Information System Security Officer (ISSO) SME with Security Clearance

Cintel Inc; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Cintel, Inc. in Huntsville, AL is seeking an experienced Information System Security Officer (ISSO) SME to advise on information system security, ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and support system accreditation under FISMA and NIST 800-53.

The role requires an active Top Secret clearance, 10+ years in cybersecurity, and experience with ATO processes, vulnerability management, and GRC tools. Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of cybersecurity, risk management, or information assurance experience.
• Strong knowledge of NIST 800-53 and FISMA compliance.
• Experience supporting or leading ATO accreditation/certification processes.
• Experience with vulnerability management, security auditing, and remediation planning.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary security advisor to the Information System Owner, and CISO/ISSM.
• Ensure implementation and ongoing maintenance of cybersecurity controls per NIST and FISMA.
• Direct security measures to protect systems from modification, disclosure, or destruction.
• Provide security guidance for protection of information system assets.
• Develop and revise SSPs, Contingency Plans, and ATO packages.
• Lead system accreditation and certification efforts, including FBI ATO processes.
• Conduct network self-inspections and manage vulnerabilities via POA&Ms.
• Evaluate NIST 800-53 control implementations and support continuous monitoring.

Skills

Cybersecurity expertise

NIST 800-53 knowledge

Risk management

ATO/POA&M experience

Windows/Active Directory

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Cybersecurity

Tools

RiskVision

Xacta

JCAM

Job description

Information System Security Officer (ISSO) SME Location: Huntsville, AL

Clearance Required: Active Top Secret

Experience Level: SME (Minimum 10 Years)

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (B.S. or B.A.) Position Overview: We are seeking a highly experienced Information System Security Officer (ISSO) SME to join our cybersecurity team in Huntsville, AL. The ideal candidate will serve as a senior advisor on all matters concerning information system security, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of mission‑critical systems. This position involves direct support for system accreditation, risk management, and security compliance under FISMA and NIST 800‑53 frameworks. The ideal candidate will have experience with Authority to Operate (ATO) and Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&MS). Key Responsibilities: Serve as the primary security advisor to the Information System Owner (SO), Business Process Owner, and the CISO/ISSM.

Ensure the implementation and ongoing maintenance of cybersecurity controls in compliance with NIST and FISMA requirements.

Direct and implement security measures to protect systems from unauthorized modification, disclosure, or destruction.

Provide physical and logical security guidance for the protection of information system assets.

Develop, maintain, and revise system security documentation, including System Security Plans (SSPs), Contingency Plans, and ATO packages.

Lead and support system accreditation and certification efforts, including working within the FBI’s ATO processes.

Conduct network self‑inspections and manage system vulnerabilities through the creation of POA&Ms.

Evaluate, document, and manage NIST 800‑53 control implementations.

Support and utilize GRC tools such as RiskVision, Xacta, and JCAM for continuous monitoring and compliance tracking.

Produce regular security effectiveness reports and recommend new procedures or technologies to improve posture. Required Qualifications: 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity, risk management, or information assurance.

In‑depth knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Active Directory environments.

Strong understanding of NIST 800 series publications, particularly NIST 800‑53, and FISMA compliance standards.

Experience supporting or leading ATO accreditation/certification processes.

Experience with vulnerability management, security auditing, and remediation planning.

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related field.

Active Top Secret Clearance required. Preferred Qualifications: CISSP or CompTIA certified

Experience working with NIST 800‑53 control implementation and GRC tools (e.g., RiskVision, Xacta, JCAM)

CULTURE REQUIREMENTS:

• Engineers, Analysts, and Developers at Cintel, Inc. are highly motivated, technical, and self‐organized. We place a lot of trust in our team members to develop technical solutions for ill‐ defined problems (i.e. thrive in an environment where the problem is vague, requirements are lacking, and a solution is not obvious). We need problem solvers.
• We want our team members to be self‐motivated and eager to learn new skills. If you consider yourself a jack‐of‐all‐trades, and are eager to keep up with the latest trends in technology, you’ll fit right in.
• ABOUT CINTEL, INC: Cintel Inc. is a Small Business providing strategies and services to support an array of Government clients in Software Development, Operational/Tactical and Installation/Facilities Energy, Cyber Security, Modeling and Simulation, Data Science, and Programmatic support. We offer our clients nimble, unique, and value focused solutions with an emphasis on people, connectivity, communication, and teamwork. Our team believes that people drive solutions. By connecting people, information, teams, and experience we deliver solutions that respond to customer needs.

  It is the policy of Cintel that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity regardless of their race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

  These policies shall ensure that the practice of nondiscrimination will be applied in the employment, promotion, upgrading, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination, recall or rehire of personnel.

  Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

  Cintel, Inc. expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment or discrimination based on any of the characteristics mentioned above.

  Improper interference with the ability of other employees to perform their expected job duties is not tolerated.