Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)

Apavo Corporation; Oakton (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Apavo Corporation seeks an Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) to ensure secure operation of multi-enclave IT/R&D systems across classifications. You will advise system owners on security posture and lead RMF processes using ACAS and DoD tooling to maintain active Authority to Operate without disrupting critical research.

This on-site role in Oakton, VA requires TS eligibility, hands-on ACAS experience, and collaboration with the ISSM and researchers to remediate findings and support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity/IT or related field with 5–7+ years as ISSO or senior DoD RMF role.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility; CI/Full-Scope Poly highly preferred.
• DoD 8570.01-M/8140.03 IAM Level II or III certifications (CISSP, CISM, CASP+, etc.).
• ACAS experience: run scans, interpret results, manage asset lists.
• RMF/NIST knowledge: DoD RMF, NIST 800-53/37/171, DISA STIG implementation.
• ATO artifacts management in eMASS or Xacta; familiarity with SCC/STIG Viewer.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; liaise with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain RMF packages (SSP, SAR, RAR, POA&M) in eMASS/XACTA.
• Execute ACAS scans and analyze results to identify vulnerabilities.
• Translate findings into remediation steps with system admins and researchers.
• Oversee Continuous Monitoring and review SIEM logs for compliance.
• Support secure data transfers for air-gapped enclaves and multi-enclave environments.
• Coordinate with ISSM and incident response teams on security incidents.
• Assist with third-party assessments and ATO validations.

Skills

ACAS Scans

RMF/NIST controls

Policy & Compliance comms

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity/IT

Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility

DoD IAM II/III certifications (CISSP/CISM/CASP+)

DISA ACAS training (preferred)

Tools

eMASS

Xacta

SCC/STIG Viewer

Nessus/Tenable.sc

Job description

Description

Job Title: Information System Security Officer (ISSO)

Location: On-Site in Oakton, VA

Department: Cyber Security Services

Reports To: Management

FLSA Status: Full Time/Non-exempt

Description

Apavo is at the forefront of cybersecurity, providing services to military, defense, and critical infrastructure industries. Joining the Apavo team means becoming part of a company rooted in the principles of quality, and communication. We value positive, candid interactions and the belief that everyone has valuable contributions to make. Apavo stands out for its commitment to a work-life balance and fostering a growth mindset among all team members. If you are looking to make a meaningful impact in the cybersecurity world while growing professionally in a supportive environment, Apavo is the place for you.

Job Purpose:

The Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) ensures the secure operation of complex, multi-enclave IT and Research & Development (R&D) systems. Operating across all classification levels (Unclassified, Secret, TS/SCI, and Special Access Programs), the ISSO serves as the principal advisor to Information System Owners regarding security posture. This role requires a \"hands-on\" governance approach, heavily utilizing the Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) and standard DoD tooling to drive Continuous Monitoring (ConMon), validate compliance, and maintain active Authority to Operate (ATO) statuses without disrupting critical experimental research.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• RMF Lifecycle Management: Develop, maintain, and oversee RMF authorization packages (SSP, SAR, RAR, SAP, and POA&M) within systems of record (e.g., eMASS, Xacta) for standard enterprise and non-standard research environments.
• ACAS Operations & Vulnerability Management: Execute credentialed and non-credentialed ACAS (Tenable.sc / Nessus) scans across connected and air-gapped networks. Analyze scan results to identify vulnerabilities, assess risk, and validate compliance against DoD baselines.
• POA&M & Remediation Advisory: Translate complex ACAS scan results and DISA STIG findings into actionable mitigation strategies. Work directly with systems administrators and researchers to remediate vulnerabilities, track progress, and close POA&M items.
• Continuous Monitoring (ConMon): Implement and oversee ConMon strategies. Review ACAS dashboards, audit logs (e.g., Splunk, Elastic), and system configurations to ensure ongoing compliance with NIST SP 800-53 controls.
• Air-Gapped & Multi-Enclave Support: Facilitate secure data transfers, manual ACAS plugin/feed updates, and compliance validation for isolated, disconnected, and highly classified enclaves.
• Security Assessments: Conduct routine compliance checks using SCC, STIG Viewer, and Evaluate-STIG. Support independent third-party assessments (e.g., CCRI) and ATO control validations.
• Incident Handling: Coordinate with the Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) and incident response teams to investigate security anomalies, audit anomalies, or classified data spillages.

Other

This is typical office or administrative work, and there is no exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

This position requires sedentary work. Sedentary work is defined as: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Apavo Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regards to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience) with 5-7+ years of experience acting as an ISSO or in a senior DoD RMF compliance role.
• Clearance: Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility. (Willingness to undergo a Counterintelligence (CI) or Full-Scope Polygraph for SAP readiness is highly preferred).
• DoD Directive: DoD 8570.01-M / 8140.03 compliant for IAM Level II or III (e.g., CAP, CISM, CASP+ CE, CISSP).
• ACAS Proficiency: Hands-on experience executing scans, interpreting vulnerability data, and managing asset lists in ACAS (Nessus / Tenable.sc). A current DISA ACAS Operator/Admin training certificate is highly desired.
• Framework Knowledge: Expert-level understanding of DoD RMF (DoDI 8510.01), NIST SP 800-53/800-37/800-171, and DISA STIG implementation.
• Tooling: Proven experience managing ATO artifacts in eMASS or Xacta. Proficient with SCC, STIG Viewer, and interpreting IAVA/IAVM notices.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Ability to act as a security liaison, balancing strict DoD compliance requirements with our flexible, fast-paced R&D mission needs.