Cybersecurity Principal

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

Job summary

Applied Research Solutions seeks a Principal Cybersecurity Engineer to support AFLCMC/ESG at Hanscom AFB, Bedford, MA. The role leads RMF-driven defense cybersecurity across system security documentation, A&A activities, and continuous monitoring, ensuring robust protection for critical C2ISR capabilities.

Requires 20 years in the field with DoD experience and Top-Secret clearance. The position offers a competitive salary in the $180k–$200k range and a pathway to advanced defense missions within

Qualifications

• Experience managing RMF artifacts and security documentation across DoD programs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead security risk analyses and A&A activities.
• Proficiency with Vulnerability Management tools (ACAS/Nessus).
• Strong understanding of STIG implementation and DoD security controls.
• CISSP certification or equivalent security expertise.
• Experience with Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) and USAF CDS-E.
• Knowledge of cloud service models for secure deployments.
• Knowledge of supply chain security practices for defense programs.
• Familiarity with NIAP and NSA encryption requirements.
• Experience applying DoD security policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and review of system security documentation (SSMP, PPP, RAs, CONOPS).
• Oversee RMF ATO/ATC activities and continuous monitoring.
• Administer eMASS packages and security artifacts.
• Provide technical leadership for DoD network/system security architecture.
• Assess and mitigate vulnerabilities across systems and networks.
• Develop risk-based mitigation strategies for leadership decisions.
• Advise on security policies, contingency plans, and disaster recovery.
• Support acquisition program security throughout the lifecycle.

Skills

RMF

Vulnerability Management

STIGs

CISSP

Cross Domain Solutions

CDS-E

Cloud Service Models

Supply Chain Security

NIAP

DoD Policies

Network Security

Endpoint Security

DoD Impact Levels

NSA Type 1 encryption

CSSP - 16th AF

Education

BS/BA Degree

Tools

Nessus (ACAS)

eMASS

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

Leadership, Collaboration & Training

• 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

20 years 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
• Cloud Service Models
• Supply Chain Security
• NIAP
• DoD Policies for Procedures for Cybersecurity
• Network Security
• Endpoint
• DoD Impact Levels
• 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.