Principal Director, Security Operations, West
$180,800–$271,200 year
On-site · El Segundo, California, United States
Job Summary
Lead and direct security operations for the Western Region as Principal Director, Security Operations. Oversee classified program security, facility protection, insider threat, information assurance, and crisis response; build and guide security teams (including 24x7 contractor guards) to protect sensitive programs and personnel. Ensure compliance with DoD/SAP/NISPOM/ICD directives, manage SCIF operations, and drive security modernization (EDR, DLP, PSIM) while partnering with executives and government customers to translate complex security requirements into actionable programs. Requires Top Secret/SCI clearance, U.S. citizenship, on-site leadership in El Segundo, CA, and willingness to travel; offers relocation assistance and a comprehensive benefits package.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in security management, Intelligence Studies, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, or related discipline
- 12+ years of progressive security leadership experience with at least 5 years in senior director or executive roles managing classified program security, special access programs, or enterprise security operations
- Current Top Secret/SCI security clearance with ability to obtain and maintain SAP accesses, adjudicated polygraph highly preferred
- U.S. citizenship is required
- Expert knowledge of classified program security requirements (DoD 5205 series SAP Manuals, JSIG, NISPOM, ICD 705, ICD 503) and DCSA compliance frameworks
- Proven experience leading insider threat programs, investigation management, anomaly detection, incident response, and cross-functional collaboration with People Operations, Legal, and technical teams
- Demonstrated experience managing security teams (40+ personnel), including contractor guard forces and insider threat analysts in 24x7 environments
- Technical proficiency with EDR, DLP, PSIM platforms, COMSEC equipment, and data analysis in large-scale environments
- Experience with SCIF construction and operations, including ICD-705 compliance, classified storage management, and sensitive information handling
- Willing and able to provide after-hours response to security incidents; travel domestically ~20-25%
- Strong analytical and investigative skills; ability to translate complex security issues for non-technical stakeholders
- Ability to lead strategic budgeting and negotiate MOUs with customers; optimize security investments
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