Government Cybersecurity

Information System Security Officer (ISSO) – TS/SCI Full Scope Poly – Annapolis Junction, MD

Information System Security Officer (ISSO) – TS/SCI Full Scope Poly

📍 Location: Annapolis Junction, MD
🏢 Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
🔒 Security Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph (NSA Preferred)
🇺🇸 Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Required
🚫 Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
🚚 Relocation Assistance: Available
💰 Compensation: $100,000 – $200,000 Base Salary

Overview

A leading government technology contractor is seeking Information System Security Officers (ISSOs) to support mission-critical classified programs within highly secure government environments.

This role is responsible for maintaining cybersecurity compliance throughout the Risk Management Framework (RMF) lifecycle, supporting system accreditation, continuous monitoring, vulnerability management, and ongoing cybersecurity operations.

The ideal candidate will possess strong RMF expertise, experience supporting classified environments, and the ability to work closely with System Administrators, System Owners, Information System Security Managers (ISSMs), Security Control Assessors, and Government stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Risk Management Framework (RMF)

  • Support the full RMF lifecycle for classified systems.

  • Develop and maintain RMF documentation and accreditation packages.

  • Coordinate Authority to Operate (ATO) activities.

  • Support security authorization and reauthorization efforts.

  • Ensure systems maintain compliance with cybersecurity requirements.

Security Compliance & Assessments

  • Conduct security control reviews and assessments.

  • Validate implementation of required security controls.

  • Monitor compliance against NIST and government standards.

  • Support internal and external cybersecurity audits.

Continuous Monitoring (ConMon)

  • Support ongoing Continuous Monitoring activities.

  • Review system configurations and compliance posture.

  • Analyze vulnerability findings and remediation efforts.

  • Track compliance status and corrective actions.

Vulnerability & Risk Management

  • Monitor vulnerabilities and security findings.

  • Coordinate remediation efforts with technical teams.

  • Assess risk and recommend mitigation strategies.

  • Support vulnerability management programs.

Stakeholder Collaboration

  • Work closely with:

    • System Administrators

    • System Owners

    • ISSMs

    • Security Control Assessors

    • Government Security Teams

  • Provide security guidance and compliance recommendations.

  • Support cybersecurity reviews and inspections.

Required Qualifications

Security Requirements

✔ Active TS/SCI Clearance

✔ Active Full Scope Polygraph (NSA Preferred)

✔ U.S. Citizenship Required

Cybersecurity & RMF Experience

Experience supporting:

  • Information Assurance (IA)

  • Cybersecurity Compliance

  • ISSO Functions

  • Classified Information Systems

Strong understanding of:

  • Risk Management Framework (RMF)

  • Authority to Operate (ATO)

  • Security Control Assessments

  • Continuous Monitoring (ConMon)

  • Risk Assessment Methodologies

RMF & Compliance Tools

Experience with one or more of:

  • LATTEART

  • XACTA

  • BISCOTTI

  • WATCHCAT

  • STE

Experience with:

  • Compliance scanning tools

  • Configuration assessment tools

  • Vulnerability management platforms

NIST Framework Knowledge

Strong familiarity with:

  • NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 3 and/or Rev. 5

  • NIST SP 800-37

  • Security Controls

  • RMF Documentation Requirements

Required Documentation Experience

Candidates should have experience creating, reviewing, or maintaining:

Security Documentation

  • System Security Plans (SSP)

  • Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&M)

  • Security Plan Findings (SPF)

  • Exception Documentation

Risk & Compliance Documentation

  • Risk Assessment Reports (RAR)

  • Security Assessment Reports (SAR)

  • Business Impact Assessments (BIA)

  • Configuration Management Plans (CMP)

  • Contingency Plans (CP)

  • After Action Reports (AAR)

Preferred Qualifications

Government & Classified Environment Experience

  • Classified Government systems

  • Security audits and inspections

  • Compliance reviews

  • Vulnerability remediation programs

Stakeholder Coordination

Experience coordinating with:

  • Authorizing Officials (AO)

  • Security Control Assessors (SCA)

  • ISSMs

  • System Owners

Technical Knowledge

  • Operating System Security

  • System Administration Concepts

  • Vulnerability Management

  • Configuration Management

Preferred Certifications

Highly desired certifications include:

  • CompTIA Security+

  • CISSP

  • CAP

  • CASP+

  • CISM

Must-Have Requirements

Clearance

✅ Active TS/SCI Clearance

✅ Active Full Scope Polygraph

Cybersecurity

✅ RMF Experience

✅ ATO Experience

✅ Continuous Monitoring (ConMon)

✅ Security Control Assessments

Documentation

✅ SSP Development

✅ POA&M Management

✅ Security Compliance Documentation

Soft Skills

✅ Strong Written Communication

✅ Strong Organizational Skills

✅ Risk-Based Decision Making

✅ Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

Screening Questions

  1. Do you currently hold an active TS/SCI clearance with a Full Scope Polygraph?

  2. Was your Full Scope Polygraph issued by NSA?

  3. When was your most recent Full Scope Polygraph completed?

  4. How many years of ISSO, Information Assurance, or Cybersecurity compliance experience do you have?

  5. Have you supported the full RMF lifecycle, including ATO activities?

  6. Which RMF compliance tools have you used (XACTA, LATTEART, BISCOTTI, WATCHCAT, STE)?

  7. Have you developed or maintained SSPs, POA&Ms, SARs, or RARs?

  8. What experience do you have with NIST 800-53 and NIST 800-37?

  9. Do you have experience supporting classified Government systems?

  10. Do you hold any cybersecurity certifications such as Security+, CISSP, CAP, CASP+, or CISM?

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will:

  • Hold an active TS/SCI Full Scope Polygraph.

  • Have strong ISSO or Information Assurance experience within classified environments.

  • Possess deep knowledge of RMF, ATO, and Continuous Monitoring processes.

  • Be highly detail-oriented and documentation-focused.

  • Have experience working with government cybersecurity compliance tools.

  • Understand vulnerability management and risk mitigation practices.

  • Effectively collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

  • Balance mission requirements with cybersecurity compliance obligations.

Candidate Snapshot

Requirement

Details

Clearance

Active TS/SCI + Full Scope Poly

Citizenship

U.S. Citizen

Experience Level

Mid-Level to Senior

Frameworks

RMF, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-37

Compliance

ATO, ConMon, Security Controls

Documentation

SSP, POA&M, SAR, RAR, CMP, CP

Tools

XACTA, LATTEART, BISCOTTI, WATCHCAT, STE

Certifications

Security+, CISSP, CAP, CASP+, CISM (Preferred)

Location

Annapolis Junction, MD

Work Arrangement

100% Onsite

Travel

None

Compensation

$100K – $200K

Relocation

Available

Why This Opportunity?

Mission Impact

Support highly classified national security programs and critical government systems.

Cybersecurity Leadership

Play a key role in accreditation, compliance, risk management, and cybersecurity governance activities.

Career Growth

Work alongside highly skilled cybersecurity professionals supporting some of the nation's most sensitive environments.

Excellent Benefits

  • 3 Weeks PTO

  • 11 Federal Holidays

  • Medical & Dental Coverage

  • Life Insurance

  • STD & LTD Coverage

  • 401(k) with Company Match

  • Long-Term Career Development

This opportunity is ideal for an ISSO, Information Assurance Analyst, Cybersecurity Compliance Analyst, RMF Analyst, Information Security Specialist, Security Control Assessor Support Specialist, or Cybersecurity Governance Professional with an active TS/SCI Full Scope Polygraph seeking to support mission-critical government programs.

 

Information System Security Engineer (ISSE) – TS/SCI Full Scope Poly – Annapolis Junction, MD

Information System Security Engineer (ISSE) – TS/SCI Full Scope Poly

📍 Location: Annapolis Junction, MD
🏢 Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
🔒 Security Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph (NSA Preferred)
🇺🇸 Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Required
🎓 Certification Required: DoD 8570/8140 IASAE Level II Compliant Certification
🚫 Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
🚚 Relocation Assistance: Available
💰 Compensation: $100,000 – $200,000 Base Salary

Overview

A leading government technology contractor is seeking Information System Security Engineers (ISSEs) to support mission-critical classified government programs.

This role focuses on integrating cybersecurity engineering principles throughout the entire system lifecycle, including system design, implementation, accreditation, continuous monitoring, and sustainment. The ISSE will play a critical role in Risk Management Framework (RMF) execution, Assessment & Authorization (A&A) activities, security control validation, and ongoing cybersecurity compliance.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of cybersecurity engineering, RMF expertise, technical security assessment experience, and security architecture knowledge within highly secure classified environments.

Key Responsibilities

Risk Management Framework (RMF)

  • Support the full RMF lifecycle for classified information systems.

  • Develop and maintain RMF documentation and security artifacts.

  • Assist with Authority to Operate (ATO) activities and sustainment.

  • Support Assessment & Authorization (A&A) efforts.

  • Maintain body-of-evidence packages for accreditation activities.

Security Engineering

  • Implement and validate security controls.

  • Perform Security Control Traceability and technical validation.

  • Support system boundary definition and security architecture development.

  • Conduct technical security assessments and risk analysis.

  • Recommend security improvements and mitigation strategies.

Compliance & Continuous Monitoring

  • Participate in Continuous Monitoring (ConMon) activities.

  • Conduct compliance assessments and security reviews.

  • Analyze vulnerability scan results and remediation efforts.

  • Verify remediation effectiveness and identify false positives.

  • Ensure ongoing compliance with cybersecurity requirements.

Vulnerability Management & Hardening

  • Support vulnerability management programs.

  • Implement and validate STIG compliance.

  • Support patch validation and security compliance efforts.

  • Assist with system hardening initiatives.

  • Coordinate remediation activities with technical teams.

Stakeholder Collaboration

  • Work closely with:

    • ISSOs

    • ISSMs

    • Security Control Assessors (SCAs)

    • System Owners

    • System Administrators

  • Support accreditation, compliance, and cybersecurity engineering efforts across mission systems.

Required Qualifications

Security Requirements

✔ Active TS/SCI Clearance

✔ Active Full Scope Polygraph (NSA Preferred)

✔ U.S. Citizenship Required

Certification Requirement

✔ DoD 8570/8140 IASAE Level II Compliant Certification

Examples include:

  • CISSP

  • CASP+

  • CCSP

  • CSSLP

Cybersecurity & RMF Experience

Strong experience with:

  • Risk Management Framework (RMF)

  • Assessment & Authorization (A&A)

  • Authority to Operate (ATO)

  • Security Control Implementation

  • Security Control Validation

  • Continuous Monitoring (ConMon)

NIST Knowledge

Strong familiarity with:

  • NIST SP 800-37

  • NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 3 and/or Rev. 5

  • Security Control Frameworks

  • RMF Compliance Processes

RMF & Compliance Tools

Experience with one or more of:

  • LATTEART

  • XACTA

  • BISCOTTI

  • WATCHCAT

  • STE

Additional experience with:

  • Compliance scanning tools

  • Configuration assessment tools

  • Vulnerability management platforms

Core ISSE Skill Areas

Security Engineering

  • Security Control Implementation

  • Security Control Validation

  • Security Architecture Support

  • System Boundary Definition

Compliance & Accreditation

  • Assessment & Authorization (A&A)

  • RMF Artifact Development

  • Accreditation Package Support

  • Body of Evidence Management

Vulnerability Management

  • Vulnerability Analysis

  • Remediation Tracking

  • Patch Validation

  • STIG Compliance

  • Security Hardening

Risk Management

  • Technical Risk Analysis

  • Compliance Validation

  • Continuous Monitoring (ConMon)

  • Security Assessment Support

Preferred Qualifications

Government & Classified Environment Experience

  • Classified Government cybersecurity programs.

  • Large-scale enterprise systems.

  • Mission-critical environments.

Technical Infrastructure Exposure

Experience supporting:

  • Enterprise Linux environments

  • Network infrastructure

  • Cloud environments

Stakeholder Coordination

Experience collaborating with:

  • ISSOs

  • ISSMs

  • Security Control Assessors

  • System Owners

  • Engineering Teams

Must-Have Requirements

Clearance

✅ Active TS/SCI Clearance

✅ Active Full Scope Polygraph

Certification

✅ IASAE Level II Certification

Cybersecurity

✅ RMF Experience

✅ A&A Experience

✅ ATO Experience

✅ Security Control Validation

Compliance

✅ Continuous Monitoring

✅ Vulnerability Management

✅ STIG Implementation

Documentation

✅ RMF Artifacts

✅ Accreditation Packages

✅ Security Documentation

Screening Questions

  1. Do you currently hold an active TS/SCI clearance with a Full Scope Polygraph?

  2. Was your Full Scope Polygraph issued by NSA?

  3. When was your most recent Full Scope Polygraph completed?

  4. Which IASAE Level II certification do you currently hold (CISSP, CASP+, CCSP, CSSLP, etc.)?

  5. How many years of ISSE or cybersecurity engineering experience do you have?

  6. Have you supported the full RMF lifecycle, including A&A and ATO activities?

  7. Which RMF tools have you used (XACTA, LATTEART, BISCOTTI, WATCHCAT, STE)?

  8. Do you have experience implementing and validating security controls?

  9. Have you supported STIG implementation, vulnerability remediation, and compliance validation?

  10. Do you have experience supporting classified government systems?

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will:

  • Hold an active TS/SCI Full Scope Polygraph.

  • Possess an active IASAE Level II certification.

  • Have strong cybersecurity engineering experience within classified environments.

  • Be highly knowledgeable in RMF, A&A, and ATO processes.

  • Understand security architecture, control implementation, and compliance validation.

  • Have experience supporting vulnerability management and STIG compliance.

  • Demonstrate excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.

  • Balance mission objectives with cybersecurity requirements and risk management practices.

Candidate Snapshot

Requirement

Details

Clearance

Active TS/SCI + Full Scope Poly

Citizenship

U.S. Citizen

Experience Level

Mid-Level to Senior

Certification

IASAE Level II Required

Frameworks

RMF, NIST 800-37, NIST 800-53

Compliance

A&A, ATO, ConMon

Security

Control Implementation & Validation

Documentation

RMF Artifacts & Accreditation Packages

Tools

XACTA, LATTEART, BISCOTTI, WATCHCAT, STE

Location

Annapolis Junction, MD

Work Arrangement

100% Onsite

Travel

None

Compensation

$100K – $200K

Relocation

Available

Why This Opportunity?

Mission Impact

Support highly classified systems that directly contribute to critical national security missions.

Cybersecurity Engineering Focus

Move beyond compliance into hands-on security engineering, architecture support, security control validation, and accreditation activities.

Technical Growth

Gain exposure to advanced RMF processes, security engineering practices, vulnerability management, and enterprise cybersecurity operations.

Strong Benefits Package

  • 3 Weeks PTO

  • 11 Federal Holidays

  • Medical & Dental Coverage

  • Life Insurance

  • STD & LTD Coverage

  • 401(k) with Company Match

  • Long-Term Career Development

This opportunity is ideal for an Information System Security Engineer (ISSE), Cybersecurity Engineer, RMF Engineer, Security Compliance Engineer, Cybersecurity Architect, A&A Specialist, or Security Controls Engineer with an active TS/SCI Full Scope Polygraph and IASAE Level II certification seeking to support highly sensitive government programs.

 

Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE) & Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) | TS/SCI FS Poly | $220K–$260K | Annapolis Junction, MD

Job Title: Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE) & Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)
Location: Annapolis Junction, Maryland (100% Onsite)
Clearance Required: TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph (FS Poly)
Compensation: $220,000 – $260,000 base salary
Employment Type: Full-time
Relocation Assistance: Possible for ideal candidate
Benefits: Full benefits offered
Visa Candidates: Not considered

Overview:

We are hiring two experienced cybersecurity professionals for an exciting and mission-critical government program based in Annapolis Junction, MD. Both roles require active TS/SCI with Full Scope Poly (poly must be within the past 5 years and from a Maryland Intelligence Customer). While both positions are integral to the security posture of the program, each requires a different focus, background, and certification path.

1. Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE)

Role ID: 727
Seniority Level: Mid to Senior
Clearance: TS/SCI w/ FS Poly (mandatory)
Certifications Required:

  • CISSP (Required)

  • ISSEP (Preferred or willing to obtain during crossover if CISSP has been held for 2+ years)

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement system security designs and architectures for complex, large-scale systems.

  • Lead security risk assessment and mitigation throughout the system development lifecycle.

  • Conduct system security planning, vulnerability testing, and compliance verification.

  • Analyze and implement secure communication protocols, encryption tools, and secure OS configurations.

  • Collaborate with engineers across integration, testing, and development teams to ensure compliance with classified information handling.

  • Use tools such as Nessus, NMAP, Wireshark for threat identification and remediation.

  • Support RMF, risk management activities, and IA (Information Assurance) processes.

Preferred Experience:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, or related field.

  • Experience with Defense-in-Depth principles, secure software architecture, and penetration testing tools.

  • Proficient in scripting languages and secure configuration management.

2. Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)

Role ID: 643
Seniority Level: Mid to Senior
Clearance: TS/SCI w/ FS Poly (mandatory)
Certifications Required:

  • IAT Level II or IAM Level II certification (Required)

    • Examples: Security+ CE, CASP+, CISSP, CISM, or similar

Key Responsibilities:

  • Act as ISSO for a large-scale software development and IT operations program.

  • Enforce security policies and maintain operational security posture of systems.

  • Manage documentation for system Certification & Accreditation (C&A) and Security Plans (SSPs).

  • Conduct vulnerability remediation, IAVA compliance, and configuration management for system security.

  • Support day-to-day information system operations, network security, and audit readiness.

  • Coordinate with ISSM and other security stakeholders to ensure secure system integration and lifecycle support.

Preferred Experience:

  • 10+ years as an ISSO in complex, standalone, or connected environments.

  • Experience maintaining SSPs, performing incident response, and managing vulnerability scans.

  • Familiarity with tools supporting IAVA management, CM, and system auditing.

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 12+ years of overall security experience preferred.

Ideal Candidate Profile (Both Roles):

  • Must hold a current FS Poly with the Maryland Intelligence Customer (within the past 5 years).

  • No prior CCAs (Counterintelligence Concerns).

  • Excellent verbal/written communication skills and team collaboration.

  • Strong commitment to best practices and high-integrity security operations.

Additional Notes:

  • Both roles are 100% onsite in Annapolis Junction, MD.

  • Do not repost these positions.

  • Candidates must be U.S. Citizens with an active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph.