Senior Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)

MITRE; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

MITRE in McLean, VA seeks a Senior ISSO to provide information assurance and cybersecurity services for classified systems, integrating security into engineering projects and supporting accredited environments.

The role emphasizes RMF, SSPs, risk assessments, and collaboration with system administrators and engineers. This on-site position offers growth, senior leadership exposure, and a path to impact national security.

Qualifications

• Typically requires 5+ years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 3 years with a Master’s; or a PhD with relevant experience.
• Active Top Secret U.S. Government security clearance and U.S. citizenship are required.
• Expertise in RMF, NIST SP 800-53, STIGs, SCAP, and classified infrastructure.
• Proficiency with security tools like E-Mass and XACTA.
• On-site work five days a week is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead cybersecurity efforts for classified systems, ensuring RMF policy compliance.
• Develop, implement, and monitor security programs including SSPs, Risk Assessment Reports, SCTM.
• Perform vulnerability/risk assessments, continuous monitoring, and self-inspections.
• Maintain security posture, oversee documentation, and coordinate accreditation and change management.
• Mentor junior staff, improve processes, and provide SME on advanced technologies.
• Collaborate with admins and engineers to enhance policies and risk mitigation.

Skills

RMF expertise

Strong communication

US citizenship & clearance process

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

E-Mass

XACTA

ACAS

Forescout

Trellix

Splunk

Job description

At MITRE, your passion fuels work that impacts our nation and improves lives. This is where your skills strengthen national security, cybersecurity, health, transportation, and citizen services. We’re a nonprofit engineering, applied research, and advanced technology organization working in the public interest. With objectivity and integrity at our core, we lead federally funded research and development centers for U.S. government agencies – collaborating with industry and academia to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions that advance our nation’s health, security, and prosperity. Our people tackle the toughest technical challenges, supported by competitive benefits, meaningful career development, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Choose MITRE for a career with purpose — and help shape the future.

The Cybersecurity Risk Management Department within the Global Security Division seeks a Senior Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) to provide Information Assurance and Cybersecurity services for classified systems. The role involves integrating security into engineering projects, supporting classified environments, and contributing to advanced security concepts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cybersecurity efforts for classified systems, ensuring compliance with Risk Management Framework (RMF) policies and procedures.
• Develop, implement, and monitor security programs, including System Security Plans (SSPs), Risk Assessment Reports, and Security Controls Traceability Matrix (SCTM).
• Perform vulnerability/risk assessments, continuous monitoring, and self-inspections to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
• Maintain operational security posture, oversee security documentation, and coordinate with stakeholders for accreditation and change management.
• Mentor junior staff, improve cybersecurity processes, and provide subject matter expertise on advanced technologies.
• Collaborate with system administrators and engineers to enhance policies, processes, and risk mitigation strategies.

Basic Qualifications

• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with relevant experience who can immediately contribute at this job step; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Expertise in RMF, NIST SP 800-53, STIGs, SCAP, and classified infrastructure.
• Proficiency in security tools like E-Mass and XACTA.
• Strong communication skills for engaging senior government leaders and technical peers.
• IAM Level III certification per DoD 8570.01M.
• Must have an active Top Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
• This position has an on‑site requirement of 5 days a week on‑site.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with security tools ACAS, Forescout, Trellix, Splunk.
• Experience with DCSA CCRI or CORA audits.
• Experience with Continuous Monitoring (RMF Step 7).

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

Top Secret

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

Top Secret

Salary compensation range and midpoint

$129,200 - $161,500 - $193,800 Annual

Work Location Type

Onsite

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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