Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and retirement plans

Flexible work hours

On-site fitness facilities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks an experienced Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) to join the Information Assurance Group within the Field Intelligence Operations Division. The role requires a Top Secret clearance with access to Q and SCI and involves overseeing RMF-based security for classified environments across multiple facilities.

The ISSO will work with the ISSM to certify and accredit systems, implement STIGs, and manage security programs, dashboards, and audits.

Qualifications

• RMF knowledge and experience with RMF packages and BoEs.
• Ability to develop, review, and maintain SSPs and RMF artifacts.
• Strong communication skills interfacing with security agencies and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous monitoring to keep RMF-compliant systems.
• Apply security patches and secure configurations per STIGs and NIST 800-53.
• Collaborate with ISSM on design, development, and accreditation of classified systems.
• Manage security tool environments (Splunk, SolarWinds) and build dashboards for real-time detection.
• Perform security incident investigations and document findings for corrective action.

Skills

RMF knowledge

NIST/CNSSI knowledge

Documentation & artifacts

Communication skills

Security incident response

Education

BS/BA in information technology or technical equivalent

Tools

Splunk

SolarWinds

STIGs

Job description

An active Q and/or TS/SCI clearance is required for consideration.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking an experienced Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) to join the Information Assurance Group in the Field Intelligence Operations Division (FIOD). The position reports directly to the Group Leader and requires a Top Secret clearance with access to Q and SCI.

FIOD operates under Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence (IN) authorities and serves as ORNL's focal point for all intelligence community matters. The division sits within the National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD). It provides operational security, information assurance, and IT support ORNL needs to maintain its Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities, clearances, and classified systems. NSSD conducts research and development on the nation's most difficult security challenges and adversaries, with science and technology leadership in cybersecurity and cyber-physical resiliency, data analytics, geospatial science, nuclear nonproliferation, and high-performance computing for sensitive national security missions.

The ISSO will support FIOD's classified operations in three areas: classified intelligence IT and information assurance, classified R&D computing, and physical and personnel security. Working with the Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM), the ISSO will help certify and accredit systems and networks and implement cybersecurity requirements and procedures across NSSD.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

The ISSO leads the continuous monitoring work that keeps FIOD systems compliant with the Risk Management Framework (RMF). The ISSO directs and assists programmatic IT and infrastructure support personnel in applying security patches and secure configurations in line with Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).

Working under general supervision, the ISSO performs the full range of information assurance functions in support of the ORNL FIE ISSM and Group Leader. The ISSO consults routinely with the ISSM on the design, development, integration, and analysis of classified information systems.

The ideal candidate has designed, implemented, and managed security solutions in classified environments, with strong hands‑on experience using Splunk for security information and event management (SIEM).

These responsibilities include:

System Security Oversight

• Provide day-to-day cybersecurity support for classified/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) systems.
• Ensure compliance with DOE-IN, DoW, and NIST requirements across multiple facilities.
• Develop, review, and maintain System Security Plans (SSPs) and related RMF artifacts (hardware/software lists, diagrams, PPSM, categorization forms, continuous monitoring plans, contingency plans).

Security Engineering & Compliance

• Support design and implementation of security controls, ensuring alignment with DISA STIGs and NIST 800-53.
• Assist with security architecture reviews, risk assessments, vulnerability analyses, and mitigation strategies.
• Provide technical input for STIG feasibility and implementation, including possible automation of compliance checks.
• Manage Splunk and SolarWinds environments for log collection, correlation, and monitoring.
• Create and maintain dashboards, alerts, and reports to support real-time detection and response.
• Investigate security incidents, document findings, and implement corrective measures.
• Perform regular audit log reviews, authorized data transfers, and media control in accordance with policy.
• Develop and maintain system documentation to support system authorization and accreditation.
• Track system changes, security impact assessments, and coordinate with ISSM on approvals.
• Conduct and support continuous monitoring activities, including vulnerability management and reporting.

Governance & Training

• Conduct annual account reviews, self-inspections, and compliance testing.
• Train users and system administrators on security procedures and policy.
• Support ISSM in implementing local policies, reporting metrics, and preparing for inspections.
• Continuously update and enhance documentation best practices and local security procedures, train users on these procedures, and consistently apply appropriate ES&H standards.
• Maintain a strong commitment and implementation of ORNL values and ethics.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS/BA in information technology or technical equivalent and a minimum of five years of experience in cyber security and the C&A process. An overall combination of equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• An active Q and/or TS/SCI clearance is required for consideration.
• Working knowledge of:
  • Risk Management Framework (RMF) process & requirements.
  • NIST and CNSSI requirements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to interface with numerous cognizant security agencies, customers, and senior managers.
• Previous experience in developing, testing, and collecting artifacts for RMF packages and BoEs of multiple systems.
• Experience in authorized data transfers across multiple systems and different classifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant ISSO / ISSE experience within the DoW or Intelligence Community.
• Must be organized, self-motivated, and be able to work with minimal guidance.
• CISSP, SEC+, or other relevant certifications.
• Previous experience supporting SCI environments.
• Deep understanding of incident response procedures and enterprise security tool implementation.
• Knowledge of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and configuration standards.
• Working knowledge of Industry Standard tools for purposes of audit reduction, vulnerability scanning, and malware analysis is preferred. Relevant tools include but are not limited to: Splunk, Tenable Nessus, Host Based Security System (HBSS) components, Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP) Checker, and STIG viewer.
• Experience with Security Directives, Policies, Publications, and Regulations.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due to the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract andretainindividuals whodemonstrateexceptional work behaviors. The laboratoryprovidesa range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following:

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.