Junior Information System Security Officer (ISSO)

ASEC; Ridgecrest (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)

Health/dental/vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Tuition assistance

Job summary

ASEC in Ridgecrest, CA is seeking a Junior Information System Security Officer (ISSO) to join a DoD cybersecurity team supporting NAWS China Lake. You’ll contribute to vulnerability management, RMF compliance, and continuous monitoring, gaining hands-on experience in a mission-critical program.

Required are a BS in IT/Cybersecurity or related field, CompTIA Security+, U.S. citizenship, and an active DoD Top Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field.
• CompTIA Security+ required; CISSP/CISM/CISA etc. highly desired.
• 2–3 years of IA/CS in DoD environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support DoD RMF compliance and security controls.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments using ACAS and SCAP tools.
• Apply DISA STIG configurations to Windows, Linux, and network devices.
• Assist in continuous monitoring and risk assessments.
• Develop RMF documentation such as SSPs and SARs.

Skills

Information Assurance / Cybersecurity

RMF implementation

Vulnerability assessment

DoD cybersecurity standards

Effective communicator

Education

BS degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related area

Tools

ACAS

SCAP Compliance Checker

DISA STIG benchmarks

DISA STIG configurations

Job description

Location:

NAWS China Lake (Ridgecrest, CA)

Security Clearance Requirement:

Top Secret

Telework Eligible?

No, work will be performed on-site at NAWS China Lake

What You’ll Do:

Join a mission-focused cybersecurity team protecting critical DoD information systems. As a Junior Information System Security Officer (ISSO), you’ll play a hands‑on role in vulnerability management, RMF compliance, and continuous monitoring, gaining valuable experience while directly supporting a mission‑critical program. If you’re detail oriented, technically driven, and ready to grow in a high‑impact security environment, this is your opportunity to make a difference.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation and enforcement of cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures in alignment with DoD RMF requirements.
• Perform vulnerability assessments using tools such as ACAS, SCAP Compliance Checker, and DISA STIG benchmarks to identify and remediate security gaps.
• Apply and validate DISA STIG configurations across Windows, Linux, and network devices to ensure compliance with DoD security standards.
• Assist in continuous monitoring activities, including reviewing audit logs, tracking POA&M items, and supporting security control assessments.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of RMF documentation, including System Security Plans (SSPs), Security Assessment Reports (SARs), POA&Ms, and related artifacts supporting ATO efforts.
• Coordinate with system owners, engineers, and ISSMs to track vulnerabilities, implement mitigations, and support remediation timelines.
• Review and verify compliance of hardware and software against NIAP Common Criteria certifications and the DISA Approved Products List (APL).
• Support preparation of security authorization packages and interface agreements (MOAs/MOUs) for interconnected systems.
• Conduct risk assessments and assist in identifying mitigation strategies to protect classified and unclassified DoD information systems.
• Participate in cybersecurity working groups and cross-functional meetings to ensure alignment with program milestones and mission objectives.
• Provide user awareness support and assist with incident response documentation and reporting activities.

This description outlines the general nature and scope of the role. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.

Requirements

What You’ll Bring:

• CompTIA Security + is required. BS degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related area of study, desired. The following certifications are highly desired: CISSP, SecurityX (formerly CASP+), CISM, or GSLC. Please upload copies of any relevant IT certifications you hold.

2-3 years of experience in the following technical areas is preferred:

• Information Assurance / Cybersecurity (IA/CS) within DoD environments.
• Risk Management Framework (RMF) in accordance with DoDI 8510.01.
• Implementation of security controls aligned with CNSSI 1253, NIST SP 800-53, and JSIG
• Conducting vulnerability assessments using ACAS, DISA STIGs, and SCAP Compliance Checker with automated benchmarks.
• Applying DISA STIG configurations to operating systems and network devices.
• Supporting continuous monitoring, security audits, risk assessments, and mitigation planning
• Reviewing technologies for compliance with NIAP Common Criteria and the DISA Approved Products List (APL).
• Familiarity with ICD 705, DoD 5205.07/5205.07-M (Vol 1–4), SAP policy, and JSIG requirements.

Equally Important:

• Ability to build positive, collaborative relationships across teams and with external partners.
• Effective communicator with strong verbal and written skills.
• Proactive, self‑directed work style with the ability to operate independently.
• Analytical thinker with proven problem‑solving capabilities.
• Highly organized, with the ability to balance competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

ASEC is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws.

Security Clearance Requirement:

• This position requires U.S. citizenship and an active DoD Top Secret clearance. Selected candidate will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Salary Range:

• The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $90,000 - $110,000, commensurate with an individual’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. ASEC is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation. The low end of this salary range is accounting for a candidate that meets or exceeds all of the listed requirements.

Who We Are:

ASEC offers meaningful, mission‑driven work within a culture that supports your professional and personal growth. We partner with our government customers to deliver innovative solutions across engineering, information technology, training, and logistics. Above all, we are committed to doing what’s right for the Warfighter—plain and simple. Explore what makes ASEC different by visiting our website.

Why work at ASEC?

• 100% employee‑owned company. Learn more about our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) here!
• Comprehensive benefits package, including 11 paid holidays, medical/dental/vision coverage, HSA/FSA options, disability insurance, and more!
• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition assistance for undergraduate and graduate education
• Veteran‑friendly employer
• Thriving employee culture

ASEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, hire, train, compensate, and promote employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), or any other status protected by law.

ASEC also complies with all applicable pay transparency laws and will not discriminate against employees or applicants for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing compensation.