Information Systems Security Officer

BlueHalo; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 134,000 - 204,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment is seeking an experienced Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) to lead RMF, ATO and cybersecurity compliance for the STARE product office and related FMS efforts across the system lifecycle. The ISSO collaborates with the O-ISSM, engineers, program teams, and US government stakeholders to assess risks and implement compliant security solutions.

Responsibilities include managing RMF/ATO activities, documenting assessments, coordinating with foreign partners, and communicating

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 12+ years IT/cybersecurity experience including RMF/ATO documentation.
• DoD/Army cyber requirements knowledge and defense program experience.
• U.S. citizenship and DoD/NATO Secret clearance.
• DoDI 8570 IAM Level I cert (Security+ CE, CAP, CND).
• Strong communication, documentation and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal oversight.
• U.S. passport for foreign travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead RMF and ATO activities, including documentation and deliverables.
• Assess system security, identify vulnerabilities and gaps, and recommend mitigations.
• Evaluate authorization readiness and advise on ATO decisions.
• Interpret DoD/Army cyber requirements across the lifecycle.
• Coordinate security assessments, testing, remediation and milestones.
• Coordinate cybersecurity with foreign partners and stakeholders.
• Provide cybersecurity guidance to O-ISSM, engineers and customers.
• Prepare technical docs and briefings, communicating risks and requirements.
• Manage priorities and coordination across STARE Product Office.

Skills

RMF expertise

ATO implementation

Secret clearance

DoD cybersecurity

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

eMASS

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)

Position Overview

AeroVironment is seeking an experienced Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) to provide senior-level cybersecurity support to the U.S. Army’s Search Track Acquire Radiate Eliminate (STARE) Product Office. This role independently leads Risk Management Framework (RMF), Authority to Operate (ATO), and cybersecurity compliance activities for assigned STARE products and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) efforts throughout the system lifecycle.

The ISSO collaborates with the Organizational Information Systems Security Manager (O-ISSM), engineers, program teams, U.S. Government stakeholders, and foreign military partners to assess risks, address complex security requirements, and recommend appropriate cybersecurity solutions. The role also coordinates international cybersecurity requirements for product delivery and sustainment.

Position Responsibilities

• Independently lead RMF and ATO activities, including cybersecurity documentation, assessments, and authorization deliverables.
• Assess system security, identify vulnerabilities and compliance gaps, and recommend risk mitigation strategies.
• Evaluate authorization readiness and recommend ATO approval or disapproval to U.S. Government stakeholders; final authorization authority remains with the designated Government Authorizing Official.
• Interpret and apply DoD and Army cybersecurity requirements throughout the system lifecycle.
• Coordinate security assessments, testing, remediation, and authorization milestones.
• Analyze FMS and sustainment contract requirements and coordinate cybersecurity compliance with foreign military partners and industry stakeholders.
• Provide cybersecurity expertise and recommendations to the O-ISSM, engineers, program teams, and customers.
• Prepare technical documentation and briefings, communicate risks, and explain security requirements to technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Independently manage priorities, deliverables, and coordination across PAE Fires and the STARE Product Office.

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field or equivalent relevant education and experience.
• 12+ years of IT and cybersecurity experience; education may count toward experience as applicable.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing RMF, ATO documentation, cybersecurity compliance, and risk assessments.
• Knowledge of DoD and Army cybersecurity requirements and experience supporting defense programs.
• U.S. citizenship and existing DoD and NATO Secret clearances required.
• DoDI 8570 IAM Level I certification, such as Security+ CE, CAP, CND, or another applicable certification.
• Strong analytical, communication, documentation, and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal oversight.
• Valid U.S. passport required for foreign travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Warfighting Acquisition University training or experience in International Acquisition/Security Cooperation.
• FMS cybersecurity and sustainment experience.
• Experience with eMASS and DoD RMF/ATO processes.
• Familiarity with Army radar systems, air and missile defense sensors, and tactical networks.
• Experience interpreting contractual cybersecurity requirements and supporting international customers.

Location

Onsite at the U.S. Government customer location at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Domestic and foreign travel up to 25%.
• Office-based work at a U.S. Government customer location.
• Frequent computer and telephone use and verbal communication.
• Ability to lift less than 25 pounds.

Clearance Level

Secret

The salary range for this role is:

$133,500 - $203,750

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.