Cyber Security Analyst/ISSO

Arete Associates; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Life and LTD

Vision Reimbursement

Fitness Reimbursement

401(k) Company contributions

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Continuing Education Assistance

Job summary

Arete Associates is seeking a Cyber Security Analyst/ISSO for our Northridge, CA or Tucson, AZ facility to safeguard classified information on-site. The role requires a Top Secret clearance with CI polygraph and collaboration with Cyber Security and IT teams.

The position demands experience with JSIG, RMF, and NIST 800-53 controls, security documentation, and continuous monitoring, plus the ability to work independently while supporting after-hours needs.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance with CI polygraph.
• 1-2 years of ISSO or equivalent cybersecurity duties for classified systems.
• Experience with JSIG, RMF, and NIST 800-53 security controls.
• Hands-on security auditing, continuous monitoring, and documentation of control implementation.
• Current IAT Level II Security Certification or higher (Security+, CASP, CySA+, CISSP, GSEC) or ability to obtain within 3 months.
• Solid knowledge of Windows and Server hardening.

Responsibilities

• Perform ISSO duties per JSIG, RMF, and NIST 800-53.
• Develop and maintain SSPs, POA&Ms, SCTMs, ConMon Reports, and audit logs.
• Conduct security control implementation, validation, and assessment activities.
• Perform system audits and risk analysis.
• Manage Continuous Monitoring tasks to ensure lifecycle compliance.
• Support CM processes with 1-2 years CM experience, including change control.
• Provide incident response, including investigation, reporting, and remediation.
• Support inspections and assessments and assist ISSM as needed.

Skills

Top Secret clearance

CI polygraph

ISSO duties

JSIG RMF NIST 800-53

Security auditing

Continuous Monitoring

IAT Level II cert

Windows/Server hardening

Cybersecurity tools & STIGs

Written communication

Tools

Nessus/ACAS

SCAP Compliance Checker

STIG Viewer

Microsoft Group Policy

Job description

At Arete, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation's most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.

Discover your future with us.

Arete is immediately seeking a full-time Cyber Security Analyst/Information Systems Security Officer to work in our Northridge, CA or Tucson, AZ facility. The selected candidate will have and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance with SCI access, including a CI polygraph. The candidate will collaborate with other Cyber Security and IT staff members, travel occasionally, and provide some after-hours support. The candidate will also support a variety of information systems at varying levels of complexity on the classified networks.This position is an on-site position, hybrid and remote options are not available.

Primary responsibilities:

• Perform duties as ISSO in accordance with JSIG, RMF, and NIST 800-53.
• Develop, maintain, and update security authorization documentation including System Security Plans (SSPs), Plan of Actions and Milestones (POA&M), SCTMs, ConMon Reports, and audit logs.
• Conduct security control implementation, validation, and assessment activities.
• Perform and document system audits and risk analysis.
• Manage and execute Continuous Monitoring (ConMon) tasks to ensure compliance throughout the system lifecycle.
• Support configuration management (CM) processes with a minimum of 1-2 years direct CM experience, including review and documentation of system changes, baseline management, and change control.
• Provide incident response support, including investigation, reporting, and remediation of security events.
• Support preparation for internal and external inspections and assessments.
• Support ISSM with other duties as assigned.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Health & Wellness:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement
• Fitness Reimbursement

Financial:

• Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Continuing Education Assistance

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible Scheduling
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

What We Value:

• Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
• Integrity and responsibility in all actions
• Collaboration across teams and specialties
• Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
• Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):

• Active Top Secret security clearance with ability to obtain a CI polygraph.
• 1-2 years of experience performing ISSO or equivalent cybersecurity duties for classified systems.
• Demonstrated experience with JSIG, RMF, and NIST 800-53 security controls.
• Hands-on experience in security auditing, continuous monitoring, and documentation of control implementation.
• Current IAT Level II Security Certification or higher (Security+, CASP, CySA+, CISSP, GSEC) or ability to obtain within 3 months of the start date.
• Must have solid technical knowledge on how Windows and Server operating systems are hardened.
• Experience with common information system Cyber Security tools, technologies, and STIGs (Nessus/ACAS, SCAP Compliance Checker, STIG Viewer, Microsoft Group Policy, etc.).
• Strong interpersonal skills, technical writing skills, and the ability to work autonomously and on a team.
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to document/diagram information systems and procedures.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds.

Nice to Have (Preferred Skills):

• Knowledge of the Risk Management Framework is a plus;
• Experience with Security Directives, Policies, Publications and Regulations including but not limited to the NIST 800-171, NIST 800-53, JSIG and/or ICD 503;
• Experience in one or more of the following Cybersecurity tools/technologies: SIEM or Log Reduction & Analysis Tools, McAfee ePO, SCC Tool, Bitlocker, Rapid7 IDR, InsightVM;
• Technical knowledge on how Linux (RHEL 8/9) systems are configured, hardened, and managed.

The salary range for this role depends on the candidate's level of experience:

• Cyber Analyst/ISSO 1: $80,000 - $90,000 [minimum 1 year experience]
• Cyber Analyst/ISSO 2: $88,000 - $110,000 [minimum 2-year experience]

However, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Other Considerations

Arete is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration. Arete is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.

Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Arete will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Arete Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.