Information Security Systems Engineer

Acara Solutions, Inc.; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 83,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Acara Solutions in Salt Lake City is seeking an Information Security Systems Engineer to join a mission-focused team delivering security for DoD communications systems. You'll apply RMF, cybersecurity standards, and controls to ensure high-assurance systems meet national security requirements.

The role collaborates with systems, software, and hardware engineers to implement and validate security requirements, develop RMF artifacts, and support authorization activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 6+ years in cybersecurity governance, risk, or ISSE/ISSO/ISSM; 4+ years with a master's.
• Active DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain.
• Experience with RMF, NIST SP 800-53, and security controls.

Responsibilities

• Execute RMF lifecycle activities including categorization, control selection, implementation, assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring.
• Develop and maintain RMF documentation (SSPs, SARs, POA&Ms, security plans).
• Interpret and apply NIST SP 800-53, CNSSI 1253, STIGs and related cybersecurity guidance.
• Collaborate with systems, software, and hardware engineering teams to implement and validate security requirements.
• Track compliance, risks, remediation activities and support Authorizing Officials and assessors through authorization efforts.

Skills

RMF lifecycle

NIST SP 800-53

Security governance

Risk assessment

DoD security standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity/IS/CS

Master's degree preferred

Tools

eMASS

XACTA

Job description

Job Title:Information Security Systems Engineer

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Employment Type: Temp to Direct (12 Months)

Industry:Aerospace and Defense

Compensation:$60.00-$65.00/Hour

Schedule: 9/80 1 st Shift

Active Secret Clearance required

About the Opportunity:

• Join a mission-focused engineering team supporting the security accreditation and compliance of mission-critical communication systems. You'll apply the Risk Management Framework (RMF), cybersecurity standards, and security controls to help ensure high-assurance systems meet DoD and national security requirements.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Supportive, team-driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountability.
• Opportunity to grow your career with a global workforce solutions leader serving multiple industries.
• People-first environment that encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Strong focus on partnership, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for clients and candidates.

About Acara Solutions

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

What You'll Do:

• Execute and support RMF lifecycle activities, including categorization, control selection, implementation, assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring.
• Develop, maintain, and review RMF documentation, including SSPs, SARs, POA&Ms, and security plans.
• Interpret and apply NIST SP 800-53, CNSSI 1253, STIGs, and related cybersecurity guidance.
• Partner with systems, software, and hardware engineering teams to implement and validate security requirements.
• Track compliance, risks, and remediation activities while supporting Authorizing Officials and external assessors through authorization efforts.

Job Requirements

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree with min 6 years of experience in cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), information security, or security systems engineering (ISSE/ISSO/ISSM). 4 years with a Master's degree. They will consider a candidate without the Bachelor's with at least 10 years of experience.

What Sets You Apart:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Cybersecurity or Computer Science or Information systems
• One DoD 8140 / 8570-compliant certification (e.g., Security+, CISSP, SSCP, GSEC), or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire
• Exposure to cryptographic systems, FIPS 140-3, or NSA certification processes
• Experience with high-assurance or classified systems
• Hands-on experience executing RMF within DoD environments
• Familiarity with tools such as eMASS or XACTA
• Experience applying NIST SP 800-53 security controls and STIGs
• Experience supporting Authority to Operate (ATO) processes
• Understanding of networking concepts (TCP/IP, network architecture, boundary defense)
• Experience working with embedded systems or communications systems
• Familiarity with Agile or DevSecOps environments
• Experience working in cross-functional engineering teams
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills
• Familiarity with TEMPEST, Anti-Tamper, or related system security disciplines
• Experience supporting government customers in a SETA/A&AS role.
• Strong coordination and collaboration across disciplines
• Ability to synthesize inputs from multiple stakeholders into cohesive technical products
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Proactive schedule ownership and stakeholder alignment
• Fast and safe problem-solving under pressure

Additional Information:

• Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check.
• Travel up to 10% as needed
• Requires an active Secret Clearance
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• Under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), all employees assigned to this client must provide documentation verifying their status as a 'U.S. Person,' as defined in ITAR clause 120.15. A U.S. Person is a protected individual under the anti-discrimination provisions of U.S. immigration laws.

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.