Information System Security Officer

appliedis; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 101,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Information Sciences (AIS) in Washington, DC seeks a Lead Security Engineer to serve as an Information System Security Officer (ISSO). The role focuses on executing RMF security controls, supporting authorization efforts, and ensuring secure cloud architectures for client systems.

This proposal-based position requires strong leadership, collaboration with ISSMs and engineers, and robust risk management strategies.

Qualifications

• Minimum 9+ years of work experience in computer science or cybersecurity related field.
• Minimum 7+ years of ISSO or ISS Engineer experience in a cleared environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, IT, or related field. An additional 4 years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• DoD 8570/IAT Level III certification or equivalent (e.g. Security+)

Responsibilities

• Perform documentation, testing, and ongoing assessment of security controls
• Ensure complete system scoping, including all assets, components, and technology stacks
• Clearly document and articulate control implementation in SSPs and related artifacts
• Lead activities supporting system ATOs and reauthorizations
• Ensure proper system lifecycle management, including decommissioning activities
• Maintain consistent and compliant continuous monitoring practices
• Coordinate with ISSMs, engineers, and system owners to resolve security findings
• As your initial project assignment, you will support the unique needs of our client as an Information System Security Officer.

Skills

Security leadership

Mentoring teams

Communication

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity / Computer Science / IT

DoD 8570/IAT Level III certification

Tools

Nessus

Splunk

Guardium

WebInspect

NMAP

Job description

Why AIS?

When you join AIS, you’re joining a mission-driven team that’s passionate about making a difference. You’ll work on projects that matter, alongside industry-leading experts, in an environment that fosters innovation, driving client success, and empowering our team to make a lasting impact. As an employee-owned company, we value collaboration, inclusivity, continuous growth, and shared success.

Employee Ownership : Your contributions directly impact the company’s success, and you share in its achievements.

Continuous Learning : Access to resources, training, and mentorship to support your professional growth.

Inclusive Culture : A workplace where diversity is celebrated, and everyone’s voice is valued.

Mission-Driven Work : Engage in projects that make a meaningful difference for our clients and communities.

What are we looking for?

At AIS, we’re looking for more than just skills - we’re looking for driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference, eager to grow, and aligned with our core principles.

What you will be doing?

This position is contingent upon contract award. We are currently pursuing a proposal and are seeking qualified candidates to include in our submission and identify candidates for future hiring needs on the program once awarded.

At AIS, we are dedicated to providing our employees with diverse opportunities to grow their careers while supporting a variety of impactful projects. For this position, we are seeking a talented individual to join AIS as a Lead Security Engineer.

Core Knowledge & Skills

Develops strategic security plans, applies advanced cryptography, manages security programs, and designs secure cloud architectures.

Work & Complexity

Leads strategic projects, integrates security into business processes, develops risk management strategies, and ensures compliance.

Quality & Independence

Delivers strategic projects, develops innovative solutions, maintains high standards, and ensures stakeholder satisfaction.

Teamwork & Communication

Leads and mentors teams, aligns efforts with organizational goals, manages performance, and develops training programs.

Consulting & Engagement

Provides high-level consulting, leads innovation initiatives, develops technology roadmaps, and manages vendor contracts.

As your initial project assignment, you will support the unique needs of our client as an Information System Security Officer.

Position Summary

The Information System Security Officer (ISSO) is responsible for executing security compliance activities across assigned systems, ensuring adherence to RMF requirements, and supporting authorization efforts. This role requires independent execution of security control assessments, system documentation, and continuous monitoring activities.

This is a proposal-based position; employment is contingent upon contract award and funding availability.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform documentation, testing, and ongoing assessment of security controls
• Ensure complete system scoping, including all assets, components, and technology stacks
• Clearly document and articulate control implementation in SSPs and related artifacts
• Lead activities supporting system ATOs and reauthorizations
• Ensure proper system lifecycle management, including decommissioning activities
• Maintain consistent and compliant continuous monitoring practices
• Coordinate with ISSMs, engineers, and system owners to resolve security findings

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 9+ years of work experience in computer science or cybersecurity related field.
• Minimum 7+ years of ISSO or ISS Engineer experience in a cleared environment
• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, IT, or related field. An additional 4 years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• DoD 8570/IAT Level III certification or equivalent (e.g. Security+)

Hands-on experience with tools such as:

• Tenable Nessus / Security Center
• Splunk
• IBM Guardium
• HP WebInspect
• NMAP or similar tools

Strong understanding of:

• RMF (Risk Management Framework)
• NIST 800-53 security controls
• System accreditation processes

Active Top Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting multiple systems through the ATO lifecycle
• Familiarity with federal agency compliance environments (DoD, IC, Civilian)

At AIS, we are committed to offering competitive and fair compensation that reflects the skills, experience, and contributions of each team member.

The targeted base salary range for this role is $101,000-$152,000 per year. Please note that this range is provided as a guideline and the final offer will be based on several factors, including but not limited to, skillset and competencies, level of experience, education, certifications, and location.

We value transparency in our hiring process and are happy to discuss how your unique qualifications align with our compensation structure during the interview process.

Applied Information Sciences does not discrimi