Cleared On Site Information Systems Security Officers (ISSO) (5359)

SMX•Washington, DC

1d•$105,200 - $176,900•Onsite

About The Position

SMX is seeking a highly experienced Information System Security Officer (ISSO) – Sr to support a mission-critical federal program in Washington, DC. This individual will serve as a senior cybersecurity professional and trusted advisor responsible for ensuring the security, compliance, and operational integrity of enterprise information systems supporting critical mission functions. The selected candidate will function as the principal advisor to System Owners (SOs), Business Process Owners, Information System Security Managers (ISSMs), and cybersecurity leadership on all matters involving information system security. This role requires extensive experience implementing and maintaining security controls, supporting Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities, leading authorization efforts, and providing technical guidance across multiple systems and projects. The ISSO – Sr will serve as a technical expert responsible for evaluating security posture, mitigating risk, recommending security improvements, and ensuring compliance with federal cybersecurity requirements.

Requirements

Active TS/SCI clearance required
Minimum of 8 years of professional experience supporting cybersecurity, information assurance, RMF, or information system security activities
Demonstrated experience serving as an ISSO, ISSM support resource, cybersecurity lead, or senior security practitioner within a federal environment
Extensive experience supporting Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities and Authorization to Operate (ATO) processes
Experience developing and maintaining SSPs, POA&Ms, Security Assessment Plans, authorization artifacts, and related security documentation
Strong knowledge of NIST 800-53, NIST 800-37, FISMA, and federal cybersecurity requirements
Experience implementing, assessing, and maintaining security controls across enterprise information systems
Experience supporting continuous monitoring programs, vulnerability management, and compliance initiatives
Experience evaluating system security risks and developing risk-based mitigation strategies
Experience supporting audits, assessments, inspections, and compliance reviews
Strong understanding of access control management, security documentation, risk assessment, and security operations
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
Ability to communicate technical security concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and supporting complex security initiatives

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field
Advanced degree preferred
Experience supporting federal government, law enforcement, intelligence community, or national security programs
Experience supporting cloud environments and cloud security compliance requirements
Experience supporting Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) platforms and security workflow management solutions
Familiarity with enterprise cybersecurity tools including: Splunk, Tenable Nessus, Security Center, SIEM Platforms, Vulnerability Management Tools, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Solutions
Experience supporting Zero Trust initiatives and cybersecurity modernization efforts
Familiarity with Agile delivery methodologies and DevSecOps practices
One or more of the following certifications preferred: CISSP, CAP (Certified Authorization Professional), CISM, CASP+, CCSP, Security+, GSEC
Other relevant cybersecurity certifications
Experience supervising, mentoring, or leading cybersecurity teams preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as the principal security advisor to System Owners (SOs), Business Process Owners, ISSMs, and program leadership on matters related to information system security
Lead implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of security controls across enterprise systems and applications
Direct and coordinate RMF activities including system categorization, control implementation, security assessments, authorization activities, and continuous monitoring
Develop, review, and maintain System Security Plans (SSPs), POA&Ms, Security Assessment Plans, security procedures, and related authorization documentation
Evaluate system security posture and recommend corrective actions to address risks, vulnerabilities, and compliance deficiencies
Lead security reviews and assessments to validate implementation and effectiveness of security controls
Coordinate with engineers, system administrators, developers, and government stakeholders to ensure security requirements are integrated throughout the system lifecycle
Support Authorization to Operate (ATO) activities and ongoing authorization maintenance efforts
Direct vulnerability management activities including identification, remediation tracking, risk assessment, and validation of corrective actions
Review and validate access control implementations, privileged account management, hardware inventories, software inventories, and security configurations
Develop security reports, dashboards, metrics, and recommendations for government leadership
Support audit activities, compliance reviews, inspections, and security assessments conducted by internal and external organizations
Provide guidance regarding physical and logical protection of information system assets
Evaluate security program effectiveness and recommend improvements to policies, procedures, and operational practices
Support incident response, security investigations, and remediation activities as required
Lead major security initiatives and provide mentorship and guidance to junior cybersecurity personnel
Advise leadership on emerging threats, cybersecurity risks, and security modernization opportunities