TTR, including facilitating security requirements for line and program customers, conducting Facility Technical Threat Assessments and providing Members of the Workforce (MOWs) with accurate and consistent guidance on security matters. This position requires close collaboration with various Security Program areas and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), including Personnel Security, Deployed Security Professionals, Security Incident Management Program (SIMP), Classified Matter Protection & Control (CMPC), the Sandia Field Office, and the NNSA Technical Surveillance Countermeasures Team.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
- Lead and oversee the Safeguards & Security program at TTR in compliance with DOE Order 470.4B, chair the Security Review Board (SRB), onboard program managers and core members, make final access decisions, and communicate outcomes to stakeholders. Serve as interim Facility Security Officer (FSO) or Safeguards & Security Director as needed.
- Maintain classified storage logs (SF 702), conduct badge inventories, perform lock inspections, execute alarm response exercises, and manage certifications for GSA repositories at TTR. Lead self-assessments, respond to audit findings, and track corrective actions.
- Manage access control and visitor processes at TTR, including entry access lists, cleared visitor verifications, criminal-history checks, badge issuance, equipment passes, and visitor escorting and shipping support.
- Develop and review operational plans such as Test Roadblock Plans, OPSEC Assessments, and Entry Access Lists (EALs). Update security plans and facility documentation to ensure compliance and operational readiness at TTR.
- Oversee personnel security functions including security clearance processes, Continuous Evaluation reporting, and trust and reliability programs for sensitive positions.
- Implement DOE classification and declassification policies, ensuring proper handling and storage of classified matter, UCNI, and SCI materials.
- Safeguard nuclear and special-category materials by approving movements, transfers, and disposals per DOE requirements.
- Manage physical security systems including perimeter and intrusion detection, access controls, barriers, and alarm systems. Conduct vulnerability surveys and coordinate corrective actions with Protective Force.
- Administer Communications Security (COMSEC) accounts and key management; oversee TEMPEST surveys and mitigation efforts.
- Develop and deliver security training programs, maintain OPSEC materials, and conduct security and safety briefings.
- Serve as custodian for security databases such as WebCAT, maintain logs and documentation, and review security reports.
- Investigate and report security incidents or insider-threat indicators, coordinating responses with DOE/NNSA, counterintelligence, and law enforcement.
- Act as the primary DOE/NNSA security contact, submitting required metrics and program status reports.
- Supervise security staff, including Security Program Managers and S2 Officers, and manage budgets for staffing, equipment, and training.
- Perform additional duties such as issuing Sensitive Equipment Passes and Controlled Area Security (CAS) responsibilities as required.
*This position requires the ability to work onsite at the Tonopah Test Range (TTR) due to the sensitive nature of the work.
Salary Range:
$83,200 - $160,800
*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.
Qualifications We Require:
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, National Security, Business Administration, Intelligence, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience; plus five (5) years relevant experience.
- An active DOE Q-level security clearance or equivalent required to start.
Qualifications We Desire:
- Applied knowledge of DOE Security Orders and Sandia's Safeguards and Security (S&S) Programs and Policies.
- Experience with DOE/NNSA SD 470.6 Technical Security Program.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Experience conducting Facility Technical Threat Assessments (FTTA).
- Ability to educate and guide others on security requirements and provide actionable recommendations.
- Experience in badging processes and operating badging systems.
- Experience developing corrective action plans (CAPs).
- Familiarity with DOE Vaults or Vault-Type Room requirements.
- Proven ability to lead cross-disciplinary teams on complex security projects.
- Knowledge of Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) missions.
- Experience improving work processes and procedures.
- Experience supporting DOE audits and physical security system assessments.
- Familiarity with Quality and Assurance methods at Sandia National Laboratories.
- Proficiency with databases and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Visio, Outlook, SharePoint).
About Our Team:
The Physical Security Department at Sandia National Laboratories provides comprehensive physical security services in support of mission-critical initiatives. Our department includes several functional areas such as Protection Planning & Risk Analysis, Security Areas, Secure Storage (Vaults), Technical Security Program, and Barriers & Delay (Locks & Keys). We implement a holistic security model aligned with DOE requirements and collaborate extensively with internal and external partners. The department also provides dedicated support to the Tonopah Test Range (TTR) mission and other remote and contract sites.
If you are passionate about national security and physical security systems and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply and join our team!
Posting Duration:
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
Security Clearance:
Position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q security clearance to start, or equivalent active security clearance with another U.S. government agency (e.g., DOD). Sandia 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 for employment need to be able to maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. 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.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are 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.
EEO:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs:
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.
Job ID: 697974
Job Family: SY
Regular/Temporary Position: R
Full/Part-Time Status: F
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.


