Embedded DoD ISSE for Research Cybersecurity

TechIcon, Inc.; Aberdeen (MD); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

TechIcon, Inc. seeks a seasoned Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE) to support DoD/Army cybersecurity policies across classified and unclassified networks and systems. The role embeds with a research team and reports to the OCIO Cyber Security Office for policy and professional development.

Responsibilities include implementing RMF/A&A, conducting risk assessments, developing secure architectures, and maintaining documentation such as STIGs and POA&Ms. A Top Secret clearance is required.

Qualifications

• US citizenship and an active DoD Top Secret clearance required.
• IAT III certification (e.g., CASP+, CISSP, CISA, CISM).
• 8–10 years of cybersecurity experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the embedded Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE) within a multidisciplinary research group, providing direct cybersecurity expertise and support.
• Matrixed position: operationally integrated with the research team while formally reporting to the OCIO Cyber Security Office for policy, oversight, and professional development.
• Develop, implement, and maintain security architectures for research information systems in compliance with DoD, Army, and NIST cybersecurity policies and frameworks (e.g., RMF, NIST SP 800-53).
• Conduct and document security risk assessments and vulnerability analyses for new and existing research systems, networks, and applications.
• Collaborate closely with researchers, system administrators, and IT staff to integrate security controls into system designs and research workflows.
• Prepare and maintain security documentation, including STIG checklists, Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms), Security Assessment Reports, and impact analyses.
• Support the Assessment and Authorization (A&A) process, ensuring research systems are best prepared for ATO efforts.
• Monitor system security posture using security tools (ACAS, HBSS, Splunk, EvaluateSTIG, Vulnerator) and respond to security incidents or events.
• Advise on secure data handling, storage, and transmission practices for sensitive and classified research data.
• Stay current with emerging cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and technologies relevant to research environments.

Skills

IAT III Certification

Cyber Security Experience

Education

Master's degree in information technology or related field

Tools

ACAS

HBSS

Splunk

EvaluateSTIG

Vulnerator

Job description

TechIcon, Inc. seeks a seasoned Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE) to support DoD/Army cybersecurity policies across classified and unclassified networks and systems. The role embeds with a research team and reports to the OCIO Cyber Security Office for policy and professional development.

Responsibilities include implementing RMF/A&A, conducting risk assessments, developing secure architectures, and maintaining documentation such as STIGs and POA&Ms. A Top Secret clearance is required.