Alternate Special Security Officer - Technical and Physical Security

Date: May 7, 2025

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 14915 

­­Overview:  

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.


The Field Intelligence Operations Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking an experienced Alternate Special Security Officer (ASSO) with specialized expertise in Technical and Physical Security, and broad knowledge of Access Control Systems (ACS) and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and many Intelligence Community, DoE, and DoD regulations.

 

In this role, you will support the protection of Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) within a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) in accordance with Intelligence Community Directives (ICD), Intelligence Community Standards (ICS), and Department of Energy (DOE) policies and procedures.

 

You will be part of a collaborative, customer-focused security team committed to safeguarding critical national security assets. This position resides in the Special Security Office, part of the FIE Secure Operations Section, Field Intelligence Element, within the National Security Sciences Directorate.

 


Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as subject matter expert and point of contact on all aspects of the Technical and Physical Security Program, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements across DOE, DoD, IC, and other federal agencies.
  • Provide expert guidance on SCIF construction and modification activities, ensuring all technical security requirements are met.
  • Conduct daily health checks and diagnostics of SCIF alarm systems; troubleshoot and respond to alarms in collaboration with the ORNL Protective Force and other emergency services.
  • Oversee operations and compliance for multiple government-approved facilities (DOE, DoD, IC, SAP).
  • Manage and execute facility security requirements, including SCI, SAP, and sub-compartment program adherence.
  • Develop, implement, and assess security procedures, tools, and processes to maintain continuous facility compliance.
  • Support audits, inspections, and performance testing; implement corrective actions where needed.
  • Maintain relevant SCI directives, manuals, and policies to support ASSO duties and responsibilities.
  • Work closely with ISSMs, ISSOs, Counterintelligence Officers, and facilities personnel to ensure end-to-end security of SCIFs and associated systems.
  • Coordinate and support secure visitor access, SCI packages, document control, and destruction of classified materials.
  • Serve as a proactive contributor to a high-functioning team focused on excellence in security operations.
 


Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 12 years of experience (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered).
  • Active Top Secret clearance with a current SSBI (within the last 5 years).
  • Extensive experience supporting Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) programs.
  • Proven experience with ACS/IDS technologies, including system troubleshooting and compliance testing.
  • Strong background in OPSEC and multiple security disciplines, including information, physical, industrial, and personnel security.
  • Working knowledge of DOE, DoD, and Intelligence Community security policies and procedures, including CAP/SAP environments.
  • Experience developing, implementing, and maintaining a multi-discipline security program for complex R&D and intelligence programs.
 


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Proactive self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, high-security environment.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to follow through on complex tasks.
  • Experience working collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
  • Familiarity with TEMPEST, COMSEC, and computer security practices.
  • Ability to develop and implement solutions to complex security problems in dynamic environments.
  • Prior experience with document control and classified material destruction.

 

Our Culture:
At ORNL, we are driven by our core values: Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. We foster a respectful and inclusive workplace, emphasizing collaboration and excellence in every aspect of our work. You will play a vital role in supporting ORNL’s mission while maintaining the highest standards of national security.

 

 

Special Requirements:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

Work may involve various physical requirements and working conditions.

 

Q clearance with SCI: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.  In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing. 

 

Benefits at ORNL: 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain dedicated people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

 

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

 

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

 

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.


If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.


ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.


Nearest Major Market: Knoxville