SR Computer Scientist - Information System Security Engineer (ISSE)

DarkStar Intelligence LLC; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

PTO and holidays

401(k) retirement plan options

Job summary

DarkStar Intelligence in Reston, VA seeks a Senior Computer Scientist (ISSE) to lead cybersecurity for tools and CI/HUMINT data-management. You will embed security controls through the lifecycle and work with software engineers, data scientists, and project managers to satisfy DIA, DoD, NIST, and IC requirements.

Responsibilities include RMF/ATO processes, risk and vulnerability assessments, secure data sharing, and cross-domain transfer coordination, ensuring robust protection while supporting

Qualifications

• RMF and ATO experience required.
• Experience implementing security controls and performing risk assessments.
• Knowledge of NIST, DoD, DIA frameworks and policies.
• Experience securing intelligence systems and data-sharing.
• Knowledge of cross-domain security architectures and access controls.
• Ability to translate security requirements into implementable controls.

Responsibilities

• Ensure tools and data-management systems comply with DIA security requirements.
• Integrate security controls into design, development, deployment, and sustainment.
• Conduct risk, vulnerability, and continuous compliance assessments.
• Support ATO activities, including security documentation and accreditation coordination.
• Implement controls per NIST/DoD/DIA frameworks and coordinate cross-domain transfers.
• Advise on security requirements and support secure data-sharing and system access.

Skills

RMF

ATO processes

NIST/DoD frameworks

Cross-domain security

Security controls implementation

Vulnerability assessments

Security documentation

Cross-team collaboration

CI/HUMINT security

Job description

Description

The Senior Computer Scientist (ISSE) is the primary cybersecurity authority for tools and CI/HUMINT data-management systems, ensuring security is designed, implemented, assessed, and sustained throughout the system lifecycle.

Position level and location:

Senior, one base full-time equivalent; on-site in Reston, Virginia. The position supports a 40-hour workweek, with schedules subject to mission requirements.

Role summary

The ISSE protects software, prototypes, data flows, and operational tools by embedding security controls into system design and development. The role partners with Software Engineers, Data Scientists, Data Management Tool Administrators, the Technology Project Manager, DIA CIO, and the Foreign Disclosure Officer to balance operational needs with DIA, DoD, NIST, and Intelligence Community security requirements.

Key responsibilities

- Ensure UMM tools and data-management systems comply with DIA security requirements and applicable federal security standards.

- Integrate security controls into software design, development, deployment, and sustainment activities.

- Conduct security assessments, risk analyses, vulnerability assessments, and continuous compliance monitoring.

- Support Authority to Operate (ATO) activities, including required security documentation and certification/accreditation coordination.

- Implement security controls in accordance with NIST and DoD standards and applicable DIA frameworks.

- Define and coordinate security requirements for cross-domain data transfers with Service and Combatant Command tool administrators.

- Support secure data-sharing and system-access requirements.

- Coordinate with DIA CIO on security certification, accreditation, and security-update activities.

- Advise the Technology Project Manager on security requirements and support Software Engineers in applying secure coding practices.

- Ensure foreign-disclosure requirements and controls are incorporated into system designs and data-sharing processes.

- Maintain security controls and standards during system sustainment and support revisions to data-transfer security requirements.

Requirements

- Extensive experience with Risk Management Framework (RMF) and ATO processes.

- Demonstrated expertise implementing security controls, conducting risk assessments, and performing vulnerability assessments.

- Knowledge of NIST, DoD, DIA, and Intelligence Community cybersecurity frameworks and policies.

- Experience securing intelligence systems, software applications, and data-management environments.

- Knowledge of cross-domain security architectures, system access controls, and secure data-sharing practices.

- Ability to work across technical and operational teams, translate security requirements into implementable controls, and balance security with mission needs.

- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and current awareness of evolving cyber threats and security technologies.

Preferred qualifications

- Relevant cybersecurity certification, such as CISSP, CAP, or CISM.

- Experience supporting CI/HUMINT systems, secure software development, and cross-domain data-transfer solutions.

- Experience working with DIA security certification and accreditation processes.

Additional Details

Travel:

May include CONUS/OCONUS travel in support of training and partner engagements

Work Environment:

On-site in a secure facility; instruction and coordination conducted in classified environments

Security Note

All applicants must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Who We Are

DarkStar Intelligence delivers mission-critical support to national security operations across intelligence, cybersecurity, technology, and operational support domains. We partner with government customers to strengthen decision advantage, enhance operational readiness, and advance mission success in complex and evolving threat environments.

Why Work at DarkStar?

At DarkStar Intelligence, you’ll contribute directly to high-impact national security missions while growing your professional capabilities in a collaborative, performance-driven environment. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for continuous development within a mission-focused team culture.

ADA Accommodations Statement

DarkStar Intelligence is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

DarkStar Intelligence is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.

E-Verify Participation

DarkStar Intelligence participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees in accordance with applicable law.

Benefits Overview

DarkStar Intelligence offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan options
• Professional development and training opportunities