Transportation Security Officer - Airport Screening Operations

Leidos is seeking full-time and part-time Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) to perform passenger and checked-baggage security screening in support of a TSA Screening Partnership Program (SPP) task order at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC). We are hiring for both full-time and part-time positions. As a TSO you will help protect the traveling public by identifying prohibited and dangerous items and screening passengers and their property in accordance with TSA Standard Operating Procedures, working alongside a team of aviation security professionals under TSA oversight. Prior screening experience is not required; Leidos provides paid classroom and on-the-job training leading to TSA certification. Current and former ROC screening personnel are encouraged to apply.

Leidos’ Homeland Sector’s Airports, Borders, and Security (ABS) business area delivers air travel modernization, border protection, and critical infrastructure security solutions that help build a safer, more resilient homeland. Operating globally across aviation security, passenger screening, cybersecurity,

and border and port security, ABS integrates next-generation technologies to secure the movement of people and goods worldwide.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Screen passengers, carry-on baggage, and checked baggage for prohibited items and potential threats using TSA-approved procedures and technology, such as computed tomography (CT) X-ray, Credential Authentication Technology (CAT), Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), walk-through metal detectors, explosives trace detection (ETD), and bottled-liquid scanners.
• Conduct pat-down searches, hand-wand screening, and physical bag searches, and collect explosives trace samples, in accordance with TSA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), treating every traveler with courtesy, respect, and professionalism.
• Resolve alarms, including on-screen alarm resolution (OSARP) of checked-baggage images and physical searches in the Checked Baggage Resolution Area, and refer unresolved items according to procedure.
• Monitor the checkpoint exit lane when assigned, to prevent unauthorized entry into the sterile area.
• Communicate clearly and calmly with travelers, provide directions, answer questions, de-escalate situations, and assist travelers with disabilities or medical conditions as TSA procedures require.
• Rotate among screening positions and work as part of a team to maintain security effectiveness and passenger throughput; follow direction from Lead and Supervisory TSOs.
• Complete required TSA classroom training, on-the-job training (OJT), certification exams (TSO Basic Training Program), Annual Proficiency Review, Practical Skills Observations, recurrent training, and medical re-certification, and become certified in both passenger checkpoint and checked-baggage screening over time.
• Document and report incidents, security concerns, and unusual activity; safeguard Sensitive Security Information (SSI); and comply with TSA Management Directives and security procedures.
• Wear the TSA-approved uniform and badge and maintain a professional appearance at all times.
• Part-time officers support peak-period coverage on early-morning, weekend, and holiday shifts as scheduled.

Location: Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) – Rochester, NY

Work Schedule:

• Full-time: 40 hours per week.
• Part-time: flexible hours, up to 30 hours per week (not to exceed 1,560 hours per year, including training and leave).
• Shifts vary across ROC’s operating day; checkpoint operations run from about 3:30 AM to 9:30 PM on weekdays and 3:30 AM to 8:00 PM on weekends, with duties before and after operating hours. Early-morning, evening, weekend, and holiday work is required, and overtime may be needed to cover operational demand.
• Part-time officers must be available for early-morning, weekend, and holiday shifts as scheduled.
• This is an on-site position at ROC; telework and relocation assistance are not provided.

Basic Qualifications:

• U.S. citizen or U.S. national; must be able to obtain and maintain a TSA Public Trust determination, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• At least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED/HiSET/TASC); OR at least one year of full-time work experience in security work, aviation screener work, or X-ray technician work.
• Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
• Pass the TSA computer-based assessment (TSO Assessment Battery), which covers English language proficiency and X-ray image interpretation skills.
• Pass and maintain required medical evaluations, including vision, hearing, and joint mobility
• Pass pre-employment drug screening and remain compliant with the drug and alcohol testing program throughout employment.
• Successfully complete TSA pre-hire vetting, including background, criminal history, and financial checks.
• Able to lift or carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds (or assist others in lifting), stand for periods of up to three hours, and perform repetitive bending, squatting, reaching, and walking; visual acuity, hearing, and color-perception thresholds consistent with TSA screening standards.
• Able to successfully complete required classroom training, on-the-job training, and certification exams.
• Available to work varied shifts given ROC’s extended operating hours, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays (full-time: any day, Monday–Sunday; part-time: within the part-time hour limits above).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience as a TSA-certified TSO or contract screener, including current or former ROC screening personnel.
• Current TSA certification in passenger checkpoint and/or checked-baggage screening (dual-function certification).
• Experience with X-ray, CT, explosives trace detection, advanced imaging, or similar screening technology.
• Customer-service experience in a high-volume, public-facing environment.
• Prior security, law enforcement, military, or aviation experience.
• Ability to communicate in a second language.

Clearance/Vetting:

• Minimum clearance to start: TSA Public Trust. A Secret clearance is not required for this role.
• Pre-hire vetting and suitability determination (Entry-on-Duty) through TSA Personnel Security is required; individuals who are not granted pre-appointment are not eligible to work under the contract.

What We Offer:

• Paid classroom and on-the-job training - no prior screening experience necessary.
• Career growth: opportunities to advance to Lead TSO and Supervisory TSO positions.

This position is contingent upon Leidos’ award of the TSA SPP task order at ROC and successful completion of TSA assessment, medical, and pre-hire vetting requirements. Any employment offer is subject to applicable Leidos and TSA hiring, qualification, and vetting requirements.

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Original Posting:

November 6, 2026

Pay Range:

Pay Range $45,500.00 - $82,250.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.