Information System Security Engineer (ISSE)

Leidos Inc; Mississippi; On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos Undersea Systems Division (USD) seeks an experienced Information System Security Engineer (ISSE) to serve as a subject matter expert for critical IT systems at Stennis Space Center, MS. The role focuses on designing, developing, and implementing secure information systems in a challenging, travel-heavy environment.

The ISSE will collaborate with engineers to integrate robust security measures, ensure systems are resilient against threats, and support DoD RMF and Navy RMF processes.

Qualifications

• BS degree in a technical field with 8–12 years of relevant experience.
• Active security clearances and eligibility to maintain them.
• Experience as ISSE/ISSM/ISSO/SCA and IA integration knowledge.
• Ability to document for Authority to Operate (ATO).
• Strong written and spoken communication for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Perform and review security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and ensure IA compliance.
• Validate system security requirements and designs, integrating security for various environments.
• Build cybersecurity into deployed systems to enforce security policies and enterprise solutions.
• Assess threats and risks through the program life cycle, supporting risk analysis and management.
• Apply system security engineering expertise in design, life cycle, risk management, and testing.
• Enforce trusted relations among external systems; manage changes with security impact assessment.
• Support security authorization activities per DoD, RMF, and customer policies.
• Create and maintain documentation for Authority to Operate (ATO) processes.
• Track changes and verify security controls with STIGs/SCAP for compliance.
• Perform field maintenance, installations, and testing as needed.

Skills

TS/SCI clearance

hybrid role IA experience

ISSE/ISSM/ISSO/SCA

ATO documentation

excellent communication

US citizenship

extensive travel readiness

Navy RMF knowledge

Education

BS degree

Security+

CISSP

CISM

CAP

ISSEP

Tools

STIGs

SCAP

Configuration management tools

Job description

Overview

Leidos Undersea Systems Division (USD) is seeking an experienced Information System Security Engineer (ISSE) to serve as a subject matter expert for critical IT systems at Stennis Space Center, MS. The role focuses on designing, developing, and implementing secure information systems. The ISSE collaborates with engineers and developers to integrate robust security measures, ensuring systems are resilient against threats and vulnerabilities. The successful candidate will be a self-starter, comfortable with extensive travel, and capable of thriving in dynamic and physically demanding environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform and review technical security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with information assurance (IA) standards and regulations.
• Validate and verify system security requirements, establish system security designs, and integrate system security capabilities for various environments.
• Build cybersecurity into systems deployed to operational environments, ensuring uniform application of security policies and enterprise solutions.
• Assess and mitigate system security threats and risks throughout the program life cycle, contributing to security planning, assessment, risk analysis, and risk management.
• Apply system security engineering expertise in design, life cycle, risk management, and security testing using industry methodologies.
• Enforce design and implementation of trusted relations among external systems and architectures; manage changes to systems while assessing security impact.
• Support security authorization activities in accordance with Government regulations, DoD, and NIST RMF standards, and customer-specific information security policies, processes, and procedures.
• Create, manage, and maintain documentation required to obtain and maintain a system\'s Authority to Operate (ATO); ensure evidence is accurately captured for ATO requests and extensions.
• Identify, track, and manage all configuration changes; implement and validate security controls using STIGs and SCAP to ensure compliance.
• Conduct field maintenance and system grooming to ensure optimal performance; assist with installations and testing as needed.

Qualifications

• BS degree and 8–12 years of relevant experience
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Experience in a hybrid role combining system administration with information assurance
• Demonstrated experience as an ISSE/ISSM/ISSO/SCA
• Experience creating documentation to obtain and maintain an ATO
• Proficiency with STIGs and SCAP tools for configuration tracking and compliance
• Deep understanding of Navy RMF process
• Ability to work on multiple systems and components simultaneously in various configurations
• One or more certifications: Security+, CISSP, CISM, CAP, ISSEP
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent communication skills; ability to translate IA concepts for various audiences
• US citizenship
• Valid US passport and willingness to travel extensively

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This role requires significant travel and the ability to work in non-traditional office settings. The candidate must be able to meet the following physical requirements:

• Extensive travel up to 12 week-long trips annually (approximately 6 CONUS and 6 OCONUS)
• Movement around piers, docks, and industrial facility spaces; ability to climb ladders up to 20 ft
• Ability to transport or lift objects up to 50 pounds
• Constant use of hands and fingers to operate tools and computer equipment
• Ability to move about various workspaces, stoop, kneel, or reach for extended periods
• Able and willing to work aboard marine vessels of various sizes, which may include overnight stays

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos is committed to customers, people, and community.

Pay and Benefits

Pay range for this job level is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation. Details depend on responsibilities, education, experience, and other factors. For more information, visit www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Security & Compliance

Securing Your Data: Leidos will never ask for payment-related information during the application process and will communicate through official Leidos channels. If you suspect a scam, contact local law enforcement or report to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos also considers qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable laws.