The posting
Fortastra | Strength Among the Stars
Fortastra operates at the intersection of aerospace, national defense, and advanced technology. We design and deploy cutting-edge space and defense systems with the speed and focus of a startup, and the discipline required to meet the most demanding mission requirements. Our work directly supports the security and resilience of the United States and its allies, and we approach that mission with urgency, innovation, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Our Security Team
You will join the Security organization, which is responsible for protecting personnel, information systems, incident response, and facility security. This team ensures the protection of critical assets while enabling rapid development in aerospace and defense technologies.
The Role
The Facility Security Officer (FSO) will serve as the primary authority over all aspects of the industrial security program at Fortastra’s headquarters. This is a high-impact role requiring strong ownership and the ability to lead with autonomy, proactively identify and address gaps, and implement meaningful, scalable improvements across personnel, physical, and program security.
The FSO will drive continuous enhancement of security processes, working cross-functionally to ensure alignment with both regulatory standards and Fortastra’s operational goals. We are seeking a results-driven leader who brings initiative, sound judgment, and the confidence to influence change. This is not a role for box-checkers, but for professionals committed to building and owning a best-in-class security program.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations of security programs in compliance with 32 CFR Part 117, NISPOM, SCGs, DD Form 254s, and other applicable regulations
- Manage personnel security, document control, audits, self-inspections, and security reviews
- Provide security guidance and training to personnel, and continuously improve internal processes
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Program Management, IT, Physical Security, Legal, Insider Threat, and others
- Lead the planning, build-out, and accreditation of Open Storage Areas (OSAs), restricted spaces, and classified work areas
- Maintain DISS and NISS updates and integrations across all operating locations
- Conduct Security Vulnerability Assessments (SVAs), generate reports, and implement corrective actions
- Own facility access control systems, badge issuance, visitor control, and escort procedures
- Deliver required training and briefings, including OPSEC, COMSEC, foreign travel, and document handling
- Investigate and report on security incidents in coordination with leadership and authorities
- Review and support contract security documentation such as DD 254s and security sections of proposals
- Maintain and update security policies, procedures, and internal knowledge bases
Required Qualifications and Skills
- 5+ years of experience as an FSO or in a similar industrial security role
- Must hold or be able to obtain a U.S. TOP SECRET security clearance
- Extensive knowledge of 32 CFR Part 117, NISPOM, SCGs, DD Form 254, e-QIP, DISS, NISS
- Experience managing access control, classified programs, and secure communications
- Excellent communication skills; able to work independently and with cross-functional teams
- Impeccable organizational skills and attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications
- Industrial Security Professional (ISP) certification
- Background in defense, aerospace, or government contracting environments
- Familiarity with physical security systems and infrastructure planning
- Experience developing and maintaining security policies and training materials
Requirements
- 5 days on-site in Torrance, CA
- U.S. citizenship and eligibility for security clearance required
- Position involves handling classified information and coordination with U.S. government entities
- This is a high-trust, high-impact role within a fast-paced, mission-driven organization
Why Fortastra
We are a small, high-impact team building the next generation of autonomous orbital control systems for national security space. At Fortastra, leaders own outcomes from first principles through flight and directly shape the future of resilient, mission-critical spacecraft autonomy.
FORTASTRA TALENT & CULTURE PRINCIPLES
Values Driven by First Principles
We value engineers and operators who prioritize sound judgment, candor, technical rigor, bias for action, and intellectual honesty over corporate consensus. We care about the caliber of the system you build and the speed at which you solve problems.
Talent Density Over Headcount
A high-performing startup is built on dense talent, not organizational bloat. A single exceptional engineer designs, tests, and delivers faster than a bloated committee. We intentionally maintain a lean, elite engineering crew where every contributor directly moves the needle on the mission.
High Autonomy, High Ownership
We hire domain experts to execute, not to micromanage them. You own your systems end-to-end, from initial architecture and hardware design to testing and deployment. With absolute ownership comes the responsibility to deliver mission critical reliability.
Mission Context Over Bureaucracy
The best execution happens when teams are provided clear technical objectives, constraints, and operational context, rather than rigid top-down policies. We strip away red tape so builders can iterate, make decisions, and push hardware and flight software forward rapidly.
Disciplined Speed & Flight Rigor
We move fast because we test often and kill artificial bottlenecks, not because we cut corners. Rapid iteration on the test stand and in simulation is how we learn; an uncompromising flight-readiness bar is how we earn trust. Precision without friction, speed without recklessness.
Direct Impact, Not Career Bureaucracy
You don’t come to Fortastra to climb a corporate ladder or manage slide decks; you come to build complex, flight-ready systems from day one. Growth here is organic, driven by the magnitude of technical challenges you solve and the trust you build across the team.
Benefits
We take care of our employees so they can focus on what matters most: family, well-being, and life outside of work.
Unlimited Paid Time Off so that you have the time you need to rest and recharge.
Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, because peace of mind starts with feeling cared for.
Equity: Share in Fortastra's success with equity in the company you're helping build.
401(k): A 401(k) plan to help you invest in your future and plan for what's ahead.
Social Events: Regular social events, team outings, and company-sponsored activities that make this a place people are glad to be part of.
The pay range for this role is $195,000.00 - $225,000.00. Where an offer falls within that range depends on factors like your qualifications, experience, location, and interview performance, which we weigh against the market rate for the position.
Recruiters & Agencies: Fortastra does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from recruiters, agencies, or third parties. Any candidate submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization from Fortastra will not be subject to any fee, and no relationship is implied. Please do not contact Fortastra employees, hiring managers, or recruiting team directly.
