Application Security Engineer

Role Description

Ardent is seeking an Application Security Engineer to join the team. The Application Security Engineer supports application security assessment, vulnerability management, DevSecOps enablement, and secure reference implementation activities across USCIS systems and delivery environments. This role works closely with development, security, platform, and operations teams to:

• Identify application security risks
• Support remediation
• Validate fixes
• Improve security automation
• Maintain consistent security practices throughout the application lifecycle

The position also supports the development of proof-of-concept reference implementations and utility applications that demonstrate secure design patterns, integrate with DevSecOps tools, and help bridge process and technology gaps between development and security teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of professional IT experience, plus 4 years of experience supporting application security, cybersecurity, DevSecOps, or closely related subject matter requirements.
• Advanced technical knowledge of application security technologies, specialized applications, and operational environments.
• Experience performing technical and functional analysis, system integration, implementation, documentation, and technical guidance for complex application security or DevSecOps initiatives.
• Experience with application security testing and vulnerability assessment.
• Experience with secure coding practices and providing remediation guidance to development teams.
• Experience with static application security testing (SAST), dynamic application security testing (DAST), software composition analysis (SCA), container scanning, and dependency security.
• Experience integrating security controls and tools into CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps workflows.
• Experience developing proof-of-concept applications, secure reference implementations, utility applications, scripts, dashboards, or API-based integrations.
• Experience with vulnerability management workflows, including triage, documentation, remediation tracking, validation, and closure.
• Knowledge of application security frameworks and guidance, including Zero Trust, NIST, CISA, CIS, OWASP, and secure software development lifecycle practices.
• Experience working collaboratively with development, security, platform, operations, and other technical teams.

Requirements

• Review and interpret security scan results from tools such as SonarQube, Nexus IQ, Checkmarx, and Twistlock.
• Configure and support Nexus Repository Firewall policies and dependency blocking workflows.
• Analyze CVEs, CVSS scores, vulnerable dependency paths, and recommended component versions.
• Build simple proof-of-concept applications in common technology stacks such as Java/Spring Boot, Node.js, Python, Ruby, or .NET.
• Create automation scripts or utility applications using APIs from DevSecOps tools.
• Develop integrations that collect, normalize, and report security findings from multiple tools.
• Support Kubernetes and container security practices.
• Use Splunk and New Relic data to support application security monitoring and operational visibility.
• Work with Harness or similar CI/CD platforms to support security scanning and deployment controls.
• Translate security framework requirements into practical application security practices.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Comprehensive health coverage
• Flexible PTO
• Federal holidays off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development support
• Wellness stipends
• A culture that values and rewards hard work, dedication, and adaptability

Company Description

Ardent hires people who want more than a job — they want to serve a mission that matters. Our teams support the federal government’s most critical national security and defense priorities, helping protect the nation, strengthen resilience, and advance the technologies and capabilities that keep America secure. For veterans, cleared professionals, and purpose-driven innovators, Ardent is a place to continue serving alongside a team that understands the importance of the mission and the people behind it.

Due to the nature of the work we support, all candidates in consideration for this role must be willing to undergo the government issued background investigation process. We highly encourage all Veterans and those with disabilities to apply.

Ardent is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis protected by state, local, or federal law.