Senior Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)

CesiumAstro•El Segundo, CA

19h•$127,000 - $150,000

About The Position

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team. We are seeking a Senior Information Systems Security Officer to assist with the development, implementation, and maintenance of our information security strategy. In this position, you will be responsible for the execution, maintenance, and continuous monitoring of information system security controls for classified and unclassified systems within an aerospace and defense environment. This role supports compliance with DoD cybersecurity requirements including NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-171, CMMC Level 2 (with exposure to Level 3), and applicable Intelligence Community and customer security directives. The Senior ISSO works under the direction of the ISSM and serves as a senior individual contributor, providing hands-on system security support, risk management, authorization and accreditation activities, SCIF sustainment, and ongoing compliance monitoring across multiple programs.

Requirements

Bachelorâs degree in Information Security, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Minimum of 5 years of progressive in information system security, cybersecurity compliance, or ISSO-related roles within aerospace, defense, or government environments.
Experience supporting CMMC Level 2 compliance is required.
Active U.S. DOD security clearance is required. Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
Experience supporting classified and unclassified information systems in a DoD or aerospace and defense environment.
Understanding of system authorization, continuous monitoring, and risk management processes.
Familiarity with SCIF operations and classified system security requirements.
Ability to interpret government security directives and translate them into actionable system controls.
Proficiency in vulnerability scanning and assessment tools, security monitoring and logging tools, and GRC and compliance tools (e.g., eMASS or equivalent).
Strong working knowledge of NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-171, RMF, and CMMC requirements.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills.
Ability to operate independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to CMMC Level 3

Responsibilities

Implement, maintain, and assess security controls in accordance with NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-171, RMF, and CMMC requirements.
Support system authorization activities including ATO packages, security plans (SSPs), POA&Ms, risk assessments, and continuous monitoring artifacts.
Perform ongoing security control assessments and vulnerability management to ensure systems remain compliant throughout their lifecycle.
Support internal and external audits, assessments, and government/customer reviews.
Provide cybersecurity support for classified systems and SCIF environments in coordination with security, facilities, and IT teams.
Ensure compliance with applicable classified system handling, marking, access control, and incident response requirements.
Assist with SCIF accreditation, sustainment, and change management activities.
Identify, assess, and document cybersecurity risks and recommend mitigation strategies to the ISSM and program stakeholders.
Support cybersecurity incident detection, response, reporting, and remediation activities in accordance with company policy and government requirements.
Participate in configuration change reviews to assess security impact prior to implementation.
Partner with IT, engineering, program management, and facilities teams to ensure security requirements are integrated into system design and operations.
Provide guidance and subject matter expertise to system owners and users on cybersecurity policies, procedures, and best practices.
Support onboarding of new systems, technologies, and programs from a cybersecurity compliance perspective.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date system security documentation.
Track compliance metrics and support continuous improvement of cybersecurity processes and controls.
Contribute to the development and refinement of cybersecurity policies, procedures, and standard operating practices.
Maintain strong working relationships across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Operations.