Information Systems Security Engineer/IT Systems Eng

University of Southern California; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern California is seeking an Information System Security Engineer (ISSO) in Arlington to lead classified information security efforts. This role involves managing classified information, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and supporting research operations across various sponsors.

The position requires candidates to be U.S. citizens with an active Top Secret clearance and experience with cybersecurity compliance. An annual salary between $130,000 and $140,000 is offered based on various considerations.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship with active Top Secret clearance required.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks required.
• Expertise in cybersecurity compliance and documentation essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage and safeguard classified information at the Secret and Top-Secret levels.
• Align technology, cybersecurity, and operational practices with research goals.
• Implement and maintain security measures for classified and unclassified systems.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Familiarity with personnel and facilities security

Experience performing ISSO responsibilities

Experience supporting higher education

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Science or Computer Science

Tools

CMMC

NIST 800-171

NIST 800-53

Job description

USC's Information Sciences Institute is seeking an Information System Security Engineer (ISSO) / IT Systems Engineer to serve as the Classified Information Security Lead for the Institute. The position is based in the Arlington campus and is responsible for managing and safeguarding classified information at the Secret and Top‑Secret levels. Candidates must be U.S. citizens with active Top Secret (TS) clearance and SCI eligibility. The cleared professional ensures compliance with all applicable federal regulations governing the handling, storage, transmission, and protection of classified national security information.

Security Leadership & Governance

• Collaborate with senior leadership to align technology, cybersecurity, and operational practices with ISI research goals and classified processing requirements.
• Implement and execute IT strategy and roadmaps in alignment with institutional, contractual, and customer requirements.
• Maintain security documentation and ensure compliance with sponsor and regulatory mandates.

Cyber Security & Compliance

• Establish, execute, and maintain organizational security policies and procedures.
• Maintain expert knowledge of applicable regulatory and national security frameworks, including but not limited to:
  • CMMC
  • NIST SP 800-171
  • DFARS 252.204-7012
• Oversee and ensure continued compliance with all applicable requirements.
• Responsible for compliance of both Classified systems and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) data and network environments.
• Collaborate on the design and implementation of cybersecurity measures to protect ISI digital assets and research data.

Unclassified Systems (NIPR)

• Coordinate with sponsors to create and manage unclassified DoD Enterprise accounts (e.g., A365).
• Enforce DoD-level security protocols across applied, transitioned, and classified research activities where appropriate.

Classified Systems

• Install, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot classified IT systems and infrastructure.
• Install and maintain classified network connections in approved university facilities.
• Coordinate with sponsors to establish and maintain classified user accounts.

Infrastructure Management

• As a member of the CIS Operations Team, support day‑to‑day management of ISI Arlington infrastructure, including servers, networks, email, and data centers.

Qualifications

• Educational Background:
  • Bachelor's degree, preferred in Information Science or Computer Science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Familiarity with personnel and facilities security in classified environments.
  • Experience performing ISSO responsibilities.
  • Experience with:
    • CMMC
    • NIST 800-171 and/or NIST 800-53
  • CISSP or equivalent security certification.
  • Experience supporting higher education or research‑focused academic environments.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills:
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Availability:
  • Available for on‑call and after‑hours emergency support.

The annual base salary range for this position is $130,000 - $140,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

The role maintains the security posture of classified and unclassified systems, oversees cybersecurity compliance and documentation (e.g., security plans), and executes contract‑specific security duties. The position supports legal proceedings, research operations, and government‑sponsored activities while ensuring institutional and contractual compliance.

The position supports research environments across a broad range of sponsors and classification compartments. The research programs also often have non‑standard computing environments. A successful candidate needs to be able to navigate end‑user needs, research contract milestones, and sponsor requirements promptly to support proposals and new projects.