Lead Cybersecurity Engineer (TS/SCI)

Praescient Analytics • Washington, DC

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Praescient Analytics is seeking a highly qualified Lead Cybersecurity Engineer to support the Defense Intelligence Agency's Analytic Innovation Office (DIA/AIO). This critical initiative focuses on driving innovation through scalable AI/ML solutions, modernizing legacy applications into cloud-based Platform as a Service (PaaS) environments, and embedding robust DevSecOps practices across the Defense Intelligence All-Source Analytic Enterprise (DIAAE). As the Lead Cybersecurity Engineer, you will provide cybersecurity leadership, architecture design, and technical oversight for application development and systems engineering activities. You will be responsible for defining the technical security posture of all next-generation analytic applications, ensuring secure coding practices, and driving continuous monitoring and risk assessment frameworks across multiple classification domains.

Requirements

• Minimum of eight (8) years of senior-level experience in application security, secure software development, and cybersecurity engineering within DoD/IC environments.
• Active DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level III certification (e.g., CASP+, CCNP Security, or equivalent).
• Active TS/SCI clearance (with ability to pass/maintain a CI Polygraph).
• U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Expert-level certifications such as CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP, CISM, or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
• Proven track record of securing cloud-native solutions (AWS, Azure PaaS environments) and integrating automated security gates into Kubernetes or OpenShift container pipelines.
• Knowledge of securing AI/ML models against adversarial attacks, data poisoning, and model extraction vectors.
• Demonstrated history of successful ATO submissions and navigating systemic risk management processes for complex federal IT enterprises.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, technical policies, and procedures in strict alignment with NIST SP 800-53, DoD RMF, ICD 503, and Zero Trust architecture principles.
• Proactively engage with the DIA CIO to ensure information technology security, architecture, and compliance mandates are effectively implemented.
• Collaborate on formal accreditation efforts to ensure all advanced systems achieve Authority to Operate (ATO) eligibility.
• Enforce secure software development lifecycles (SDLC) and secure coding standards aligned with OWASP guidelines.
• Oversee the integration of security mechanisms into a fully automated Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipeline.
• Coordinate and review comprehensive security testing results, including static code analysis (e.g., SonarQube, Fortify), dynamic application security testing (DAST), container security scanning, and third-party dependency analysis.
• Manage incident response protocols, conduct defensive cybersecurity operations, track vulnerability remediations, and lead root-cause analysis for critical security incidents.
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of crucial compliance artifacts, including Security Control Implementation Plans, Continuous Monitoring Strategies, Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) tracking, and complete ATO packages.
• Lead, mentor, and train junior cybersecurity staff and developers on emerging threats, application security, and cloud security frameworks.

Benefits

• Very competitive salary based on qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive, Company paid healthcare for you (We pay your premiums and deductibles)
• 401(k) with company match
• Travel & performance incentives
• 3 weeks paid time off (plus Federal Holidays)
• $5K annual training allowance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior