Cybersecurity Engineer (Expert)

Pueo Business Solutions LLC; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 148,000 - 168,000; Full time

Job summary

Pueo is seeking an experienced Cyber Security Engineer to join our team in McLean, VA. The role focuses on designing air-gapped Kubernetes/OpenShift clusters, implementing zero-trust architectures, and automating RMF/ATO evidence generation for classified environments.

You will work across CI/CD security, DISA STIGs, NIST 800-53 controls, and PKI management, coordinating with development, security, and operations to maintain secure, compliant platforms in SCIFs.

Qualifications

• Must have an active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility and be able to obtain a CI poly.
• Bachelor’s degree and 12+ years of experience, or 16+ years in lieu of a degree.
• Must possess one of IAT III certifications (e.g., CASP+, CCNP Security, CISA, CISSP, GCED, GCIH, CCSP).
• Extensive experience with Kubernetes, OpenShift, RKE2, and container registry management in air-gapped environments.
• Deep understanding of CI/CD architectures in disconnected networks.
• Expertise in NIST 800-53, DISA STIGs, RMF, and ATO processes.
• Familiarity with SAST/DAST/IAST/IaC tooling and automated compliance validation.
• Proven record enforcing Zero Trust, PKI management, and network segmentation in classified environments.
• Ability to map pipeline artifacts to RMF/ATO controls and support security operations during incidents.
• Extensive experience in cybersecurity design and architecture.

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to security initiatives requiring cross-functional coordination
• Manage competing priorities and complex stakeholder relationships
• Architect secure, scalable containerized platforms for mixed-sensitivity workloads in SCIFs
• Map CI/CD artifacts to RMF/ATO controls and accelerate authorization timelines through automation
• Tailor and reconcile federal compliance requirements across NIST, CNSS, and program directives
• Implement and enforce Zero Trust principles end-to-end (build through runtime)
• Operate and troubleshoot Kubernetes clusters in air-gapped enclaves with minimal external support
• Detect, investigate, and respond to security incidents while maintaining data integrity in classified environments
• Coordinate between development, security, and operations teams to implement secure, compliant practices
• Design and execute disaster recovery and resilience strategies across isolated sites

Skills

Kubernetes

OpenShift

RKE2

Container registry management

CI/CD security

Zero Trust

PKI management

RMF/ATO controls

NIST 800-53

DISA STIGs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

16+ years of combined experience in lieu of degree

Tools

OPA Gatekeeper

Kyverno

Prometheus

auditd

eMASS integration

Job description

Description

Pueo is seeking an experienced Cyber Security Engineer to join our unique team of multidisciplined experts onsite in McLean, VA.

The ideal candidate shall possess experience in design, and secure air-gapped Kubernetes/OpenShift platforms in classified enclaves. This role combines container platform expertise, federal compliance (NIST 800-53, DISA STIGs, RMF/ATO), CI/CD security automation, and incident response operations and supports architect disconnected container ecosystems, aid implementation of automated security controls, accelerate ATO timelines, and assess platforms supporting mixed sensitivity workloads in SCIFs.

The Cyber Security Engineer will be responsible for the following but not limited to:

Air-Gapped Container Platforms: Design and aid implementation of multi-tenant Kubernetes/OpenShift clusters in disconnected enclaves. Manage registry governance, image signing, SBOM/provenance, vulnerability gating, and offline patching. Implement admission control (OPA Gatekeeper, Kyverno) and RBAC for multi-tenancy in classified environments.

CI/CD Security Automation: Aid design/securing CI/CD pipelines integrating SAST, DAST, IaC scanning, and automated compliance checks. Generate RMF/ATO evidence via OSCAL mappings and eMASS integration. Enforce promotion gates requiring signed/provenanced artifacts and passing STIG checks.

Federal Compliance & RMF: Tailor NIST 800-53 controls for containerized systems using shared responsibility matrices. Apply Kubernetes/Docker/OpenShift DISA STIGs and track exceptions. Implement continuous monitoring (CONMON) dashboards via on-prem tools (Prometheus, Falco, auditd). Reduce ATO lead times through automation and evidence generation.

Zero Trust & Identity: Implement Zero Trust in Kubernetes using mTLS, service mesh (SPIFFE/SPIRE), and identity propagation across build/runtime layers. Manage offline PKI operations with short-lived certificates and air-gapped roots. Design east-west segmentation and cross-domain artifact transfer with tamper-evident controls.

• Lead or contribute to security initiatives requiring cross-functional coordination
• Manage competing priorities and complex stakeholder relationships
• Architect secure, scalable containerized platforms for mixed-sensitivity workloads in SCIFs
• Map CI/CD artifacts to RMF/ATO controls and accelerate authorization timelines through automation
• Tailor and reconcile federal compliance requirements across NIST, CNSS, and program-specific directives
• Implement and enforce Zero Trust principles end-to-end (build through runtime)
• Operate and troubleshoot Kubernetes clusters in air-gapped enclaves with minimal external support
• Detect, investigate, and respond to security incidents while maintaining data integrity in classified environments
• Coordinate between development, security, and operations teams to implement secure, compliant practices
• Design and execute disaster recovery and resilience strategies across isolated sites

Requirements

Minimum Required Qualification

• Must have an active/current Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility. Must be able to obtain and maintain a CI poly.
• A Bachelor’s degree in related field and 12 years of experience, or additional 4 years of experience in lieu of a completed degree for a total of 16+ years.
• Must possess one of the following IAT III Certification in compliance with DoD 8570.01-M and DoD Directive 8140 Cyberspace Workforce Management. (ex; CASP+ CE, CCNP Security, CISA, CISSP (or Associate), GCED, GCIH, CCSP).
• Extensive experience working with Kubernetes, OpenShift, RKE2, and container registry management in air-gapped and classified environments.
• Deep understanding of CI/CD pipeline architectures, especially in disconnected networks.
• Expertise in federal cybersecurity frameworks, such as NIST 800-53, DISA STIGs, RMF, and ATO processes.
• Familiarity with security testing tools (SAST, DAST, IAST, IaC) and automated compliance validation.
• Proven track record of enforcing Zero Trust principles, PKI management, and network segmentation in a classified environment.
• Strong ability to map pipeline artifacts to RMF/ATO controls and support security operations during incidents.
• Extensive experience in cybersecurity design and architecture.

Desired Qualifications

• An active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility and current CI poly.
• Relevant certifications such as Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS), GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC), Red Hat Certified Specialist in Kubernetes Administration (RHCSA/RHCE), or Certified Application Security Engineer (CASE).
• Some experience leading security projects and initiatives.
• Team-player with collaboration qualities and experience working in mixed technical teams.

Salary Range Estimate

Min $147,742– Max $167,888. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Pueo’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Pueo provides a variety of benefits to employees.

Pueo Overview

Pueo is a National Security cyber company built to inspect, defend, harden, and continuously authorize the networks our customers depend on. We deliver mission-grade cybersecurity across defense, intelligence, homeland security, federal enterprise, and critical infrastructure. Our work connects mission-risk inspection, defensive cyber operations, continuous authorization, security engineering, and mission delivery through one accountable team.

Pueo EEO Statement

Pueo is an equal employment opportunity employer and affirmative action employer. All interested individuals will receive consideration and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or protected veteran status. Pueo takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance diversity and inclusion of individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.