Senior Information System Security Officer

Leonardo DRS; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

Leonardo DRS is seeking an Information System Security Officer (ISSO) to safeguard on-site classified systems following RMF and DoD/DCSA standards. You will manage RMF artifacts, coordinate ATO packages via eMASS, and partner with ISSM, FSO, and security teams to ensure a resilient security posture.

The role requires hands-on security administration, vulnerability management, and strong communication skills to support mission objectives and maintain compliance across complex environments.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience assembling RMF security authorization packages and supporting artifacts.
• Knowledge of information systems security components and best practices including firewalls, encryption, and monitoring.
• Knowledge of U.S. Government security standards (NIST, ISO27001).
• Strong written and verbal communication and collaboration with security professionals.

Responsibilities

• Serve as ISSO under ISSM, ensuring compliance across classified systems aligned with DoD and DCSA.
• Execute RMF steps, maintain documentation, and support ATOs and continuous monitoring.
• Administer servers (Windows), patch management, auditing, and STIG hardening; support cross-domain data transfers.
• Provide on-site technical support and enforce least privilege access controls.
• Collaborate with program management, facilities, HR, IT, and security teams to deliver security artifacts.

Education

Associate’s degree in computer science or certification (MSCE or GAIC) or equivalent related experience

Tools

Splunk

Job description

DRS Daylight Solutions business provides industry-changing mid-infrared laser light technology for government and commercial markets, including: defense and security; life sciences; and industrial process control. As a mid-IR technology pioneer, Daylight Solutions has delivered more mid-IR systems to more applications world-wide than any other company.

Job description:

Job ID: 114902

DRS Daylight Solutions business provides industry-changing mid-infrared laser light technology for government and commercial markets, including: defense and security; life sciences; and industrial process control. As a mid-IR technology pioneer, Daylight Solutions has delivered more mid-IR systems to more applications world-wide than any other company.

Job Summary

The Information System Security Officer (ISSO), in collaboration with the Information System Security Manager (ISSM) serves as one of the stewards of the organization’s classified and high-side information systems, ensuring a resilient security posture while enabling mission-critical operations. This role applies deep expertise in information security compliance, secure administration, operations, and data analysis to protect on-premises networks, standalone systems, custom business applications, and peripherals. Responsibilities include hands-on execution of security procedures, continuous monitoring, and collaborative customer support for classified systems in accordance with DoD and DCSA standards. The ISSO executes Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities and pursues Authorization to Operate (ATO) via eMASS and its associated processes, partnering closely with industrial security teams to integrate technical, administrative, and operational controls. Success in this position is demonstrated by a proven record of processing ATO packages supporting the DoD, possession of basic system administration experience, security compliance and technical acumen, clear interpersonal communication, and creative problem solving to balance rigorous security controls with operational effectiveness in support of on-site personnel and mission objectives. This position is a full-time, on-site opportunity which entails face-to-face interactions with various cross-functional teams and colleagues.

Job Responsibilities

Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance:

• Serve as the ISSO under ISSM direction, overseeing compliance and secure operations across the lifecycle of classified systems in alignment with DCSA and federal standards
• Advise the Site Facility Security Officer (FSO) and ISSM on classified system security matters and liaise with the local DCSA ISSP
• Ensure compliance with NISP, DoD, and DCSA requirements by executing local policies, processes, and procedures aligned with the DAAG
• Execute RMF steps and maintain required documentation and artifacts, including policies, procedures, training materials, security control implementation, system diagrams, asset inventories, and POA&Ms
• Maintain and renew ATOs for classified systems in alignment with DoD, DCSA, and company requirements
• Collaborate with the DCSA ISSP and internal stakeholders to resolve assessment findings and strengthen security posture and compliance
• Conduct periodic self-inspections and security assessments of classified systems and ensure timely corrective action
• Support internal and external audits by updating documentation, validating configurations, preparing artifacts, and ensuring NIST controls remain compliant
• Identify, document, and mitigate local threats and vulnerabilities to classified systems and ensure timely remediation
• Support the ISSM in delivering site-wide security education and awareness for classified system users
• Assist with investigations of security violations involving classified systems and ensure corrective actions are documented and implemented
• Collaborate with program management, facilities, HR, IT, and other stakeholders to execute security deliverables and support personnel needs
• Perform vulnerability scanning with approved tools (e.g., Nessus), analyze results, assess risk, and develop mitigations within required timelines

Security Administration and Operations:

• Ensure regular data backups, troubleshoot issues, and maintain the health and availability of virtual and physical storage systems
• Install and configure patches, firmware, and software updates for servers and related hardware to maintain security, compliance, and performance
• Serve as a designated Data Transfer Agent (DTA) to move authorized data across classification environments
• Provide on-site technical support using multi-tiered troubleshooting to resolve moderately complex system and application issues
• Monitor and enforce access controls for cleared systems supporting classified programs in accordance with least privilege
• Administer end-user accounts through onboarding, role changes, and offboarding in compliance with authorization protocols
• Conduct scheduled internal audits of system configurations, processes, and procedures to verify compliance, security posture, and readiness
• Support additional tasks as directed by the ISSM, Senior System Administrator, ISSO, or FSO in support of mission, values, and security culture
• And other duties as assigned

Our Ideal Candidate Will Have

A strong candidate will possess both an Information Assurance background and hands-on Security Administration experience.

Information System Security Compliance Competency

• Demonstrated experience assembling and managing RMF security authorization packages and supporting artifacts (preferably DoD) using eMASS, including obtaining ATOs and conducting continuous monitoring
• Proven ability to implement technical security controls and hardening standards (STIG/SCAP) and to execute and analyze vulnerability scans (e.g., Nessus/ACAS) with effective risk-based remediation
• Excellent technical writing skills for producing clear, concise security documentation, policies, procedures, and formal memoranda
• Track record of collaborating with industrial security professionals and FSOs, consistently applying NISP and DCSA requirements

Security Administration and Operations

• Proficiency administering and maintaining servers (primarily Windows), including patching, configuration management, auditing (experience with Splunk or similar), and STIG-based hardening; experience with virtualized environments preferred
• Hands-on experience securing and managing Windows endpoints and Cisco network devices, including configuration, access control, and basic network troubleshooting
• Experience performing cross-domain and data transfer activities (DTA) across classification levels in accordance with policy and security controls

Problem Solving and Initiative

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a proactive mindset; able to independently identify, research, and resolve complex technical and compliance issues
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize competing tasks in support of mission objectives and to work autonomously to drive tasks to completion

Customer Service and Communication Competencies

• Outstanding interpersonal skills (oral and written) with the ability to deliver professional, face-to-face support and communicate technical and security information clearly to stakeholders at all levels
• Experience coordinating across functional teams to translate security requirements into operational solutions and to foster collaborative relationships

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in computer science or certification (MSCE or GAIC) or equivalent related experience
• 3+ years of security experience in either the defense industry or Information Systems Security, or a combination of both
• Completion of required Department of Defense (DoD) courses related to government security
• Knowledge of information systems security components and best practices including; firewalls, intrusion detection systems, anti-virus software, data encryption, and other industry-standard techniques and practices
• Knowledge of U.S. Government Information System security standards (i.e. NIST and ISO27)
• Highly self-motivated and strong organizational skills and excellent attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal oral, written and communication skills
• Possess, or be eligible to obtain and maintain, a U.S. Government security clearance

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

The salary range for this position is $83,527 - $119,480/year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate’s qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.