Special Security Officer (SSO)

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.