Senior Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)

Independent Software, Inc.; Maryland; On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Independent Software, Inc. in Maryland is seeking an Information Systems Security Officer responsible for ensuring the security of systems supporting the Department of Defense. In this critical role, you will manage daily security operations, conduct risk assessments, and lead authorization efforts following DoD cybersecurity policies.

The ideal candidate will have over 12 years of professional experience and a deep understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, with relevant tools like ACAS and Nessus. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in cybersecurity or systems security engineering.
• Minimum 10 years of ISSO or equivalent experience for DoD or Intelligence Community.
• Ability to perform detailed risk assessments and author security documentation.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily security operations ensuring compliance with cybersecurity policies.
• Conduct vulnerability and risk assessments for system integrity.
• Lead system authorization efforts under Risk Management Framework.

Skills

Interpreting security standards

Risk Management Framework

Vulnerability scanning

Technical controls implementation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field

Tools

ACAS

Nessus

Terraform

Job description

Responsibilities

As an Information Systems Security Officer at Independent Software, you will play a critical role in strengthening and defending the security posture of mission‑critical systems supporting the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. You will lead cybersecurity efforts across the full system lifecycle, from design and Risk Management Framework (RMF) implementation through system authorization, continuous monitoring, and ongoing sustainment.

In this role you will serve as a key security authority for assigned systems and programs, ensuring compliance with evolving DoD and IC policies while proactively identifying and mitigating risks to classified environments. You will work closely with system administrators, engineers, and program leadership to integrate security into system architecture and operations, ensuring security is embedded throughout the lifecycle.

You will drive system authorization activities, oversee vulnerability management efforts, and guide remediation strategies to maintain operational readiness and accreditation. Additionally, you will provide technical leadership in interpreting security requirements, implementing controls, and responding to emerging threats, while continuously improving processes to enhance resilience, compliance, and mission effectiveness.

Your expertise will directly support national security objectives by ensuring systems remain secure, compliant, and capable of operating in high‑threat, high‑stakes environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily security operations for information systems ensuring compliance with Department of Defense and Intelligence Community cybersecurity policies, directives, and frameworks.
• Support and enforce information assurance initiatives across programs, systems, and enclaves to strengthen overall security posture.
• Conduct vulnerability and risk assessments to support accreditation decisions and ensure system integrity throughout development and sustainment.
• Administer configuration control for security software, hardware, and firmware ensuring all changes are evaluated for potential security impacts.
• Create and maintain critical security documentation, including System Security Plans, Risk Assessment Reports, Plan of Actions and Milestones, Certification and Accreditation Packages, and System Requirements Traceability Matrices.
• Lead system authorization efforts in accordance with the Department of Defense Risk Management Framework process and legacy NISCAP standards, ensuring timely submission and approval of security artifacts.
• Evaluate, implement, and maintain security solutions for classified processing environments ensuring compliance with required controls and standards.
• Utilize and manage agency‑specific security tools such as Latteart, Biscoti, Xacta, ACAS, Nessus, or similar platforms for monitoring, assessment, and reporting.
• Provide technical expertise in security policies, procedures, and countermeasures to protect systems from unauthorized access or compromise.
• Work directly with system administrators, engineers, and program leadership to resolve security issues and embed cybersecurity best practices across all project phases.
• Assess current security processes, identify vulnerabilities, and develop proactive solutions to strengthen the organization’s cybersecurity posture.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Ability to interpret and apply Department of Defense, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Intelligence Community security standards including NIST SP 800‑53, CNSSI 1253, and DoDI 8510.01.
• Skilled in Risk Management Framework steps 1 through 6, risk mitigation, and continuous monitoring.
• Experience implementing and validating technical controls for operating systems, applications, and network devices.
• Hands‑on experience with vulnerability scanners, audit tools, and enterprise security management systems such as ACAS, Nessus, or comparable tools.
• Familiarity with customer security tools, repositories, playbooks, and compliance guidelines.
• Operational understanding of server technologies, information assurance practices, and networking protocols and services.
• Ability to perform detailed risk assessments and author clear, actionable security documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to brief stakeholders and leadership.
• Proven ability to work in a cross‑functional classified environment with minimal supervision.
• Exposure to infrastructure provisioning or configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Terraform).

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Security, Information Assurance, or related technical discipline.
• In lieu of a degree, an additional four years of relevant experience may be substituted.
• Minimum of twelve or more years of professional experience in cybersecurity, information assurance, or systems security engineering.
• Minimum of ten or more years of ISSO or equivalent experience supporting Department of Defense or Intelligence Community programs of similar scope, type, and complexity.

Certifications

• DoD 8140.03 compliance with IAM Level II or IAT Level III (CASP, CISSP, or Associate).

Clearance Requirement

• Must possess an active TS/SCI with appropriate Polygraph.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.