Senior Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)

Independent Software • Columbia, MD

64d

About The Position

As an Information Systems Security Officer at Independent Software, you will enhance the security posture of mission critical systems supporting the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. You will oversee the full lifecycle of cybersecurity operations from implementing Risk Management Framework controls to maintaining system accreditation while collaborating closely with engineering and program management teams to safeguard classified environments. Your technical expertise and leadership will directly support the secure design, configuration, and continuous monitoring of systems that enable national security missions.

Requirements

• Ability to interpret and apply Department of Defense, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Intelligence Community security standards including NIST SP 800-53, CNSSI 1253, and DoDI 8510.01
• Skilled in Risk Management Framework steps 1 through 6, risk mitigation, and continuous monitoring
• Experience implementing and validating technical controls for operating systems, applications, and network devices
• Hands-on experience with vulnerability scanners, audit tools, and enterprise security management systems such as ACAS, Nessus, or comparable tools
• Ability to perform detailed risk assessments and author clear, actionable security documentation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to brief stakeholders and leadership
• Proven ability to work in a cross-functional classified environment with minimal supervision
• Exposure to infrastructure provisioning or configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Terraform)

Responsibilities

• Manage daily security operations for information systems ensuring compliance with Department of Defense and Intelligence Community cybersecurity policies, directives, and frameworks
• Conduct vulnerability and risk assessments to support accreditation decisions and ensure system integrity throughout development and sustainment
• Administer configuration control for security software, hardware, and firmware ensuring all changes are evaluated for potential security impacts
• Create and maintain critical security documentation including System Security Plans (SSPs), Risk Assessment Reports (RARs), Plan of Actions and Milestones (POA&Ms), Certification and Accreditation Packages, and System Requirements Traceability Matrices (SRTMs)
• Lead system authorization efforts in accordance with the Department of Defense Risk Management Framework process and legacy NISCAP standards ensuring timely submission and approval of security artifacts
• Evaluate, implement, and maintain the use of agency specific security tools such as Latteart, Biscoti, and Xacata for monitoring and reporting
• Assess current security processes, identify vulnerabilities, and develop proactive solutions to strengthen the organization’s cybersecurity posture
• Work directly with system administrators, engineers, and program leadership to resolve security issues and embed cybersecurity best practices across all project phases

Benefits

• Support critical national security missions that matter
• Be part of a close-knit, employee-first culture where your voice is heard
• Expand your skills through ongoing training, mentorship, and career development
• Enjoy competitive compensation, generous benefits, and work-life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree