Alternate Facility Security Officer - Contractor - Palo Alto Networks [Contract]

Role Description

This role is a contract assignment at Palo Alto Networks. Contractors will not be employed by Palo Alto Networks but through our trusted staffing partners.  

Palo Alto Networks is looking for an Alternate Facility Security Officer - Contractor to work with the Information Security & GRC team and is a great opportunity for a talented individual who has the desire to associate with a fast-growing company in a truly international environment.

• Location - Reston, VA (Hybrid)
• Duration -  5 months 

As an Alternate Facility Security Officer - Contractor - you will directly and visibly contribute to our overall success and daily operations within the Infosec team and will report to the Director, Information Security & GRC. 

Duties / Responsibilities

• Perform Alternate FSO/CSSO functions for a non-safeguarding facility under the supervision of the named FSO.
• Manage day-to-day personnel security actions including onboarding, indoctrinations, access changes, visit requests, and debriefings.
• Maintain and process personnel clearance actions Govt databases like DISS/NISS/NBIS/SWFT.
• Maintain accurate personnel security records and documentation to ensure audit readiness.
• Support DCSA engagements, including self-inspections, security reviews, and corrective action tracking.
• Conduct required security briefings (initial, annual refresher, termination, and foreign travel).
• Serve as a primary security clearance point of contact for internal stakeholders (HR, Legal, IT/InfoSec, program teams).
• Identify, document, and report security incidents or adverse information in accordance with NISPOM (32 CFR Part 117) timelines.
• Utilize SIMS as the core system of record for personnel security management (required).

Skills

• 5–8 years of hands-on experience performing FSO/AFSO or equivalent duties 
• Active Top Secret (TS) clearance required, SCI eligibility preferred. Experience processing SCI clearances is a plus.
• Demonstrated, hands-on experience using SIMS (required).
• Practical working knowledge of NISPOM (32 CFR Part 117) and DCSA processes.
• Hands-on experience with DISS/NISS for personnel clearance management.
• Strong documentation, record-keeping, and audit-readiness skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Security Studies, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Information Systems, or a related field preferred, or equivalent professional experience.

Certifications

• CDSE FSO Certification or equivalent security training credentials (e.g., ISP®, SPeD).
• Familiarity with SWFT, eAPP/e-QIP, or other government personnel security systems.
• Experience supporting classified contract documentation (e.g., DD254s, Security Classification Guides), as applicable.
• Prior experience as an ISSO or supporting RMF-aligned activities.
• Familiarity with NIST SP 800-171 and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) requirements.
• Experience supporting hybrid or distributed cleared workforces.

Compensation

The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location.  For candidates who receive an offer,this is the pay range that Magnit (the staffing agency) reasonably expects to pay for this position: $100/hour to $105/hour. Please note that the compensation information in this posting reflects the hourly wage only and does not include benefits.  Magnit offers Medical, Dental, Vision and 401K. Magnit is not able to provide assistance to candidates requiring sponsorship or a visa for this position.     

Information about Palo Alto Networks

At Palo Alto Networks®, everything starts and ends with our mission:
Being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life.
We have the vision of a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before. These aren’t easy goals to accomplish — but we’re not here for easy. We’re here for better. We are a company built on the foundation of challenging and disrupting the way things are done, and we’re looking for innovators who are as committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity as we are.