Information System Security Officer (ISSO) TS/SCI CI Poly

IBM; Herndon (VA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

IBM Consulting is seeking an ISSO to plan, execute, and maintain RMF-based accreditation activities to achieve an Authority to Operate (ATO). You will lead security posture efforts, coordinate with software and system architects, and drive compliance across cross-functional teams.

The role requires strong knowledge of NIST RMF, SP 800-53 Rev. 5, and DoD/IC authorization processes, plus Security+ and a TS/SCI CI Poly clearance on day one.

Qualifications

• Led one or more systems through RMF ATO lifecycle.
• Self-starting, high-visibility, high-priority project leadership.
• Able to work independently with strong writing, communication, and PM skills.
• Deep knowledge of NIST RMF, NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, and DoD/IC authorization processes.
• Security+ certification is required.
• Experience in risk management, security controls, vulnerability management, and continuous monitoring.
• Must possess TS/SCI CI Poly clearance on day 1.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and maintain system accreditation to achieve and sustain ATO.
• Lead security activities with architects to ensure controls meet standards.
• Coordinate across cross-functional teams to develop security docs and assessments.
• Oversee risk management and continuous monitoring to meet compliance.

Skills

RMF ATO leadership

Self-starter

Independent work

NIST RMF & SP 800-53 Rev.5

Security+ certification

Risk management & continuous监控

TS/SCI CI Poly clearance

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Introduction

A career in IBM Consulting is built on long-term client relationships and close collaboration worldwide. You’ll work with leading companies across industries, helping them shape their hybrid cloud and AI journeys. With support from our strategic partners, robust IBM technology, and Red Hat, you’ll have the tools to drive meaningful change and accelerate client impact. At IBM Consulting, curiosity fuels success. You’ll be encouraged to challenge the norm, explore new ideas, and create innovative solutions that deliver real results. Our culture of growth and empathy focuses on your long-term career development while valuing your unique skills and experiences.

Introduction

A career in IBM Consulting is built on long-term client relationships and close collaboration worldwide. You’ll work with leading companies across industries, helping them shape their hybrid cloud and AI journeys. With support from our strategic partners, robust IBM technology, and Red Hat, you’ll have the tools to drive meaningful change and accelerate client impact. At IBM Consulting, curiosity fuels success. You’ll be encouraged to challenge the norm, explore new ideas, and create innovative solutions that deliver real results. Our culture of growth and empathy focuses on your long-term career development while valuing your unique skills and experiences.

Your Role And Responsibilities

As the ISSO, you will complete the planning, execution, and maintenance of system accreditation and authorization activities to achieve and sustain an Authority to Operate (ATO) in accordance with NIST RMF, DoD, IC and agency specific requirements.

Serve as the primary security lead, responsible for activities for the security posture of the system to include working with the software and system architects to ensure the design meets security controls. Responsible for coordinating across cross-functional teams to develop and manage security documentation and perform assessment activities. Oversee risk management and continuous monitoring and ensuring implemented security controls meet compliance requirements.

Preferred Education

Bachelor's Degree

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

• Demonstrated experience leading one or more systems through the entire Risk Management Framework (RMF) Authorization to Operate (ATO) process.
• Must be a self-starter comfortable with leading and executing a high-priority, high-visibiilty task
• Requires the ability to work independently, possess strong technical writing, communication, project management and problem-solving skills to successfully deliver authorization objectives
• Must possess strong knowledge of NIST RMF, NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, DoD & IC authorization processes
• Must possess Security+ certification
• Must have experience with risk management, security control implementation, vulnerability management, continuous monitoring, and POA&M management
• Must possess a TS/SCI CI Poly security clearance on day 1

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

• Experience with National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) accreditation and authorization processes and procedures
• 2+ years of experience supporting DoD IL4/IL5/IL6/IL7, or IC (ICD 503) authorization efforts.
• 2+ years of experience supporting cloud environments (e.g., AWS GovCloud, Azure Government) and cloud security principles.
• 2+ years of experience supporting independent security assessments (e.g., 3PAO, FedRAMP, DoD, or internal assessments).
• 2+ years of experience leading cross-functional security initiatives, with CISSP and/or PMP certifications highly desirable