Job Description

The Company

Overview and Operations

Hanwha Philly Shipyard, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of the United States' premier commercial shipbuilding facilities. As of 2025, it operates as a subsidiary of the South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group, following its acquisition in December 2024. The shipyard is situated on the site of the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and has played a pivotal role in revitalizing American shipbuilding for commercial and government maritime needs.

The shipyard is renowned for its state-of-the-art infrastructure, which has seen over $350 million in capital investment since 1997. It boasts a highly skilled workforce and advanced shipbuilding technologies, enabling it to deliver high-quality, Jones Act-compliant vessels. The Jones Act mandates that ships transporting goods between U.S. ports be built in the United States, and Hanwha Philly Shipyard has delivered approximately 50% of all large ocean-going Jones Act commercial ships since 2000

The shipyard specializes in the construction of:

• Product tankers
• Container vessels
• Aframax tankers
• Repair and maintenance vessels

In recent years, the shipyard has expanded its portfolio to include government contracts, such as the National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMVs) for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD). These vessels serve dual roles in training and emergency response, showcasing the shipyard’s growing strategic importance.

The acquisition by Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Ocean has brought a new era of innovation and global integration. Hanwha Ocean, one of South Korea’s “Big Three” shipbuilders, brings decades of experience in building advanced vessels, including LNG carriers, destroyers, and submarines. Hanwha Systems contributes cutting-edge defense and smart technologies, positioning the shipyard to support both commercial and defense maritime sectors.

Opportunity

Hanwha Philly Shipyard is entering a transformative era. With strong leadership, a clear vision, and the backing of a global industrial powerhouse, it is poised to become a strategic asset in both commercial and defense shipbuilding. Its modernization efforts, workforce development programs, and potential role in Navy programs like the Constellation-class frigates underscore its growing national importance.

Purpose of the Position

This is a rare and career-defining opportunity for a Facility Security Officer to stand up and lead the security function for Hanwha Philly Shipyard, newly acquired by Hanwha Defense as they build out their DoD business. The FSO will be a boots-on-the-ground role in Philadelphia, with the mandate to build and shape a full-scope security program — from FCL and FOCI mitigation to classified/unclassified infrastructure, COMSEC, Insider Threat, and more. The FSO will maintain and administer policies and procedures for active programs in all security disciplines as required by NISPOM, FOCI Mitigations, DoD, Navy, and Program Security Classification guides.

Key Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to stand up and manage a compliant and mission-ready security program.

• Lead the preparation and submission of the Facility Clearance (FCL) package and FOCI mitigation documentation in coordination with senior leadership and the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).
• Develop and implement the company’s security infrastructure aligned with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), FOCI mitigation requirements (SSA or Proxy Agreement), and applicable DoD/Navy security directives.
• Create and establish internal policies, procedures, and compliance standards for classified and unclassified operations in support of DoD contract requirements.
• Build and manage physical security protocols and access controls, including badging systems, facility access, and escort procedures for employees, subcontractors, and visitors.
• Manage the submission and administration of DD254s upon facility clearance approval, ensuring accurate flow-down of security requirements to subcontractors and internal programs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all personnel security matters, including processing clearances through JPAS/DISS, managing visit requests, and maintaining accurate and compliant personnel security files.
• Oversee document control for classified and sensitive information, including storage, handling, inventory, transmission, and destruction procedures in accordance with government guidelines.
• Develop and conduct initial and recurring security training and briefings, including onboarding, annual refreshers, and role-based training, ensuring workforce readiness and compliance.
• Act as the Insider Threat Program Senior Official (ITPSO) and develop training, procedures, and a response framework to meet Insider Threat Program requirements.
• Establish COMSEC accountability procedures and serve as the primary or alternate COMSEC
• Custodian, if required by contract or agency guidance.
• Conduct internal audits and self-inspections, identifying and correcting deficiencies in advance of DCSA reviews.
• Collaborate with IT and cybersecurity teams to align physical, personnel, and information security with cybersecurity policies, ensuring end-to-end protection of classified and sensitive data.
• Monitor and respond to potential security incidents or cyber threats, working cross-functionally to mitigate risk and report appropriately.
• Serve as the site’s security advisor to leadership, ensuring mission alignment while maintaining full compliance with all applicable federal, DoD, and corporate requirements.

Year One Critical Success Factors

• Obtain and Operationalize Facility Clearance (FCL): Successfully lead the submission and approval process for the Facility Clearance and FOCI mitigation (e.g., SSA or Proxy Agreement), ensuring all documentation is complete, accurate, and aligned with DCSA requirements. Establish cleared operations readiness by year-end.
• Build a Fully Compliant Security Program from the Ground Up: Develop and implement compliant policies, procedures, and training aligned with the NISPOM, Navy/DoD directives, and FOCI requirements. Ensure all core program elements (personnel, physical, information, and document security) are in place and auditable.
• Stand Up Physical and Personnel Security Infrastructure: Install and manage access control systems, visitor management protocols, badging, and escort procedures. Implement JPAS/DISS processes and establish accurate and secure personnel security file management.
• Drive Security Culture and Workforce Readiness: Launch initial and role-based security training programs, establish the Insider Threat Program, and build awareness across the workforce. Prepare the team for initial self-inspection and DCSA review with no major findings.

The Candidate: Experience and Professional Quals

• Minimum eight years’ experience in the industrial security field to include physical security, personnel security, operations security, and classified document control.
• Experienced working in a classified environment while managing all aspects of the classified areas (i.e., access, accountability, auditing, emergencies, incidents, reports, alarms and many other security-related items).
• Experience establishing facility clearances and getting classified areas certified by DCSA.
• Experience using security classification guides.
• Familiarity with the drafting, coordinating, and processing of prime/sub DD254s.
• Experience using a STE, TACLANE, and other cryptographic equipment.
• Experience working with additional classifications such as Special Access Programs (SAP) and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
• The FSO will complete all required DCSA CDSE FSO training curriculum within one year of hire (Possessing Facilities DOD Required Training).
• Active Secret clearance is required and the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret/SCI clearance.
• Strong knowledge of security principles, practices, and technologies.
• Proven experience in crisis management, risk assessment, and incident response.
• Ability to interpret government policy and provide security guidance and direction to the organization.
• Excellent written communication – concise and accurate written documentation is essential.
• Ability to communicate requirements in an industrial environment and give effective direction using written and verbal skills where appropriate.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical ability leading to exemplary execution.
• Must be able to work independently and irregular hours, as required.
• Ability to solve complex challenges independently in compliance with written and verbal guidance.
• Ability to conduct investigations objectively and professionally regarding sensitive issues.
• Fully competent in using various software tools including Microsoft Word, Excel, OneNote, and PowerPoint.

SE# 510733938

Job Tags

Similar Jobs