Sr. ISSO (Hybrid Remote - TS/SCI CI Poly)

Zachary Piper Solutions; Annapolis (MD); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Senior Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) to lead cybersecurity compliance for a mission-critical government information system. The role focuses on RMF, ATO support, and continuous monitoring across complex enterprise environments, with close collaboration with engineering teams.

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience with NIST 800-53, SSPs, and accreditation artifacts, plus strong communication and leadership skills to guide program

Qualifications

• 18+ years of cybersecurity or related experience.
• Experience as ISSO/ISSE or cybersecurity lead on federal systems.
• Extensive RMF, XACTA, ICD 503, NIST 800-53, SSPs, POA&Ms, and accreditation packages.
• Experience with IATT and ATO processes in government environments.
• Proficiency with Splunk and enterprise security monitoring solutions.
• Strong communication, documentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead RMF activities and support certification, accreditation, IATT, and ATO efforts.
• Conduct security assessments and ensure compliance with federal requirements.
• Develop/maintain SSPs, POA&Ms, SAPs, and accreditation artifacts using XACTA.
• Implement, assess, and validate NIST 800-53 controls.
• Coordinate with engineers, DBAs, system admins, and testers to maintain compliance.
• Support security assessment events, audits, and interactions with authorities.

Skills

Communication

Documentation

Stakeholder engagement

Zero Trust concepts

Cybersecurity risk management

Security monitoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Splunk

XACTA

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Senior Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) to support the modernization of a mission-critical government information system. This role is responsible for leading cybersecurity compliance, Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities, accreditation efforts, and continuous monitoring across complex enterprise environments. The ideal candidate has extensive experience supporting ATOs, implementing NIST security controls, and collaborating with engineering teams to maintain compliance in secure government environments.

Work Environment

Hybrid role supporting a critical federal modernization effort. Candidates may work from Reston, VA; Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (Washington, DC); or Annapolis Junction, MD, with 2-3 days onsite each week. This position works closely with engineering, infrastructure, database, application, and cybersecurity teams supporting secure enterprise government systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead RMF activities and support certification, accreditation, IATT, and ATO efforts.
• Conduct security assessments and evaluate system compliance with federal cybersecurity requirements.
• Develop and maintain SSPs, POA&Ms, Security Assessment Plans (SAPs), and accreditation artifacts within XACTA.
• Implement, assess, and validate NIST 800-53 security controls.
• Coordinate with engineers, developers, DBAs, system administrators, and testers to maintain system compliance.
• Support security assessment events, audits, and interactions with Authorizing Officials and Security Control Assessors.
• Monitor security posture and recommend risk mitigation and corrective actions.
• Apply Zero Trust security principles across enterprise and cloud-native environments.
• Conduct vulnerability analysis, remediation tracking, and continuous monitoring activities.
• Provide cybersecurity guidance to program stakeholders and technical teams.

Qualifications

• 18+ years of experience in cybersecurity, information assurance, systems security engineering, or related disciplines.
• Prior experience serving as an ISSO, ISSE, or cybersecurity lead supporting federal systems.
• Extensive experience with RMF, XACTA, ICD 503, NIST 800-53, SSPs, POA&Ms, and accreditation packages.
• Experience supporting IATT and ATO processes within government environments.
• Proficiency with Splunk and enterprise security monitoring solutions.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity compliance, risk management, and security control implementation.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Clearance Requirement

• Active TS/SCI Clearance with Active Polygraph required.

Certifications

• Current Security+ or equivalent DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II/III certification required.

Preferred

• Experience leading cybersecurity programs and compliance initiatives.
• Experience working directly with ISSMs, SCAs, System Owners, and Authorizing Officials.
• Knowledge of cloud-native cybersecurity architectures and security controls.
• Experience implementing Zero Trust architectures and security strategies.
• Experience supporting federal modernization, cloud migration, or enterprise transformation programs.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary Range: $170,000 - $190,000 based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, sick leave, and federal holidays.

Application Period: Opens on 10/22/2026 and will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.