Principal Analyst - Mission Assurance & Systems Integration

GFT is seeking a Principal Analyst, Mission Assurance & Systems Integration to join our Security and Safety Team in any of our Mid-Atlantic offices! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at the office.

What you’ll be challenged to do:

We are seeking an experienced Principal Analyst, Mission Assurance & Systems Integration to lead complex security, resilience, and infrastructure protection initiatives for federal, public-sector, and critical infrastructure clients.

This is a senior leadership role for a professional who excels at bringing together people, processes, technology, and infrastructure into integrated solutions that support mission success. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, guide strategic decision-making, and oversee the implementation of physical security, security engineering, and mission assurance programs from initial assessment through long-term operational sustainment.

Beyond project delivery, you will help shape the growth of our Mission Assurance and Strategy Implementation (MASI) practice, serve as a trusted advisor to clients, and contribute to the future of security and resilience across some of the nation's most important infrastructure and operational environments.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Lead Mission Assurance Programs
  • Drive mission assurance initiatives that strengthen organizational resilience, safeguard critical assets, and support continuity of operations.
  • Help clients identify mission-critical risks and develop practical, risk-informed strategies to address emerging threats and operational challenges.
  • Translate assessment findings and strategic objectives into executable implementation roadmaps and investment priorities.
  • Guide clients through the full lifecycle of security improvement programs, from planning through sustainment.
• Deliver Integrated Security Solutions
  • Lead multidisciplinary teams in developing integrated security and resilience solutions that align operational requirements, technology, infrastructure, and risk management objectives.
  • Oversee physical security, security engineering, and infrastructure protection programs.
  • Direct Security Risk Assessments (SRAs), Security Vulnerability Assessments (SVAs), CPTED evaluations, security master plans, and resilience initiatives.
  • Ensure security systems, operational procedures, staffing models, emergency response protocols, and technology platforms function as a unified enterprise capability.
• Drive Systems Integration
  • Lead the integration of physical security systems, security technology, operational processes, and IT infrastructure.
  • Guide implementation of enterprise security solutions, including:
    • Access control systems
    • Video surveillance and analytics
    • Intrusion detection systems
    • Perimeter protection technologies
    • Security communications
    • Command-and-control platforms
    • Cyber-physical security solutions
  • Collaborate with architecture, engineering, cybersecurity, operations, and technology teams to ensure effective system interoperability and long-term performance.
  • Ensure security technologies are successfully integrated into organizational operations, maintenance programs, training, and governance processes.
• Lead Complex Programs and Projects
  • Manage large and complex programs involving scope, schedule, budget, staffing, resources, risks, dependencies, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Serve as a Project Manager, Program Manager, Capture Manager, or senior client advisor depending on project needs.
  • Oversee project execution from assessment and planning through design coordination, procurement, installation, commissioning, operational integration, and lifecycle management.
  • Drive risk-informed decision making throughout project execution, balancing mission requirements, budget constraints, operational impacts, and implementation risks.
  • Manage portfolios of concurrent projects and strategic initiatives.
• Grow Client Relationships and Business Opportunities
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to federal agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and public-sector clients.
  • Support business development, capture planning, strategic pursuits, and proposal efforts.
  • Identify emerging opportunities in mission assurance, infrastructure protection, resilience, and security modernization.
  • Represent the firm at industry forums, conferences, and client engagements.
  • Contribute thought leadership on evolving threats, security technologies, resilience frameworks, and mission assurance best practices.
• Mentor and Develop Teams
  • Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary teams across security, engineering, technology, and operations disciplines.
  • Provide strategic guidance, technical oversight, and career development support to project staff.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What you will bring to our firm: 

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Security Management, Architecture, Construction Management, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in physical security, security engineering, infrastructure protection, mission assurance, resilience, emergency management, cybersecurity, or related disciplines.
• 10+ years of experience supporting federal agencies, public-sector organizations, or critical infrastructure programs.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex programs involving security, infrastructure, operations, technology, and stakeholder coordination.
• Experience guiding projects through assessment, planning, design, procurement, implementation, operational integration, and sustainment.
• Strong understanding of mission assurance principles, enterprise risk management, resilience planning, and infrastructure protection.
• Experience applying risk management frameworks to support strategic decision-making and program execution.
• Proven ability to engage executive stakeholders, facilitate complex decisions, and influence outcomes across large organizations.
• Strong communication, presentation, leadership, and business development skills.

  What we prefer you bring: 

• Professional certifications such as CPP, PSP, PMP, PE, CISSP, CEM, or equivalent credentials.
• Experience managing federal contracts, large-scale infrastructure programs, or national-level security initiatives.
• Experience integrating physical security, cybersecurity, operational resilience, and mission assurance programs.
• Knowledge of enterprise security architecture, security operations, systems commissioning, and lifecycle sustainment.
• Track record of capture, proposal, and business development success.

Compensation:The salary range for this role is $135,000 - $160,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.  Featured Benefits: • Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions. 

Location: Mechanicsburg, PA; Owings Mills, MDCore Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-Time

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