ISSE for Classified Networks: Lead Cyber Defense

Systems Planning & Analysis; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Health savings accounts

Retirement savings plans

Life and disability insurance programs

Paid time away from work

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) seeks an Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE) to support classified networks from our Alexandria, VA HQ and nearby offices.

You will lead defensive cyber tools as the primary SPA-CSSP liaison, ensuring compliance and proactive security posture. The role requires a DoD Top Secret clearance, RMF/NIST expertise, and experience with ACAS, Nessus, and Trellix ESS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or equivalent.
• 4+ years in information system security, incl. 1+ year on classified systems.
• DoD 8140 IAM Level I+ certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CAP, GSLC).
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Active DoD Top Secret security clearance.
• Solid networking fundamentals (IP routing, subnets, firewalls, VLANs).
• Practical RMF knowledge and NIST 800-53 controls.

Responsibilities

• Handle daily security operations and continuous monitoring for classified networks.
• Perform vulnerability scans and track technical security guidance.
• Configure ACAS policies and run Nessus scans.
• Coordinate with CSSP and support CORA, DCSA reviews, and incident response.
• Maintain Trellix ESS on Windows and Linux; perform DISA STIG reviews.

Skills

Top Secret clearance

RMF knowledge

NIST 800-53 controls

Networking fundamentals

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT or related field

Tools

ACAS

Nessus

Trellix ESS

DISA STIGs

Job description

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) seeks an Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE) to support classified networks from our Alexandria, VA HQ and nearby offices.

You will lead defensive cyber tools as the primary SPA-CSSP liaison, ensuring compliance and proactive security posture. The role requires a DoD Top Secret clearance, RMF/NIST expertise, and experience with ACAS, Nessus, and Trellix ESS.