Aspiring ISSE: RMF‑Driven Security Engineer

ARA; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) seeks a Junior Information System Security Engineer in Raleigh, NC to help implement and test security controls across classified Windows, Linux, and network environments.

You will gain hands-on experience with RMF evidence, vulnerability remediation, and monitoring tools. Under guidance from senior personnel, you will develop skills in system hardening, vulnerability management, and automation using PowerShell and related tools, while coordinating with

Qualifications

• Foundational knowledge of Windows or Linux administration and basic networking concepts.
• Ability to follow technical procedures, document results, troubleshoot methodically, and communicate issues clearly.
• US Citizen with an active DoD Top Secret clearance; SCI eligibility preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the implementation, testing, and maintenance of technical security controls for assigned classified information systems.
• Support vulnerability and compliance scanning, validate scan coverage, review findings, and coordinate remediation.
• Apply and validate STIGs/SCAP content, configuration baselines, patches, and approved hardening requirements for Windows, Linux, and networked systems.
• Support security tooling such as Microsoft Defender, AD/Group Policy, BitLocker, and endpoint logging.
• Assist with troubleshooting security-control failures involving endpoints, servers, network devices, and monitoring tools.
• Collect, organize, and quality-check technical evidence for RMF packages and continuous monitoring.

Skills

Windows/Linux fundamentals

Security monitoring basics

PowerShell basics

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in CS or related field (preferred)

Tools

ACAS/Tenable

Splunk

Microsoft Defender

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) seeks a Junior Information System Security Engineer in Raleigh, NC to help implement and test security controls across classified Windows, Linux, and network environments.

You will gain hands-on experience with RMF evidence, vulnerability remediation, and monitoring tools. Under guidance from senior personnel, you will develop skills in system hardening, vulnerability management, and automation using PowerShell and related tools, while coordinating with