Information System Security Engineer-ISSE

Overview: Cyber Defense Technologies (CDT) is seeking a proactive Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE) to support Risk Management Framework (RMF) compliance, system hardening, and security engineering across a diverse portfolio of systems. This role requires independent ownership of complex security challenges— from vulnerability assessment and remediation through continuous monitoring—while ensuring alignment with DoW and USSOCOM security policies.

You will bridge high-level security architecture with hands-on implementation across physical and virtual operating systems, networking devices, enterprise, embedded, and air-gapped environments.

Clearance Requirements: An active Secret clearance is required, TS/SCI preferred. All candidates must be U.S. Citizens. Applicants who do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Perform security design, configuration, hardening, testing, and monitoring of advanced information systems independently or as part of a team.
• Conduct vulnerability testing and apply current compliance standards and technical controls across Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, and related platforms.
• Support security architecture development; enforce trusted relationships with external systems; assess and mitigate security threats/risks throughout the program lifecycle.
• Assist vendors and system developers in implementing DoW/USSOCOM security functionality and enterprise solutions.
• Contribute to security planning, assessment, risk analysis, risk management, certification, and awareness activities.
• Review Assessment & Authorization (A&A;) documentation for completeness and compliance.
• Support rapid Fielding and Deployment Release processes by ensuring RMF and Authorization to Operate (ATO) requirements are met.
• Create and maintain IA policy documentation and RMF artifacts, including System Security Plans (SSP), Security Assessment Reports, Risk Assessments, POA&Ms, Control Implementation/Validation documents, Ports/Protocols/Services matrices, network/architecture diagrams, and accreditation boundaries.
• Execute cross-platform patch management and system imaging.
• Map NIST 800-53 controls and DISA CCIs to system capabilities in support of ATO maintenance and renewals.
• Engage customer technical points of contact as needed during architecture and implementation activities.

Technical Areas of Expertise:

• Experience with RMF process and requirements (NIST 800-53)
• Experience with virtualized and standalone environments (VMware)
• Experience with patch management solutions
• Experience with standard forensic practices, imaging software, tools, and techniques
• Experience with Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) experience
• Experience with Vulnerability Management (Nessus, NexPose, OpenVAS, etc)
• ELINT, Radio Frequency, Electronic Warfare, and/or SIGINT experience a plus
• Translating technical customer requirements into business process and tasking
• Technical consulting both buyer and end user customer personnel in a complex environment
• System Administration experience with Linux and Windows
• Experience with administration and forensic practices with mobile platforms is a plus

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or related technical field; or work relevant work experience equivalent.
• Minimum 4 years of information security-related experience in areas such as security operations, vulnerability management, security testing, system patching, log analysis, intrusion detection, or security device administration.
• Knowledge of RMF, Windows/Linux operating systems, STIGs, ACAS, HBSS, and/or related technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, analyze root causes, and drive solutions from identification through resolution.
• U.S. Citizenship and active Secret clearance (or higher), clearable to TS/SCI.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Active DoD 8570 IAT Level II (or higher) certification preferred at time of hire (e.g., Security CE, CASP , CISSP).
• Hands-on experience with vulnerability assessment tools (ACAS, Nessus, SCAP), VMware, image deployment/orchestration, and multi-platform hardening.
• Technology-specific certifications (Cisco, VMware, Microsoft, etc.) relevant to the environment.
• Experience supporting rapid ATO processes and continuous monitoring in DoD/IC environments.

Travel: CONUS Travel of 10 to 15% may be required depending on program needs

Why Join Cyber Defense Technologies?

At CDT, we offer a collaborative and inclusive work environment where your expertise in system security can help shape the future of cybersecurity and engineering solutions.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary based. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on work experience, education, certifications, geographic location, contract wage determination that align with the specified role.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including Health, Dental, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Short-term and Long-term disabilities, Life Insurance, Retirement plans, Learning and Development opportunities, Wellness programs as well as other optional benefits elections.

CDT is committed to hiring without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

Apply Now:

• If you are a proactive Information System Security Engineer (ISSE) and thrive in dynamic environments, we encourage you to apply and join the CDT team!