Security Control Assessor (SCA) with Top Secret clearance

Peraton; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 112,000 - 179,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is seeking a Security Control Assessor (SCA) to evaluate security controls across information systems in support of RMF and NIST-based requirements. The role requires collaboration with ISSOs/ISSMs and government stakeholders in a classified environment.

The candidate will assess SSPs, SAPs, SARs, POA&Ms, and continuous monitoring documentation, and provide risk-based recommendations to government leadership. A TS or DOE Q/SCI readiness is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, IT, CS, IS, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 12+ years of experience in cybersecurity, information assurance, or security control assessments; 16 years with a HS diploma/equivalent.
• Experience supporting RMF and evaluating security controls.
• Familiarity with vulnerability management, security testing, and continuous monitoring processes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent security control assessments of information systems per NIST SP 800-53 and applicable policies.
• Evaluate design, implementation, and operational effectiveness of security controls.
• Support RMF activities throughout the system authorization lifecycle.
• Review and assess security documentation (SSPs, SAPs, SARs, POA&Ms, continuous monitoring).
• Develop and execute Security Assessment Plans to validate control implementation.
• Identify deficiencies, document findings, and evaluate risks.
• Produce Security Assessment Reports with results, vulnerabilities, and recommendations.
• Validate remediation activities and ongoing monitoring.

Skills

Analytical skills

Technical writing

Communication

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, IT, CS, or IS

Tools

ACAS

Nessus

SCAP

Job description

About Peraton

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees solve the most daunting challenges that our customers face. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

About The Role

Position Overview

We are seeking a qualified Security Control Assessor (SCA) to evaluate the effectiveness of security controls implemented within information systems, ensuring compliance with applicable federal cybersecurity policies, standards, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have experience conducting security control assessments, evaluating security documentation, identifying security weaknesses, and supporting Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities in accordance with NIST standards and applicable government security requirements.

This position requires the ability to work in a classified environment and collaborate with government stakeholders, system owners, Information System Security Officers (ISSOs), Information System Security Managers (ISSMs), and cybersecurity teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent security control assessments of information systems in accordance with NIST Special Publication 800-53 and applicable government security policies.
• Evaluate the design, implementation, and operational effectiveness of security controls.
• Support Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities throughout the system authorization lifecycle.
• Review and assess security documentation, including:
  • System Security Plans (SSPs).
  • Security Assessment Plans (SAPs).
  • Security Assessment Reports (SARs).
  • Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms).
  • Continuous Monitoring documentation.
  • Security control implementation statements and supporting evidence.
• Develop and execute Security Assessment Plans to validate security control implementation.
• Conduct interviews, technical reviews, evidence examinations, and assessment testing.
• Identify security control deficiencies, document findings, and evaluate associated risks.
• Develop detailed Security Assessment Reports documenting assessment results, control effectiveness, vulnerabilities, and recommendations.
• Validate remediation activities and determine whether identified security deficiencies have been appropriately addressed.
• Support the development, review, and maintenance of POA&Ms.
• Assess compliance with applicable government cybersecurity policies, including NIST, FISMA, CNSSI, and agency-specific security requirements.
• Evaluate system security configurations, vulnerability management processes, access controls, audit logging, incident response, and contingency planning.
• Coordinate with ISSOs, ISSMs, system owners, security engineers, and government Authorizing Officials (AOs).
• Provide cybersecurity risk assessments and recommendations to government leadership and authorization stakeholders.
• Support authorization decisions and ongoing continuous monitoring activities.
• Maintain assessment documentation and ensure findings are traceable to applicable security control requirements.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Must have active TS or Q with the ability to obtain DOE Q/SCI.
• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 12+ years of experience in cybersecurity, information assurance, security control assessments, or information system security with a Bachelor's degree, 16 years with a HS Diploma/equivalent
• Demonstrated experience supporting the Risk Management Framework (RMF).
• Experience assessing security controls.
• Experience developing or reviewing SSPs, SAPs, SARs, and POA&Ms.
• Knowledge of federal cybersecurity policies, standards, and compliance requirements.
• Experience evaluating security control effectiveness and documenting assessment findings.
• Familiarity with vulnerability management, security testing, and continuous monitoring processes.
• Strong analytical, technical writing, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a mission-focused government environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Intelligence Community (IC), DOE or other federal government cybersecurity programs.
• Experience with classified and national security systems.
• Familiarity with Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and Security Requirements Guides (SRGs).
• Experience with ACAS, Nessus, SCAP, or other vulnerability assessment tools.
• Experience supporting FISMA compliance and continuous monitoring programs.
• Relevant industry certifications, such as:
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
  • Security+.
  • Certified Authorization Professional (CAP).
  • Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC).

Details

Target Salary Range: $112,000 - $179,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Benefits Statement: Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits.

EEO:Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.