Senior ISSO & Cybersecurity Compliance Leader

AIS (Applied Information Sciences); Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Information Sciences is seeking a Senior Lead Security Engineer (ISSO) to provide leadership for system security compliance, authorization, and continuous monitoring across programs. You will mentor staff, coordinate with ISSMs and auditors, and drive risk-informed security strategies in a federal environment.

The role emphasizes strong expertise in RMF, NIST 800-53 controls, and ATO processes, with responsibilities spanning documentation, risk assessment, and vendor engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8+ years of ISSO or ISS Engineer experience in a cleared environment.
• Minimum 8+ years of cybersecurity or related technical experience.
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, IT, or related discipline. An additional 4 years’ of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• DoD 8140 certification or equivalent (CISSP, GISP, or CASP).
• At least one cloud security certification from AWS, ISC2, AWS, Microsoft, or Google.
• Advanced experience with security tools such as Tenable Nessus/Security Center, Splunk, IBM Guardium, HP WebInspect, NMAP.
• Deep expertise in RMF and NIST 800-53, System authorization processes (ATO, IATT, ATO renewals), Continuous monitoring best practices.
• Active Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead documentation, testing, and comprehensive review of system security controls.
• Ensure full system boundary definition and accurate inventory of all technologies.
• Oversee and validate implementation of all assigned NIST 800-53 controls.
• Drive and manage system authorization (ATO) efforts to completion.
• Ensure proper system lifecycle management, including decommissioning strategies.
• Establish and enforce consistent continuous monitoring processes.
• Advise stakeholders on cybersecurity risks, compliance posture, and remediation strategies.
• Mentor Junior and Mid-level ISSOs.
• Interface with ISSMs, AO representatives, and auditors.

Skills

ISSO/ISS Engineer experience

Cybersecurity experience

RMF/NIST 800-53

System authorization (ATO)

Continuous monitoring

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Cybersecurity/CS/IT

Tools

Tenable Nessus/Security Center

Splunk

IBM Guardium

HP WebInspect

NMAP

Job description

Applied Information Sciences is seeking a Senior Lead Security Engineer (ISSO) to provide leadership for system security compliance, authorization, and continuous monitoring across programs. You will mentor staff, coordinate with ISSMs and auditors, and drive risk-informed security strategies in a federal environment.

The role emphasizes strong expertise in RMF, NIST 800-53 controls, and ATO processes, with responsibilities spanning documentation, risk assessment, and vendor engagement.