Cybersecurity Principal

Applied Research Solutions / ARS; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Solutions is seeking a Principal Cybersecurity Engineer to support the AFLCMC ESG division, based at Hanscom AFB, Bedford, MA. The role emphasizes leadership in RMF/A&A, system security, and risk management across DoD programs.

Responsibilities include developing security documentation, managing A&A activities, and guiding architecture security for DoD networks and CDS environments. A Top-Secret clearance and BS/BA in IT are required, with 20 years of experience (10 in DoD)

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen with ability to maintain a Top-Secret clearance.
• BS/BA in Information Technology or related field; advanced credentials preferred.
• 20 years of experience in the technical discipline; at least 10 years in the DoD.
• Hands-on RMF/A&A experience; capable of leading program security activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and review of system security documentation (SSMP, PPP, Security Risk Analyses, OPSEC Plans).
• Support RMF A&A activities; ensure artifacts meet DoD requirements and continuous monitoring.
• Manage RMF implementation including ATO/ATC and reciprocity; administer eMASS packages.
• Provide cybersecurity guidance for DoD network and CDS environments.

Skills

RMF

Vulnerability Management

STIGs

Cross Domain Solutions

CISSP Certification

Network Security

NSA Type 1 encryption

DoD Policies

CDS-E

Education

BS/BA Degree

Active TS/SCI Clearance

Tools

Nessus ACAS (DoD)

Job description

Applied Research Solutions has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Cybersecurity Engineer to support the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center-Ground Base Air Defense Sensor division (AFLCMC/ESG).

The ESG Division manages efforts focused on developing, acquiring, fielding and sustaining programs that support worldwide communications, Battle Management, Command & Control, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C2ISR), Air/Ground Surveillance, Time Critical Targeting, Combat Identification, Radar Imagery, Integrated Air/Missile Defense, and Mobile/Fixed C2ISR Performance, Exploitation & Dissemination Facilities.
This is a full-time position located at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, Massachusetts.

Why Work with us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support.Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.

Responsibilities

Duties include, but not limited to:

Cybersecurity & RMF Support

• Lead development and review of system security documentation including System Security Management Plans, Program Protection Plans, Security Risk Analyses, OPSEC Plans, and security CONOPS in accordance with DoDI 5000.02, DoDI 8510.01, MIL-STD-1785, and the Adaptive Acquisition Framework
• Support system and application Authorization & Accreditation (A&A) activities under the Risk Management Framework (RMF), ensuring completeness, quality, and compliance of all artifacts
• Manage RMF implementation activities including ATO/ATC, reciprocity, and ongoing continuous monitoring
• Administer and manage eMASS system packages

System, Network & Infrastructure Security

• Provide technical leadership in network and system architecture design with an emphasis on cybersecurity, including DoD and joint networking environments
• Support cross-domain solutions (CDS), Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC), and NSA approval processes
• Assess and mitigate system, network, and application vulnerabilities, including ACAS scanning and STIG implementation
• Recommend security configurations, software changes, and compensating controls to mitigate risk

Risk, Compliance & Policy

• Conduct cybersecurity risk and vulnerability assessments across planned and fielded systems
• Develop risk-based mitigation strategies and advise leadership on security tradeoffs impacting mission execution
• Recommend and update cybersecurity policies, procedures, and contingency plans, including disaster recovery
• Support waivers and deviations for mandated security controls when required to meet mission performance needs

Program Security & Classified Information Support

• Provide acquisition program security support throughout the system lifecycle, including source selections
• Maintain and audit classified information databases, visit records, clearance tracking, and classified holdings
• Evaluate contractor classified data submissions for compliance with System Security Classification Guides (SSCGs)
• Update security classification guides and prepare acquisition security documentation
• Advise government leadership on cybersecurity design, implementation, and compliance
• Collaborate with government and commercial stakeholders to achieve RMF authorization approvals
• Develop and deliver cybersecurity awareness and training programs
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen

Minimum Required Qualifications

Clearance:Must have a be able to maintain a Top-Secret Level Clearance

Education:BS/BA Degree

Years of Experience: 20years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline being performed, 10 of which must be in the DoD

• Risk Management Framework (RMF), with emphasis on taking projects from Step 1 to Step 5
• Vulnerability Management, Tenable Nessus (ACAS-DoD version of Nessus)
• STIGs
• CISSP Certification
• Experience with Cross Domain Solutions and USAF CDS-E
• Supply Chain Security
• NIAP
• DoD Policies for Procedures for Cybersecurity
• Network Security
• NSA Type 1 encryption
• Working with a CSSP - 16th AF

The annual salary range: $180k - $200k. Salary is dependent upon the role and associated responsibilities, candidate's experience, and qualifications to include education/training, and key skills.

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Information Technology or related field.

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Active TS/SCI Clearance

Preferred

TS/SCI

CISSP

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.