Cleared Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE)

Bestgate Engineering; Whitehurst (MD); On-site; USD 175,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Bestgate Engineering is seeking a senior-level ISSE to enhance security for enterprise systems in critical environments. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in security design, compliance, and risk assessment, along with the ability to lead security initiatives and collaborate across teams. Join a company that values its employees and is committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions for government and military clients.

Benefits

Starting at 26 days PTO

7% 401k gift, fully vested from day one

Free Medical, Dental, Vision for employees and dependents

$5,000 in Training for certifications and continued learning

End-of-Year Bonuses

8 hours annually for team-building activities

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience as an ISSE in large-scale, complex environments.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance with Polygraph required.
• CISSP, CASP+, or other DoD 8570-compliant certifications are desired.

Responsibilities

• Define and validate system security requirements and architecture.
• Lead security planning, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies.
• Conduct security impact analysis for new features and system changes.

Skills

Security design

Risk assessment

Compliance analysis

Vulnerability scanning

Agile methodologies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field

Tools

Nessus

ACAS

Splunk

Job description

Cleared ISSE
Bestgate Engineering is hiring a senior-level ISSE to support enterprise systems across a distributed environment. This role requires a deep understanding of security design, assessment, and compliance in mission-critical systems.

Responsibilities:

• Define and validate system security requirements and architecture
• Identify, implement, and enforce enterprise-wide security policies and solutions
• Lead security planning, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies across the system lifecycle
• Conduct security impact analysis for new features and system changes
• Evaluate and select security technologies that align with compliance requirements
• Analyze systems against compliance frameworks (e.g., ICD 503, RMF, NIST)
• Collaborate with system engineers, developers, and integration teams to meet security objectives
• Conduct vulnerability scans and review system logs and configurations
• Participate in Agile ceremonies including Program Increment Planning and team syncs
• Advise stakeholders on security architecture, policy decisions, and technical tradeoffs
• Support customer briefings and technical exchanges on security posture and findings

Required:

• 15+ years of experience as an ISSE in large-scale, complex environments
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field
  (Four years of additional experience may substitute for a degree)
• Security Clearance: Active TS/SCI w/ Polygraph

Desired:

• CISSP, CASP+, or other DoD 8570-compliant certifications
• Hands-on experience with automated security tools (e.g., Nessus, ACAS, Splunk)
• Familiarity with DevSecOps pipelines, CI/CD, and container security
• Understanding of cloud security (AWS or similar)
• Experience supporting NSA or DoD customer environments
• Ability to guide engineering teams through ATO and RMF processes

Salary Range:
$175,000 - $220,000

*The provided salary range is an approximation based on current market data and may vary. The final offer will be determined after carefully considering the candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate to the position. This range is intended as a reference point and is subject to change.

Why Bestgate?
Bestgate Engineering isn’t just any tech company—we’re on the front lines, delivering cutting-edge solutions that support mission-critical work for government customers and the military. Whether it’s cloud-native technologies, software modernization, embedded engineering, high-performance computing, or data science, we’re making an impact where it matters most.

At Bestgate, we believe in putting people first—our employees and our customers. That’s why our core values—employee focus, transparency, reliability, and excellence—drive everything we do!

Benefits Overview

• PTO: Starting at 26 days with options to increase or decrease for personal needs.
• 401k: 7% gift, fully vested from day one!
• Free Medical, Dental, Vision: Coverage for employees and dependents.
• $5,000 in Training: For certifications, conferences, and continued learning.
• End-of-Year Bonuses: Recognizing your hard work.
• Morale-Building Hours: 8 hours annually for team-building activities.

Plus, flexibility, internal mobility programs, career pathing, engaged leadership, and a robust external referral program.

**Equal Opportunity Employer**
Bestgate is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.