Acquisition Security Analyst
Watermark Risk Management International
Full-time
On-site
Arlington, Virginia, United States
📊 Marketing Analyst
📌 Core Information
- Job Title: Acquisition Security Analyst
- Company: Watermark Risk Management International
- Location: Arlington, VA
- Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site
- Category: Business Consulting and Services
- Date Posted: May 20, 2025
- Experience Level: 10+ years
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Assisting in the development and implementation of comprehensive program protection methodologies
- Conducting lifecycle program analysis to identify critical program information and vulnerabilities
- Providing technical advice and security support to various programs and mission areas
- Developing and implementing risk management strategies and security education programs
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure standardized and correct security processes
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in acquisition security and risk management, with a focus on Special Access Programs (SAPs) and advanced technology programs.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- 🔍 Lifecycle Program Analysis: Identify critical program information, critical system resources, and associated vulnerabilities.
- 🛡️ Countermeasures Implementation: Assist in identifying and implementing countermeasures to mitigate identified risks.
- 📈 Risk Management: Develop and implement a risk-managed program protection plan and strategy.
- 🤝 Security Support: Provide technical advice and security support to collateral and SAP programs, as well as emerging mission areas.
- 📜 Security Guidance: Provide security guidance to the Government System Security Officer (GSSO) and Program Manager (PM) regarding the Air Force acquisition and sustainment process.
- 📝 Contract Security Requirements: Provide specific guidance pertaining to contract security requirements, including cost, feasibility, and appropriateness.
- 📄 DD Form 254: Maintain a working relationship with the PM, Contracting Officer, and contractor security officers to ensure a standardized and correct format/process for all DD Form 254 efforts.
- 🎓 Security Education: Develop and implement quarterly and annual security education and training for personnel.
- 📊 Threat Assessment: Assess threat and risk, develop risk management actions, and implement long-term courses of action.
- 📝 Document Development: Write, review, and/or edit various security documents, including Security Classification Guides (SCG), Exposure Contingency Plans (ECP), Managed Access Plans (MAP), Security Operating Procedures (SOPs), and System Test Plans (STP).
- 🛠️ System Security: Assist government system security engineers in performing close out actions for SAPs as needed.
- 🌐 Foreign Intelligence Threats: Conduct analysis of foreign intelligence threats against programs involving customer's critical research, sensitive technologies, or critical program information (CPI).
- 📈 Counterintelligence Reports: Analyze Counterintelligence reports and prepare written summaries of activities with potential impact to customer resources.
- 🌐 Special Programs & Operations: Provide technical analysis and Operations Security (OPSEC) support to SAF/AAZ and SAF/AQ Special programs and other associated operations, missions, and organizational elements.
- 🛠️ Additional Duties: Additional duties as assigned.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to manage stress and work well with others in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience (4 years)
- Experience: 10-12 years of related experience, including at least 2 years of direct Special Access Program (SAP) experience
- Required Skills:
- Proven experience in acquisition security and risk management
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software tools
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
- Preferred Skills:
- Special Program Security Certification (SPSC)
- Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC)
- Experience with DoD SAPCO-approved SAPNP training (if performing personnel security functions)
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000 per year (based on experience and qualifications)
- Benefits:
- 100% employer-paid medical insurance
- Ample paid leave
- Free employee assistance program
- Competitive 401k savings plan
- Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. The final salary/hourly rate will be determined based on various factors, including Contract Wage Determination, education and certifications, relevant work experience, related skills and competencies, and Federal Government Contract Labor Categories.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Business Consulting and Services
- Company Size: 51-200 employees
- Founded: 2007
- Company Description: Watermark Risk Management International specializes in security and risk management services, supporting government, public, and private clients. With a commitment to tackling complex and challenging issues, Watermark provides top-tier professionals across various areas, including risk management, threat assessments, CBRNE defense, counter-WMD strategies, biosecurity, information security, and systems engineering.
- Company Specialties: CIP, COOP, AT/FP Policy & Planning, Security System Requirements Analysis & Design, Nuclear Security Operations, Security Education, Training & Exercises, Ethics & Compliance, Security Business Strategy & Consulting, Red Teaming, IDRMP, ForcePRO, and Perception Analysis.
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Mid-career to senior-level role
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Government Program Manager
- Work Arrangement: On-site, with occasional travel between buildings and sedentary work at least 50% of the time
- Growth Opportunities: Potential career growth in acquisition security, risk management, and related fields within the company or industry
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: On-site, with occasional travel between buildings
- Office Location(s): Arlington, VA
- Geographic Context: Arlington, VA, is part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, offering a mix of urban and suburban living with easy access to the nation's capital.
- Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexible hours and remote work arrangements not specified
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process: Application review, phone or video screening, in-person interviews, and background check
- Key Assessment Areas: Technical skills, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, cultural fit, and relevant experience
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions related to acquisition security, risk management, and problem-solving
- Research Watermark's company culture and mission to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the role
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Relevant security and risk management software tools
- Various databases and analytical tools for threat assessment and risk management
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: PERSPECTIVE, PASSION, COMMUNICATION, INTEGRITY AND ETHICS, and BALANCE
- Work Style: Collaborative, dynamic, and fast-paced environment requiring strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Watermark's core values, particularly PERSPECTIVE and PASSION, in your approach to acquisition security and risk management?
- How comfortable are you working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, managing stress, and collaborating with cross-functional teams?
- How do you ensure balance in your work and personal life, given the demands of this role?
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing stress and maintaining work-life balance in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Keeping up with evolving security threats and risk management strategies in the acquisition security field
- Collaborating effectively with various teams and stakeholders, including government program managers, contracting officers, and contractor security officers
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Acquisition Security Manager: This role focuses more on strategic planning and oversight, while the Acquisition Security Analyst role is more hands-on and tactical.
- Risk Management Consultant: This role may involve broader risk management strategies across various industries, while the Acquisition Security Analyst role is specific to acquisition security and Special Access Programs (SAPs).
- Senior Security Analyst: This role may require less direct SAP experience and more general security analysis skills, while the Acquisition Security Analyst role requires specific SAP experience and a deep understanding of acquisition security processes.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive program protection plan for a high-profile, advanced technology program
- Conducting a lifecycle program analysis to identify critical program information and vulnerabilities for a sensitive research and development project
- Assisting in the development and execution of an Operations Security (OPSEC) plan for a classified mission-critical program
💡 Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the most challenging acquisition security project you've worked on, and how you overcame any obstacles?
- How do you stay up-to-date with evolving security threats and risk management strategies in the acquisition security field?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage multiple projects or priorities simultaneously, and how you ensured the success of each project?
- How do you approach collaboration with various teams and stakeholders, including government program managers, contracting officers, and contractor security officers?
- Can you describe a situation where you had to adapt to a significant change in project scope or requirements, and how you handled it?
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
- To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this [link](https://watermarkriskmanagementinternationalllc.applytojob.com/apply/a5crFP77AC/Acquisition-Security-Analyst)
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions related to acquisition security, risk management, and problem-solving
- Research Watermark's company culture and mission to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview, expressing your interest in the position and any additional insights you gained during the interview process
⚠️ Disclaimer
This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions. Watermark Risk Management International, LLC is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors. Watermark Risk Management International, LLC is a federal contractor and is therefore subject to any federal vaccine mandates or other customer vaccination requirements.
- Job Title: Acquisition Security Analyst
- Company: Watermark Risk Management International
- Location: Arlington, VA
- Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site
- Category: Business Consulting and Services
- Date Posted: May 20, 2025
- Experience Level: 10+ years
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Assisting in the development and implementation of comprehensive program protection methodologies
- Conducting lifecycle program analysis to identify critical program information and vulnerabilities
- Providing technical advice and security support to various programs and mission areas
- Developing and implementing risk management strategies and security education programs
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure standardized and correct security processes
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in acquisition security and risk management, with a focus on Special Access Programs (SAPs) and advanced technology programs.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- 🔍 Lifecycle Program Analysis: Identify critical program information, critical system resources, and associated vulnerabilities.
- 🛡️ Countermeasures Implementation: Assist in identifying and implementing countermeasures to mitigate identified risks.
- 📈 Risk Management: Develop and implement a risk-managed program protection plan and strategy.
- 🤝 Security Support: Provide technical advice and security support to collateral and SAP programs, as well as emerging mission areas.
- 📜 Security Guidance: Provide security guidance to the Government System Security Officer (GSSO) and Program Manager (PM) regarding the Air Force acquisition and sustainment process.
- 📝 Contract Security Requirements: Provide specific guidance pertaining to contract security requirements, including cost, feasibility, and appropriateness.
- 📄 DD Form 254: Maintain a working relationship with the PM, Contracting Officer, and contractor security officers to ensure a standardized and correct format/process for all DD Form 254 efforts.
- 🎓 Security Education: Develop and implement quarterly and annual security education and training for personnel.
- 📊 Threat Assessment: Assess threat and risk, develop risk management actions, and implement long-term courses of action.
- 📝 Document Development: Write, review, and/or edit various security documents, including Security Classification Guides (SCG), Exposure Contingency Plans (ECP), Managed Access Plans (MAP), Security Operating Procedures (SOPs), and System Test Plans (STP).
- 🛠️ System Security: Assist government system security engineers in performing close out actions for SAPs as needed.
- 🌐 Foreign Intelligence Threats: Conduct analysis of foreign intelligence threats against programs involving customer's critical research, sensitive technologies, or critical program information (CPI).
- 📈 Counterintelligence Reports: Analyze Counterintelligence reports and prepare written summaries of activities with potential impact to customer resources.
- 🌐 Special Programs & Operations: Provide technical analysis and Operations Security (OPSEC) support to SAF/AAZ and SAF/AQ Special programs and other associated operations, missions, and organizational elements.
- 🛠️ Additional Duties: Additional duties as assigned.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to manage stress and work well with others in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience (4 years)
- Experience: 10-12 years of related experience, including at least 2 years of direct Special Access Program (SAP) experience
- Required Skills:
- Proven experience in acquisition security and risk management
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software tools
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
- Preferred Skills:
- Special Program Security Certification (SPSC)
- Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC)
- Experience with DoD SAPCO-approved SAPNP training (if performing personnel security functions)
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000 per year (based on experience and qualifications)
- Benefits:
- 100% employer-paid medical insurance
- Ample paid leave
- Free employee assistance program
- Competitive 401k savings plan
- Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. The final salary/hourly rate will be determined based on various factors, including Contract Wage Determination, education and certifications, relevant work experience, related skills and competencies, and Federal Government Contract Labor Categories.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Business Consulting and Services
- Company Size: 51-200 employees
- Founded: 2007
- Company Description: Watermark Risk Management International specializes in security and risk management services, supporting government, public, and private clients. With a commitment to tackling complex and challenging issues, Watermark provides top-tier professionals across various areas, including risk management, threat assessments, CBRNE defense, counter-WMD strategies, biosecurity, information security, and systems engineering.
- Company Specialties: CIP, COOP, AT/FP Policy & Planning, Security System Requirements Analysis & Design, Nuclear Security Operations, Security Education, Training & Exercises, Ethics & Compliance, Security Business Strategy & Consulting, Red Teaming, IDRMP, ForcePRO, and Perception Analysis.
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Mid-career to senior-level role
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Government Program Manager
- Work Arrangement: On-site, with occasional travel between buildings and sedentary work at least 50% of the time
- Growth Opportunities: Potential career growth in acquisition security, risk management, and related fields within the company or industry
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: On-site, with occasional travel between buildings
- Office Location(s): Arlington, VA
- Geographic Context: Arlington, VA, is part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, offering a mix of urban and suburban living with easy access to the nation's capital.
- Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexible hours and remote work arrangements not specified
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process: Application review, phone or video screening, in-person interviews, and background check
- Key Assessment Areas: Technical skills, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, cultural fit, and relevant experience
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions related to acquisition security, risk management, and problem-solving
- Research Watermark's company culture and mission to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the role
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Relevant security and risk management software tools
- Various databases and analytical tools for threat assessment and risk management
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: PERSPECTIVE, PASSION, COMMUNICATION, INTEGRITY AND ETHICS, and BALANCE
- Work Style: Collaborative, dynamic, and fast-paced environment requiring strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Watermark's core values, particularly PERSPECTIVE and PASSION, in your approach to acquisition security and risk management?
- How comfortable are you working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, managing stress, and collaborating with cross-functional teams?
- How do you ensure balance in your work and personal life, given the demands of this role?
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing stress and maintaining work-life balance in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Keeping up with evolving security threats and risk management strategies in the acquisition security field
- Collaborating effectively with various teams and stakeholders, including government program managers, contracting officers, and contractor security officers
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Acquisition Security Manager: This role focuses more on strategic planning and oversight, while the Acquisition Security Analyst role is more hands-on and tactical.
- Risk Management Consultant: This role may involve broader risk management strategies across various industries, while the Acquisition Security Analyst role is specific to acquisition security and Special Access Programs (SAPs).
- Senior Security Analyst: This role may require less direct SAP experience and more general security analysis skills, while the Acquisition Security Analyst role requires specific SAP experience and a deep understanding of acquisition security processes.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive program protection plan for a high-profile, advanced technology program
- Conducting a lifecycle program analysis to identify critical program information and vulnerabilities for a sensitive research and development project
- Assisting in the development and execution of an Operations Security (OPSEC) plan for a classified mission-critical program
💡 Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the most challenging acquisition security project you've worked on, and how you overcame any obstacles?
- How do you stay up-to-date with evolving security threats and risk management strategies in the acquisition security field?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage multiple projects or priorities simultaneously, and how you ensured the success of each project?
- How do you approach collaboration with various teams and stakeholders, including government program managers, contracting officers, and contractor security officers?
- Can you describe a situation where you had to adapt to a significant change in project scope or requirements, and how you handled it?
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
- To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this [link](https://watermarkriskmanagementinternationalllc.applytojob.com/apply/a5crFP77AC/Acquisition-Security-Analyst)
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions related to acquisition security, risk management, and problem-solving
- Research Watermark's company culture and mission to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview, expressing your interest in the position and any additional insights you gained during the interview process
⚠️ Disclaimer
This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions. Watermark Risk Management International, LLC is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors. Watermark Risk Management International, LLC is a federal contractor and is therefore subject to any federal vaccine mandates or other customer vaccination requirements.