Information Security Systems Officer - DoW/HOH SkillBridge 2027

Guidehouse; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 85,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Mobility Stipend

Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance

Job summary

Guidehouse is seeking an Information Security Systems Officer (ISSO) to lead RMF/ATO activities for a major federal initiative in Washington, DC. You will guide system owners, engineers, and security teams through cloud and on‑prem environments, ensuring policy interpretation, audits, and compliant governance across NIST controls.

Responsibilities include designing secure cloud architectures across AWS/Azure, implementing NIST 800‑53 controls, and mentoring ISSEs.

Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance required.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Must be eligible for DoW SkillBridge or HOH SkillBridge program as per command letter.
• Within 180 days of separation or retirement from U.S. Armed Forces.
• On track to receive an Honorable Discharge.
• 1–7 years cybersecurity/secure systems engineering experience, including cloud architecture.
• Strong understanding of security frameworks and compliance standards (NIST RMF 800-53 Rev 5, DoD 8570).
• Experience with enterprise security tools (SIEM like Splunk, Nessus, CrowdStrike).
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and complex projects.
• Excellent communication skills; able to explain technical concepts to non‑tech stakeholders.
• Onsite work in Guidehouse or client offices.

Responsibilities

• Lead secure cloud architecture design across AWS, Azure, and hybrid environments.
• Implement and validate NIST 800-53 controls and cloud security services (IAM, encryption, segmentation, logging).
• Conduct cloud threat modeling, risk assessments, and architecture reviews.
• Oversee cloud baselines using STIGs, CIS Benchmarks, and SCAP.
• Drive cloud vulnerability and compliance with ACAS/Nessus and cloud‑security tools.
• Support RMF engineering activities including boundary definition and authorization packages.
• Integrate cloud‑security capabilities (Sentinel, Splunk, SIEM pipelines).
• Guide DevSecOps teams on secure CI/CD and infrastructure‑as‑code validation.
• Produce cloud architecture diagrams and engineering artifacts.
• Mentor junior ISSEs and serve as technical escalation point.

Skills

RMF

NIST 800-53

DoD 8570

SIEM Splunk

Nessus

CrowdStrike

Cloud architecture

AWS/Azure

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (nice to have)

Tools

ACAS

SCAP

STIGs

CIS Benchmarks

Job description

Job Family:

Cyber Consulting, Risk & Regulatory Compliance Consulting

Travel Required:

Up to 10%

Clearance Required:

Active Secret

2027 HOH Cohort 1 / 2027 DoW SkillBridge Only

The Guidehouse SkillBridge Fellowship Program staffs fellows on real world projects, showcasing the Guidehouse culture, and providing them with a meaningful consulting experience. SkillBridge Fellows work with teams and provide real time deliverables in support of the clients. Each fellow is paired with a Buddy to serve as a resource that can assist them in navigating their Guidehouse experience.

What You Will Do:

Our Cybersecurity Consultants are a team of business integrators with extensive consulting and industry experience who help our clients solve their complex business issues from strategy through execution. A career in an integrated team of developers and consultants provides the opportunity to grow and contribute to our clients’ business issues every day, applying a collection of security spectrum capabilities, including security strategy and governance, IT risk, security technologies, and cybercrime and breach response.

We are seeking a highly experienced Information Security Systems Officer (ISSO)– to support a major federal initiative. The ISSO serves as a technical and compliance lead, guiding system owners, engineers, and security teams through RMF, ATO, and continuous monitoring activities. This role is responsible for interpreting policy, providing authoritative security guidance, leading audits, and evaluating complex systems across hybrid cloud and on‑premises environments. The ISSO will mentor junior staff and ensure that systems maintain full compliance with federal requirements, NIST security controls, and agency‑specific governance.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead design and engineering of secure cloud architectures across AWS, Azure, and hybrid environments.
• Implement and validate NIST 800‑53 security controls and cloud‑native security services (IAM, encryption, segmentation, logging).
• Conduct cloud threat modeling, risk assessments, and architecture reviews.
• Oversee cloud configuration baselines using STIGs, CIS Benchmarks, and SCAP.
• Drive cloud vulnerability and compliance efforts using ACAS/Nessus and cloud‑security posture tools.
• Support RMF engineering activities including boundary definition, inheritance documentation, and authorization packages.
• Integrate cloud‑security capabilities such as Sentinel, Splunk, and SIEM logging pipelines.
• Guide DevSecOps teams on secure CI/CD, container security, and infrastructure‑as‑code validation.
• Produce cloud architecture diagrams, design documentation, and engineering artifacts.
• Mentor junior and mid‑level ISSEs and act as a technical escalation point for cloud engineering issues.

What You Will Need:

• An ACTIVE and MAINTAINED “SECRET” Federal or DoD securityclearance.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Must have command approval to participate in a direct DoW SkillBridge program or Hiring Our Heroes SkillBridge program as stated in your Command approval letter or Commander’s memorandum.
• To be within 180 days of separation or retirement from any of the U.S. Armed Forces (you may start your application prior to the 180 days).
• Must be on track to receive an Honorable Discharge.
• One (1) to Seven (7) years of experience in cybersecurity or secure systems engineering experience, including cloud architecture.
• Strong understanding of security frameworks and compliance standards (e.g., NIST, RMF SP 800-53 Rev 5, DoD 8570).
• Proven experience in designing and implementing enterprise security tools such as SIEM (e.g., Splunk), vulnerability scanners (e.g., Nessus), and endpoint protection platforms (e.g., Crowdstrike).
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and complex technical projects.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work onsite in a Guidehouse Office or Client Office location.

What Would Be Nice To Have:

• An ACTIVE and MAINTAINED “TOP SECRET” Federal or DoD securityclearance
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or related technical field.
• Master’s Degree in relevant cybersecurity or IT field.
• One or more of the following certifications:
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified in Risk and Information Systems Controls (CRISC)
  • Certified Authorization Professional (CAP) / Certified in Governance, Risk and Compliance (CGRC)
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Familiarity with scripting or automation (PowerShell, Python, Bash)
• Hands‑on experience with network security, cryptography, and/or identity management.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) certification for managing cybersecurity projects in Agile environments.

#LI-RE1

The annual salary range for this position is $85,000.00-$141,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

What We Offer:

Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Student Loan PayDown
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & CertificationsEmployee Referral Program
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
• Emergency Back‑Up Childcare Program
• Mobility Stipend

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer–Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at [e-mail]. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.