Assessment & Authorization Analyst

Leidos; Ashburn (GA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in Ashburn, VA seeks an Assessment and Authorization Analyst to evaluate CBP information systems against RMF standards and obtain ATOs. You will prepare System Security Plans and Security Assessment Reports, supporting risk-based decisions.

You will analyze security controls, document findings, and coordinate with stakeholders to ensure compliance across lifecycle phases. U.S. Citizenship is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus 4–8 years in IT/InfoSec or Master’s with relevant experience.
• Superior writing, communication and critical analysis skills.
• Deep understanding of Information Assurance and RMF concepts.
• Experience delivering large government projects on time and budget.
• 1–3 years as an ISSO supporting federal systems (preferred).
• Familiar with NIST SP 800-37, DHS 4300A and CBP security policies.

Responsibilities

• Assess whether CBP information systems meet security standards and are authorized to operate.
• Create and review System Security Plans and Security Assessment Reports.
• Evaluate security controls and document results with improvement recommendations.
• Determine authorization to operate based on assessment outcomes.
• Ensure systems have necessary controls to minimize risk.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across IT and security to support lifecycle events.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

4-8 years IT security

US Citizenship

Strong writing

Critical analysis

Information Assurance concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS

Master’s Degree (preferred)

Job description

Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Security Operations Center (SOC) is a US Government program responsible to prevent, identify, contain and eradicate cyber threats to CBP networks through monitoring, intrusion detection and protective security services to CBP information systems including local area networks/wide area networks (LAN/WAN), commercial Internet connection, public facing websites, wireless, mobile/cellular, cloud, security devices, servers and workstations. The CBP SOC is responsible for the overall security of CBP Enterprise-wide information systems, and collects, investigates, and reports any suspected and confirmed security violations.

Primary Responsibilities

The selected candidate will apply experience as an Assessment and Authorization Analyst by evaluating CBP Information Systems being introduced to the environment to determine if they meet the required security standards and are authorized to operate within the CBP network, using the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) or similar methodologies

The candidate will be responsible for evaluating key points in the System Lifecycle, such as before its deployment or during major updates. Responsibilities may include creating security documentation (e.g., System Security Plan, Security Assessment Report) and obtaining the final authorization to operate (ATO).The candidate should be able to provide assistance in collecting information and answering questions in regard to many broad IT areas including, but not limited to: security management controls, access controls, provisioning and deprovisioning, transfers, separation of duties, configuration management, contingency planning, application security, business process controls, interface controls, and data management system controls.

The candidate will be responsible for:

• Conducting formal assessments and deciding whether the system is authorized to operate
• Conducting a formal assessment of the system’s security posture
• Evaluating whether security controls meet established standards and are functioning effectively
• Documenting results and making recommendations for improving security
• Recommending whether the system should be authorized to operate based on assessment outcomes
• Ensuring that the system has the necessary security controls to minimize risks

Basic Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree coupled with 4-8 years’ experience in the Information Technology, Computer Science, IT, Information/Cyber Security field from an accredited college or university arena or Master’s Degree with 2 years of relevant experience.

OR

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree coupled with 8 years’ experience in the Information Technology, Computer Science, IT, Information/Cyber Security field from an accredited college or university arena or Master’s Degree with 6 years of relevant experience.
• Superior writing, communication and critical analysis skills
• Deep understanding of Information Assurance, Information Technology and Information Management concepts, processes and procedures
• Experience with supporting the delivery of large and complex projects on time and within budget in government organizations
• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience as an ISSO supporting major federal information systems/applications
• Superior writing, communication and critical analysis skills
• Deep understanding of Information Assurance, Information Technology and Information Management concepts, processes and procedures
• Working knowledge of the following policies: NIST SP 800-37, Rev 2, Risk Management Framework for Information Systems and Organizations: A System Life Cycle Approach for Security and Privacy, DHS 4300A Policy and Handbook, CBP Information Systems Security Policies and Procedures Handbook (HB 1400-05D).
• Must be a US Citizen.
• Must be able to commute to Ashburn VA up to 5 days per week if required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with CBP
• DoD 8570 IAT III
• CompTIA Certified Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
• ISC2 Certified in Governance, Risk and Compliance Certification (CGRC)
• ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

Original Posting

May 4, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range

Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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.