Information System Security Officer, Senior

AIS (Applied Information Sciences); Washington (Washington County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Information Sciences seeks a Lead Security Engineer / Senior ISSO to oversee system security compliance, authorization, and continuous monitoring for federal programs. You will mentor junior staff and coordinate with auditors while guiding secure cloud architectures and risk management strategies.

The role is contingent on contract award and funding, with a base salary range reflecting DoD program requirements and location.

Qualifications

• Lead security plans and cryptography applications for secure cloud architectures.
• Manage security programs, ensure compliance with federal cybersecurity requirements.
• Mentor ISSOs and coordinate with ISSMs, AO representatives, and auditors.
• Demonstrate Top Secret clearance and advanced security certifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead documentation, testing, and review of system security controls.
• Ensure accurate inventory of technologies and full system boundary definition.
• Oversee and validate implementation of NIST 800-53 controls.
• Drive system authorization (ATO) efforts to completion.
• Establish continuous monitoring processes and remediation guidance.

Skills

Security strategy

Cryptography applications

Cloud security design

Security programs management

NIST 800-53 controls

ATO processes

System lifecycle management

Continuous monitoring

Stakeholder advisory

Mentoring security staff

Vendor coordination

Education

Bachelor's or advanced degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, IT, or related

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 a Information System Security Officer, Senior.

Position Summary

The Senior ISSO provides leadership and oversight for system security compliance, authorization, and continuous monitoring activities. This role ensures that systems meet all federal cybersecurity requirements and drives timely authorization outcomes while mentoring junior staff and coordinating across technical and program teams.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Lead documentation, testing, and comprehensive review of system security controls

• Ensure full system boundary definition and accurate inventory of all technologies

• Oversee and validate implementation of all assigned NIST 800-53 controls

• Drive and manage system authorization (ATO) efforts to completion

• Ensure proper system lifecycle management, including decommissioning strategies

• Establish and enforce consistent continuous monitoring processes

• Advise stakeholders on cybersecurity risks, compliance posture, and remediation strategies

• Mentor Junior and Mid-level ISSOs

• Interface with ISSMs, AO representatives, and auditors

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 8+ years of ISSO or ISS Engineer experience in a cleared environment

• Minimum 8+ years of cybersecurity or related technical experience

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, IT, or related discipline. An additional 4 years' of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

• DoD 8140 certification or equivalent (CISSP, GISP, or CASP)

• At lease one cloud security certification from AWS Certified Security Specialty, ISC2 Certified Cloud Security Professional, AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate, Microsoft AZ-500 Azure Security Engineer Associate, or Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer.

• Advanced experience with security tools such as:

• Deep expertise in:

• Active Top Secret clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting high-visibility federal or DoD programs

• Prior experience mentoring or leading security teams

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 $120,000-$181,000 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 discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis. Employment decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs.