Quick overview
Job description
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 and support 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
- Build and maintain trusted relationships across the national security space and government security communities
- Develop and execute security strategies supporting classified programs and new mission opportunities
- Advise program and company leadership on security requirements, risks, and considerations affecting classified programs
- Manage security requirements associated with classified programs, facilities, personnel, information, and operations
- Support Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Program (SAP) activities, as applicable
- Coordinate personnel security actions, including clearance processing, indoctrinations, debriefings, visit requests, access determinations, and related documentation
- Support the establishment, accreditation, and ongoing operation of classified facilities and secure work environments, including SCIFs and SAPFs as required
- Develop, implement, and maintain security policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) consistent with government and customer requirements
- Interpret and implement applicable security directives, including ICDs, DoD requirements, and customer-specific guidance
- 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
- Conduct security education, training, briefings, and awareness programs for employees supporting classified activities
- Prepare for and support government security reviews, inspections, and assessments
- 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
- 7+ years of progressively responsible security experience supporting classified U.S. Government, defense, intelligence, aerospace, or national security programs
- Significant experience supporting classified programs within the national security space or highly regulated aerospace and defense environment
- Strong understanding of personnel, physical, information, and program security requirements
- Experience supporting SCI and/or SAP environments
- Working knowledge of applicable security policies and frameworks, including ICD 705, DoD Manual 5205.07, NISPOM requirements, and related government security guidance
- Experience interacting directly with government security representatives and program security stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to establish credibility and build trusted relationships with government customers
- Ability to navigate complex government organizations and security processes effectively
- 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
- Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility
- Ability to maintain all security clearances and accesses required for the position
Nice-to-Have Experience
- Established relationships within the Southern California national security space and classified security community
- Experience supporting government space acquisition, development, or operational programs
- Experience serving as an SSO, CPSO, FSO, CSSO, or senior security professional supporting classified aerospace or space programs
- Experience working directly with government program offices and customer security organizations
- Experience establishing, accrediting, or managing a SCIF and/or SAPF
- Experience supporting SAP and SCI program environments
- Experience helping an organization establish or expand its classified program capabilities
- Familiarity with DCSA requirements, DISS, NBIS, NISS, and related security systems
- Experience supporting classified capture, proposals, and new business activities
- Knowledge of counterintelligence, OPSEC, insider threat, and security education programs
- 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: $150,000 to $200,000
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.