Personnel Security Specialist

Vannevar is a defense technology company building AI to deter our adversaries. In the 21st century, conflict moves at algorithmic speed and foresight equals firepower. Our agentic AI is purpose-built to compete with China—from cross-Strait conflict to gray zone coercion. Trained on the most mission-relevant datasets in defense, our technology models adversary behavior, simulates campaigns, and recommends the best course of action to decision makers. Our AI systems are some of the most trusted in the industry and actively used on the front lines of the Indo-Pacific to keep the peace and save lives.

Exceptional technology starts with exceptional people. Vannevar is a small agile team combining world-class engineers with veteran strategists who bring deep expertise in defense and tradecraft. We’re building a company defined by mission impact, user empathy, and disciplined growth. In just three years, we grew from $3M to $80M in ARR, achieved early profitability, and reached unicorn status—proving that disruption doesn’t require an ego, and staying power doesn’t mean standing still.

About the role

The Security team at Vannevar plays a vital role in safeguarding sensitive data and resources, protecting personnel, and enabling smooth, secure operations across all areas of the company.

We’re looking for a Personnel Security Specialist to drive the success of our personnel security program—ensuring every process, policy, and safeguard operates with precision and integrity. You will assist the FSO in streamlining and executing the clearance processes, policy interpretation, and database management to ensure compliance with federal regulations and customer requirements. This is an opportunity to shape a best-in-class security organization at the forefront of national security innovation.

What you'll do

• Responsible for all aspects of the security clearance lifecycle for collateral clearances and SCI nominations, including clearance processing, incoming/outgoing visitor control, in-person security onboarding, termination debriefings, and reporting incidents.
• Develop, implement, and refine personnel security policies and Standard Operating Procedures in alignment with NISPOM, ICDs, and government contracts
• Serve as a liaison with government security offices, adjudication centers, and external stakeholders
• Bring your knowledge of security databases and systems, including DISS, NISS, SWFT, eAPP, and related platforms
• Assist the FSO with self-inspections, audits, and continuous monitoring to ensure regulatory compliance and readiness
• Aggregate and report personnel security metrics to senior leadership, driving data-informed improvements
• Coordinate upgrades and implementations for security management software (e.g., ThreatSwitch / Sign In Solutions, SIMS, Access Commander)
• Support insider threat program activities and incident response, as needed 

Qualifications (Must Haves)

• 3+ years of personnel security experience supporting DoD or Intelligence Community contracts
• Deep experience with Personnel Security relative to the NISPOM and Intelligence Community Directives
• Technical skills: Knowledge of security databases and systems, including DISS, NISS, SWFT, eAPP, and similar
• Experience using security management software such as ThreatSwitch / Sign In Solutions, SIMS, Access Commander, or a similar SaaS platform
• Current TS/SCI clearance
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex requirements into actionable processes
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment
• This is a hybrid role expecting 1+ days per week in office located in the Arlington, VA area

Additional Qualifications (Nice to haves)

• Completion of the FSO Orientation for Non-Possessing Facilities Curriculum
• Experience developing workflows in Sign-In Solutions software
• Hands-on experience with insider threat program management 

What we offer

The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $115,000 + equity + 401K match. Within the range, individual pay is determined by experience, relevant education, and/or training.

We’re proud to offer competitive benefits that support our employees. Some key highlights of our benefits package include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Unlimited PTO including competitive vacation and holiday schedules
• Lifestyle stipends - Monthly mental health, wellness & fitness stipend, in-home office setup stipend and family planning assistance
• Salary top-up during military reserve duty
• Fully paid parental leave
• Child and pet care reimbursement during travel

 

Vannevar Labs is an