ISSE

Job#: 3053931

Job Description:


Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE)

Interested candidates should apply directly to

Location: Dahlgren, VA - posiiton is hybrid (3 days onsite)

Duration: Anticipated 6 month contract to hire opportunity

Salary: $55-67/hr - weekly pay on W2

Clearance: Qualified candidates should have an active DOD Top Secret clearance

Certifications: IAT II certification is required

Apex Systems is seeking an experienced Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE) to support mission-critical Department of Defense programs in Dahlgren, VA. This role is responsible for developing, maintaining, and managing Risk Management Framework (RMF) Assessment and Authorization (A&A) packages while ensuring compliance with cybersecurity requirements and federal security standards. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting DoD environments, conducting security assessments, and working with system owners, engineers, and cybersecurity stakeholders throughout the RMF lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and manage RMF Assessment and Authorization (A&A) packages.
• Support the implementation and execution of the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) process.
• Conduct security assessments to identify vulnerabilities, risks, and compliance gaps.
• Document assessment findings and provide recommendations for risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with engineers, system administrators, and stakeholders to ensure security controls are properly implemented and maintained.
• Support continuous monitoring activities and security compliance efforts.
• Assist with Interim Authority to Test (IATT) documentation and activities.
• Maintain security documentation, reports, and authorization artifacts.
• Stay current on cybersecurity regulations, emerging threats, and industry best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience supporting RMF and Assessment & Authorization (A&A) activities.
• Strong knowledge of NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-37, and DoD cybersecurity requirements.
• Experience implementing and testing security controls.
• Experience conducting vulnerability assessments and security reviews.
• Experience with security assessment tools such as Nessus.
• Understanding of DoD cybersecurity compliance processes and system accreditation.
• Knowledge of RDT&E and/or tactical systems environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Enterprise Mission Assurance Support Service (eMASS).
• Experience managing DoD or Department of the Navy cybersecurity portfolios.
• Working knowledge of STIG Viewer, Vulnerability Remediation Asset Manager (VRAM), and Compliance Technical Orders (CTOs).
• Experience supporting Interim Authority to Test (IATT) efforts.

Required Certifications & Clearance

• Active Top Secret Security Clearance required.
• DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II certification required (Security+, CySA+, CCNA Security, GICSP, SSCP, or equivalent).

Why Apex Systems

Apex Systems connects top technology professionals with opportunities supporting critical national security missions. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on impactful programs supporting the federal government.Bowhead is seeking an experienced ISSE / Systems Security Engineer to support a government program's Information Assurance Security Engineer (IASE) mission in Dahlgren, VA. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise, disciplined cybersecurity engineering practices, and exceptional communication skills to ensure secure system design, compliance, and continuous monitoring across complex RDTE environments.

This role requires close coordination with Code 104 technical teams, 1043 Command ISSMs, system administrators, developers, and external partners. The ISSE will serve as a critical liaison, ensuring alignment between engineering activities and command-level cybersecurity requirements.

Responsibilities

Essential functions for the Systems Security Engineer include, but are not limited to:

Assist with development, interpretation, and maintaining of cybersecurity policies, system-specific governance documents, and IA guidance to ensure compliance with DoD, Navy, and program requirements.

Support continuous monitoring activities, including log analysis, vulnerability tracking, control effectiveness validation, and coordination with system administrators to maintain real-time awareness of system security posture.

Support the design and refine repeatable cybersecurity processes that enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and strengthen compliance across the system lifecycle.

Assist in the identification and implementation of automation opportunities for configuration validation, compliance reporting, vulnerability scanning workflows, and security control testing.

Deliver clear, concise, and technically accurate communication to engineering teams, ISSMs, leadership, and stakeholders. Produce high-quality documentation, briefings, and risk analyses.

Liaison Between Code 104 and 1043 ISSMs - Serve as the primary bridge between technical engineering counterparts and command cybersecurity authorities to ensure alignment on security requirements, system changes, and risk decisions.

Build strong relationships with system owners, developers, administrators, ISSMs, and external partners. Facilitate collaboration, resolve security concerns, and maintain alignment across all parties.

Produce PIT designation requests, PIT Risk Assessments, DIACAP plans, and other required cybersecurity artifacts.

Support system authorization and operational security through structured documentation and remediation planning.

Work with system administrators to conduct host and network vulnerability assessments and develop mitigation strategies.

Collaborate closely with the IASE, system administrators, engineers, and developers to ensure secure system design and operation.

Qualifications

Five (5+) or more years of relevant experience required

High School Diploma required or BA degree highly desired

Knowledgeable with DoD security and IA requirements as outlined in DoDI 8500.2 and the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guidelines (STIG).

Must have knowledge of basic to advanced UNIX and Windows system administration. Current knowledge of DoD Ports, Protocols, and Services (PPS), Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), and DoD Information Assurance Vulnerability Management (IAVM) policies and standards.

DoD 8570 Information Assurance Management Level II certification

Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and outside contacts

Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment with the ability to work alone or as part of a team

Experience with security assessment tools such as Nessus

Experience with security control implementation and testing

Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment

Physical Demands:

Must be able to lift up to 15-20 pounds or more

Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time

Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

• SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must currently hold a security clearance at the Top Secret level. ship is a requirement for Top Secret clearance at this location.

Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

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Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.

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