Cyber Security Engineer

Talentify; Richardson (TX); On-site; USD 83,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Cyber Security Engineer in Richardson, TX to serve as the primary cybersecurity authority for classified information systems. The role focuses on RMF-based authorization, continuous monitoring, and POA&M leadership to ensure audit readiness and compliance with DoD regulations.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor ISSOs, and communicate risk to senior leadership while ensuring system security objectives and inspection readiness.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret security clearance required from day one.
• Experience as ISSM for classified or controlled information systems.
• Strong RMF and DoD system authorization knowledge.
• Experience executing authorization and continuous monitoring using JSIG/DAAG.
• Ability to communicate cybersecurity status to leadership.

Responsibilities

• Independently own cybersecurity responsibilities for assigned information systems and manage risk.
• Lead inspections, assessments, audits, and continuous monitoring for authorization readiness.
• Maintain authorization artifacts and compliance documentation for audit readiness.
• Develop, manage, and drive closure of POA&Ms from inspections and monitoring.
• Lead Change Control Boards evaluating security impact of proposed changes.

Skills

RMF knowledge

JSIG knowledge

DoD compliance

Risk assessment

Audit readiness

CCB leadership

ISSM responsibilities

IAM Level III

CISSP/CISM/GSLC

Education

Master's degree in Cybersecurity

Advanced degree in related field

Job description

About this job

Job Title: Cyber Security Engineer

Job Description

The Classified Information Systems Security Manager (P4) serves as the primary cybersecurity authority for assigned classified and controlled information systems. This role involves the end-to-end execution and oversight of cybersecurity activities in compliance with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) laws, regulations, and contractual requirements. The position is based in Richardson, TX.

Responsibilities

• Independently own cybersecurity responsibilities for assigned information systems, ensuring security objectives are achieved and organizational risk is effectively managed.
• Serve as the primary cybersecurity authority for inspections, assessments, audits, and continuous monitoring, leading preparation, execution, and response activities to maintain authorization and inspection readiness.
• Execute and maintain system authorization using the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and applicable guidance, including the Joint Special Access Program Implementation Guide (JSIG) for Special Access Program systems and the DCSA Assessment and Authorization Guide (DAAG) for DoD collateral systems.
• Maintain awareness and working knowledge of DD Form 254s and contractual security requirements, ensuring cybersecurity controls, inspection scope, and authorization boundaries align with approved mission and program objectives.
• Develop, maintain, and validate cybersecurity plans, authorization artifacts, and compliance documentation to support audit-ready operations.
• Identify, assess, and communicate cybersecurity risk to Sr. leadership and Authorizing Officials, including the impact of system changes, vulnerabilities, inspection findings, and authorization conditions.
• Lead continuous monitoring activities, including evaluation of security posture, validation of control effectiveness, and tracking of security-relevant data.
• Develop, manage, and drive closure of Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) resulting from inspections, assessments, and continuous monitoring activities.
• Lead and oversee cybersecurity Change Control Boards (CCBs), evaluating proposed system changes for security impact, authorization implications, and alignment with RMF requirements.
• Execute or coordinate corrective and protective security actions resulting from inspections, continuous monitoring, or identified cybersecurity incidents.
• Engage with Program Managers to integrate cybersecurity requirements into program execution, schedules, and decision-making, and to address risk impacts to cost, scope, and mission delivery.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Information Technology, Facilities, and Industrial Security, to ensure cybersecurity requirements are integrated into technical, physical, and operational environments.
• Coordinate with other cybersecurity teams across the enterprise to ensure consistent implementation of cybersecurity processes, standards, and authorization practices.
• Provide technical direction and mentoring to ISSOs to ensure consistent execution of RMF activities, inspection readiness, and quality of authorization artifacts, while remaining accountable for cybersecurity outcomes.
• Prepare and deliver cybersecurity status reporting to Sr. leadership, summarizing authorization posture, inspection readiness, risk trends, POA&Ms, and significant cybersecurity issues.
• Active DOD Secret Security Clearance from day one.
• IAM Level III certification compliant with DoD 8570 / DoD 8140 (e.g., CISSP, CISM, GSLC).
• Typically requires a University Degree and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and a minimum of 5 years.
• Experience performing ISSM responsibilities for classified or controlled information systems.
• Advanced knowledge of RMF and DoD system authorization processes.
• Experience executing authorization and continuous monitoring using JSIG and/or DAAG.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity regulations, contractual requirements, and DD Form 254 interpretation.
• Experience supporting inspections, assessments, and audit activities.
• Ability to independently assess risk and communicate cybersecurity status to leadership.
• Must be willing to travel domestically up to 20%, generally supporting other company facilities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Masters degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience as the primary ISSM for SAP and/or DoD collateral systems.
• Experience owning ATOs and driving POA&M closure.
• Experience mentoring ISSOs and providing technical oversight.
• Experience leading Change Control Boards (CCBs).
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and enterprise cybersecurity processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for senior leadership briefings.

This position requires US citizenship. The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday during normal working hours, with no weekend hours expected. The role is onsite in Richardson, TX, with no travel expected.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Richardson, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $75.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Richardson, TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Richardson,TX.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.