Cybersecurity SME Senior (5693) (TS/SCI) (Ft. Meade, MD)

SMX; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid leave

Retirement

Job summary

SMX is seeking a Cybersecurity SME Senior to support our INSCOM Cyber client at Ft. Meade, MD. The candidate will act as an ISSO on large DoD contracts and lead a team of cybersecurity professionals to meet project goals.

Responsibilities include RMF/eMASS management, validation of security controls, vulnerability management, continuous monitoring, and coordination with Government leads to maintain an ATO on DoD/IC networks. TS clearance and DoD 8570 Level III certs required.

Qualifications

• PhD/Master/Bachelor with cybersecurity professional experience.
• Active TS clearance; eligible for SCI and NATO read-on prior to starting work.
• DoD 8570 Level III certs (e.g., CASP+, CISSP, CISA, CCSP).
• Experience with NSS assessment and accreditation activities.
• Experience RMF and eMASS.
• Experience POA&M tracking and resolution.
• Experience continuous monitoring of system security controls.

Responsibilities

• Perform ISSO duties per AR 25-2, DA 25-2-14, and NIST SP 800-53.
• Manage eMASS records; validate security controls and artifacts.
• Lead continuous monitoring and vulnerability remediation efforts.
• Coordinate with Government leads, SCA, and Security Control Assessor.
• Develop and maintain cybersecurity policies and standards.
• Ensure DoD/IC networks maintain Authority to Operate (ATO).
• Produce risk-based reports and maintain security testing plans.

Skills

ISSO leadership

RMF & eMASS

Security controls validation

Vulnerability management

Continuous monitoring

Education

PhD in STEM with cybersecurity experience

Master's in STEM with cybersecurity experience

Bachelor's in STEM with cybersecurity experience

Tools

eMASS

NIST SP 800-53

STIGs/SRG guidance

Job description

SMX is seeking a Cybersecurity SME Senior to support our INSCOM Cyber client at Ft. Meade, MD. The successful candidate will have experience working as an ISSO on large Department of Defense contracts and leading a team of other cyber security professionals in support of project and client goals and objectives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform the duties of an Information System Security Officer (ISSO) as defined in AR 25-2, DA 25-2-14, and the NIST SP 800-53 security controls when the organizationally-defined personnel includes the ISSO
• Actively manages the organization’s eMASS records which includes but is not limited to:
• Validates security controls including associated artifacts
• Assesses security scan results and STIGs as required
• Performs POA&M updates, tracking, and resolution
• Leads the continuous monitoring activities of the organization
• Manages the day-to-day activities and the professional development of the Cybersecurity Analysts
• Collaborates with the O-ISSM on all assessment and authorization activities to ensure the information systems maintain an authority to operate (ATO) on all applicable DoD/IC networks
• Maintain up-to-date status on all assigned systems and communicate status to the Government leads
• Maintain complete records of communications, submit written status reports as required, perform peer-review as directed, and attend weekly meetings
• Correspond with the Government customer and system administrators to communicate any unacceptable risks identified and correct deficient POA&M items to meet DoD and IC standards
• Coordinate with the Security Control Assessor (SCA) to perform analysis of the overall risk level the system poses to enterprise networks and to mission data
• Create and maintain cybersecurity policies and standards
• Ensure that cybersecurity plans, controls, processes, standards, policies, and procedures are aligned with cybersecurity standards
• Ensures security scans and STIG checklists are updated according to DA G2 policy
• Produces actionable, risk-based reports on security assessment results
• Assists with vulnerability remediation when necessary
• Develops and maintains security plans and security testing plans
• Periodically updates and improves risk models; metrics; reports; processes; and activities to stay compliant with evolving DoD and IC standards
• Ensures the user community understands and adheres to necessary procedures to maintain security posture of the information systems
• Provides guidance in the creation and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs); and other similar documentation

Required Skills, Experience & Education

• PhD in an area of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics with experience as a cybersecurity professional OR a Master's degree in an area of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics with experience as a cybersecurity professional OR a Bachelor’s degree in an area of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics with experience as a cybersecurity professional
• Active TS security clearance and eligible for SCI and NATO read-on prior to starting work
• Meet the DoD requirements for a privileged user on a TS/SCI information system prior to starting work
• Must meet DoD 8570 level III certification compliance (i.e. possess one of the following certifications: CASP+ CE, CCNP Security, CISA, CISSP (or Associate), GCED, GCIH, CCSP
• Experience with the assessment and accreditation activities of national security systems (NSSs)
• Experience validating system security controls
• Experience with vulnerability management
• Experience with DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), DISA Security Requirements Guide (SRG), and vendor-specific security guides
• Experience with RMF and eMASS
• Experience with POA&M tracking and resolution
• Experience performing the continuous monitoring of system security controls

Desired Skills, Experience

• 10 years’ experience as an ISSO on Army Intel programs
• 2 years’ experience with AC2SP tenant assessment and accreditation activities

Application Deadline: November 30, 2026

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The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

The proposed salary for this position is:

$140,000—$175,000 USD

At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.

We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.

SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.

Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).