Senior Information Systems Security Specialist

Nightwing; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 206,000; Full time

Job summary

Nightwing is a cybersecurity-focused contractor delivering incident response support to U.S. civilian agencies. The role involves designing, deploying, and maintaining secure architectures and capabilities to protect critical assets.

Applicants should have 6+ years in cybersecurity engineering, active TS/SCI clearance, and experience with NIST RMF, AWS security, and security monitoring tools. Collaboration across locations is essential to support federal timelines and audits.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance required.
• Minimum 6+ years of directly relevant cybersecurity engineering experience.
• Experience with NIST 800-53 and RMF.
• Experience with AWS security.
• Experience with security monitoring tools (Splunk, Trellix, Nessus/Tenable).
• Ability to work across multiple physical locations.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation and maintenance of security controls aligned with NIST SP 800-53.
• Design secure infrastructure across Windows, macOS, Linux/Unix, and virtual environments.
• Manage applications within container platforms with secure image lifecycle.
• Implement and validate access controls and privileged access management.
• Monitor security posture, report findings, and escalate risks.

Skills

TS/SCI clearance

NIST SP 800-53

RMF

AWS security

Splunk

Trellix

Nessus/T Tenable

Collaboration across locations

Education

BS Cyber Security / related degree

HS Diploma + 7+ years experience

Tools

OpenShift

Ansible

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Nightwing is supporting a U.S. Government customer to provide support for onsite incident response to civilian Government agencies and critical asset owners who experience cyber-attacks, providing immediate investigation and resolution. Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize the severity of breaches, develop mitigation plans, and assist with the restoration of services. Nightwing is seeking a cybersecurity engineer to support the design, development, and deployment of advanced cybersecurity capabilities in the customer environment supporting analysts and business continuity of the customer mission.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation and maintenance of security controls aligned with NIST SP 800-53 and organizational requirements.
• Designing and sustaining secure infrastructure solutions across Windows, macOS, Linux/Unix, and virtual environments.
• Integrating and managing applications within container platforms, ensuring patching, hardening, and secure image lifecycle.
• Implementing and validating access controls (RBAC/least privilege), privileged access management, backup/restore, and continuous monitoring.
• Monitoring platform security posture, report findings, and escalate risks as needed.
• Reviewing vulnerability assessments and prioritizing remediation using BOD 26-04 risk models.
• Directing remediation activities, coordinating with asset owners, and tracking progress to ensure compliance with federal timelines.
• Managing POA&M lifecycle, ensuring documentation and evidence support closure.
• Supporting ISSO with security reporting and continuous monitoring.
• Maintaining artifacts for ATO and control assessments, including configurations, scans, patch logs, inventories, and access reviews.
• Updating and enforcing vulnerability management procedures; ensure actions are documented and auditable.
• Identifying workflow improvements and staying current on relevant directives and best practices.

Required Skills/Clearance

• U.S. Citizenship
• Must have an active TS/SCI Secret clearance.
• Must be able to obtain DHS Suitability.
• 6+ years of directly relevant experience in cybersecurity engineering.
• Experience with NIST 800-53, RMF
• Experience with AWS security
• Experience with Splunk, Trellix and Nessus/Tenable
• Must be able to work collaboratively across physical locations.

Desired Skills

• Experience with CISA programs or similar federal cybersecurity operations
• Background in security assessment of malware analysis platforms
• Experience with cloud security assessment and authorization
• Knowledge of critical infrastructure security requirements
• Experience with continuous monitoring and automated compliance tools
• Familiarity with DevSecOps and security automation practices
• Background in penetration testing or vulnerability assessment
• Experience implementing automation solutions using OpenShift, Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes or related tools
• Experience as a systems administrator with multiple operating systems to include Linux/Unix, Windows, MacOS.

Required Education

BS Cyber Security, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Computer Systems Engineering or related degree or HS Diploma and 7+ years directly relevant experience.

Desired Certifications

• DoD 8140.01 IAT Level II

Syndeo: ESS-3624

Salary & Benefits

The salary associated with this position ($99,000-$206,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.

Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.