Cybersecurity Program Lead - MASS

Applied Research Solutions•Bath Township, OH

About The Position

Applied Research Solutions seeks an experienced and strategic leader to serve as our Cybersecurity Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead. This is a senior-level position responsible for safeguarding our critical national security systems. You will lead a dedicated team of cybersecurity professionals and be given the authority and resources to build and execute a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Your primary mission will be to ensure the system achieves and maintains its Authority to Operate (ATO) within a highly classified environment, while proactively managing risk and ensuring mission readiness. This role requires a unique blend of deep technical expertise, proven leadership, and mastery of DoD accreditation processes. This is a challenging but rewarding position that places you at the center of our program's success. If you are a cybersecurity leader ready to take on a critical national security mission, I look forward to reviewing your application.

Requirements

US Citizenship Required
Must possess an active Top-Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in cybersecurity, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role for a DoD or IC program.
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from an accredited institution in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related engineering field.
Demonstrated, hands-on experience leading a system through the DoD RMF process to a successful ATO decision.
Must meet IAT Level III or IAM Level II requirements with an active certification, such as CISSP (preferred), CISM, or CASP+.
Proven experience working in TS/SCI environments and a strong understanding of the unique security challenges and procedures on networks like JWICS.

Nice To Haves

A Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, or a related technical field.
Higher-level certifications such as CISSP-ISSEP (Information Systems Security Engineering Professional) or a Project Management Professional (PMP).
Hands-on experience with security tools such as ACAS, HBSS, SCAP Compliance Checker, and the eMASS platform.
Experience integrating cybersecurity into the full system development lifecycle (DevSecOps) and familiarity with secure coding practices.
Experience with the design, accreditation, and operation of Cross-Domain Solutions.
Experience managing budget and schedule for a technical team.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and manage the Cyber IPT, overseeing all cybersecurity-related tasks, schedules, and resources to ensure program objectives are met.
Develop, implement, and maintain the Program's Cybersecurity Strategy, ensuring alignment with overarching DoD, Intelligence Community, and program-specific requirements.
Shepherd the COMPASE system through the entire RMF lifecycle, from system categorization and control selection to assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring.
Act as the primary liaison with the Authorizing Official (AO), Security Control Assessor (SCA), and other security stakeholders. Prepare and manage all necessary documentation to achieve and maintain the system's ATO.
Support required documentation, such as SCGs and SSPs
Direct and oversee all technical security activities, including vulnerability scanning (e.g., ACAS), Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) implementation, patch management, and the mitigation of security findings.
Ensure all cybersecurity operations, testing, and monitoring are conducted in accordance with policies governing the Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS) and other high-side environments.
Regularly brief program leadership and government customers on the system's cybersecurity posture, risks, and mitigation strategies.
Other duties as assigned.