Advanced Navigation is the world’s most determined innovator in AI robotics and navigation technologies across land, air, sea and space applications. Founded on a culture of research and discovery, Advanced Navigation's mission is to be the catalyst of the autonomy revolution. Fields of expertise include artificial intelligence, underwater sonar, GNSS, radio frequency systems, inertial sensors, robotics, quantum sensors and photonics.
Today, Advanced Navigation is a supplier to some of the world's largest companies, including Airbus, Boeing, Google, Tesla, NASA, Apple, and General Motors. Discover it for yourself: https://youtu.be/F7uAqs1gtuk
OVERVIEW OF ROLE
The FSO/TCO is a critical executive function responsible for the integrity of Advanced Navigation America’s status as a secure, independent US defense contractor. This dual-hatted role serves as the principal advisor to the President and the US Board on all matters regarding the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) and Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) mitigation. You will be the primary gatekeeper ensuring that physical facility security, personnel clearances, and technical data transfers remain in strict compliance with the Special Security Agreement (SSA) and ITAR/EAR regulations.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. SSA governance & FOCI mitigation
- Serve as the lead expert on NISPOM requirements and SSA security measures.
- Act as the primary liaison with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) to prevent unauthorized influence from the Australian parent company and any affiliated company.
- Coordinate daily with the President and America leadership team regarding all SSA governance as required.
2. Technical control & export compliance (TCO functions)
- Develop, maintain, and enforce the TCP (Technology Control Plan) to prevent unauthorized disclosure of classified or export-controlled information.
- Review and approve all technical data, software, and hardware transfers to the foreign parent company or international entities.
- Monitor and log technical exchanges (emails, calls, meetings) between US personnel and foreign affiliates to ensure they remain within the scope of approved licenses.
- Oversee the approval process for foreign national visitors, US Personnel visits with affiliated company personnel, ensuring all interactions follow SSA protocols.
3. Personnel & physical security (FSO functions)
- Initiate and manage all personnel security clearances via DISS; enroll and monitor cleared staff in Continuous Vetting.
- Design and accredit secure areas, including manufacturing floors and potential SCIFs, ensuring restricted access via Access Control Systems (ACS).
- Develop and deliver mandatory training on Insider Threats, SSA requirements, and Export Control (ITAR/EAR) responsibilities for all staff and Board members.
4. Insider threat & incident response
- Establish and manage the formal Insider Threat Program, overseeing monitoring and reporting of high-risk activity to the DCSA.
- Lead the investigation and reporting of any security incidents, compromises, or unauthorized disclosures within mandated timelines.
KEY MEASURABLES
- Compliance accuracy: zero unauthorized transfers of controlled technology or violations of the SSA/TCP.
- Audit readiness: successful completion of DCSA security reviews with no significant findings related to technical controls.
- Operational efficiency: timely adjudication of technical export requests and visitation approvals to maintain business velocity.
- Training saturation: 100% completion rate for all security, TCP, and export control briefings across US staff.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
Qualifications & security
- Candidates must be US Citizens and meet all eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the Secret level
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Law, Security Management, or a related field.
Required experience
- 10+ years as an FSO/TCO: proven experience within an SSA or Proxy Agreement environment, ideally within a high-tech manufacturing or venture-backed organization.
- Systems expertise: deep proficiency in DISS, NISS, and the NISPOM.
- Export control: expert-level knowledge of ITAR and EAR regulations and their application in a technical/engineering environment.
- Infrastructure: experience establishing and maintaining accredited secure spaces (SCIFs or Closed Areas).
Critical skills
- Technical literacy: ability to understand complex navigation, GNSS, and robotics technologies to make informed decisions on data transfers.
- High integrity: discretion and the ability to act as an independent "check and balance" within the US entity.
- Policy writing: ability to write and maintain Standard Practice Procedures (SPP) that are both compliant and operationally viable.