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Space Technology, Aerospace, Satellite Communications

Special Security Officer (SSO)

Hawthorne, CAOnsiteFull Time$170,000–$230,000 /yrPosted 15 days ago

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Required skills

  • Special Security Officer
  • SSO
  • classified programs
  • national security space
  • SCI
  • SAP
  • Top Secret clearance
  • SCI eligibility
  • ICD 705
  • DoD Manual 5205.07

Nice to have

  • government space acquisition
  • CPSO
  • FSO
  • CSSO
  • classified aerospace
  • classified space programs

Role summary

Quantum Space is seeking an experienced Special Security Officer (SSO) to lead security operations for its classified and national security programs. This role requires deep knowledge of government security requirements, experience with SCI and SAP environments, and strong relationships within the national security space community. The SSO will serve as a key security partner, developing and executing security strategies, managing classified program security, and ensuring compliance with government directives. Responsibilities include personnel security, facility accreditation, policy development, and customer engagement. The ideal candidate possesses strong judgment, discretion, and excellent communication skills, with an active Top Secret clearance and SCI eligibility.

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking an experienced Special Security Officer (SSO) to lead security operations for Quantum Space’s classified and national security programs.

This is a highly visible role for someone who understands how to operate effectively within the national security space environment and has experience supporting complex classified programs. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of government security requirements, strong relationships within the classified space community, and the ability to navigate customer organizations with credibility and sound judgment.

You will serve as a trusted security partner to our leadership, engineering, business development, and program teams while building and maintaining strong working relationships with government customers and security stakeholders. You will help ensure Quantum Space has the security infrastructure, processes, and partnerships necessary to pursue and execute increasingly complex classified missions.

This role is ideal for someone who combines deep security expertise with strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to build trusted relationships across government and industry.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

  • Serve as a primary security interface between Quantum Space and U.S. Government customers, security representatives, and classified program stakeholders
  • Grow Quantum Space’s security operations, including additional facilities and infrastructure across varied classified environments up to TS/SCI and SAP
  • Lead the establishment, accreditation, and ongoing operation of classified facilities and secure work environments, including SCIFs and SAPFs as required
  • Develop and execute security strategies supporting classified programs and new mission opportunities
  • Implement, maintain, and monitor security requirements associated with classified and unclassified programs, facilities, personnel, information, and operations. Interpret and implement applicable security directives, including ICDs, DoW requirements, and customer-specific guidance
  • Develop, implement, and maintain security policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) consistent with government and customer requirements
  • Manage all personnel security actions, including clearance processing, indoctrinations, debriefings, visit requests, access determinations, and related documentation
  • Develop and conduct security education, training, briefings, and awareness programs for employees supporting classified activities
  • Prepare for and support government security reviews, inspections, and assessments
  • Partner with business development and program teams to identify security requirements early in the capture and program lifecycle. Support classified proposal, capture, and customer engagement activities
  • Advise program and company leadership on security requirements, risks, and considerations affecting classified programs
  • Build and maintain trusted relationships across the national security space and government security communities
  • Maintain strict accountability and protection of classified information and assets
  • Help build a security culture that enables teams to move quickly while maintaining uncompromising standards for protecting national security information

    • What It Takes

  • 10+ years of progressively responsible security experience supporting classified U.S. Government, defense, intelligence, aerospace, or national security programs
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Experience serving as an SSO, CPSO, FSO, CSSO, or senior security professional supporting classified aerospace, defense, or space programs
  • Direct experience managing a SCIF and/or SAPF
  • Demonstrated knowledge base and experience with current personnel, physical, information, and program security requirements
  • Working knowledge of applicable security policies and frameworks, including ICD 705, DoD Manual 5205.07, NISPOM requirements, and related government security guidance
  • Current working knowledge of counterintelligence, OPSEC, insider threat, and security education programs
  • Ability to navigate complex government organizations and security processes effectively
  • Experience interacting directly with government security representatives and program security stakeholders
  • Demonstrated ability to establish credibility and build trusted relationships with government customers
  • Strong understanding of how security requirements intersect with program execution, business development, and new program capture
  • Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to operate independently in sensitive environments
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex security requirements for technical and non-technical teams
  • Ability to maintain all security clearances and accesses required for the position

    • Nice-to-Have Experience

  • Experience establishing and accrediting a SCIF and/or SAPF
  • Experience working directly with government program offices and customer security organizations
  • Established relationships within the Southern California national security space and classified security community
  • Experience supporting government space acquisition, development, or operational programs
  • Experience supporting classified capture, proposals, and new business activities
  • Experience operating in a fast-paced aerospace, defense technology, or growth-stage environment

    • What You’ll Get

  • Ownership – Help build and shape Quantum Space’s classified security infrastructure and capabilities
  • Partnership – Develop trusted relationships with customers and security stakeholders supporting critical national security missions
  • Mission – Enable highly consequential spacecraft programs supporting U.S. national security objectives
  • Impact – Directly influence Quantum Space’s ability to pursue, win, and execute classified missions
  • Growth – Play a foundational role as our classified portfolio, facilities, and security organization expand
  • Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing

    • Location: Hawthorne, CA

    Base Salary: $170,000 to $230,000

    The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.

    Additional Requirements

    To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

    Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.

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