Lead ISSO/ Cyber Security Consultant

Lead ISSO / Cyber Security Consultant (Data Center ATO Specialist) Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Lead ISSO / Cyber Security Consultant (Data Center ATO Specialist) to support a high-visibility data center initiative. This role is responsible for leading the Authorization to Operate (ATO) process for a new data center, ensuring compliance with federal security frameworks and enabling a secure and fully authorized operational environment. The position involves close collaboration with engineering, infrastructure, compliance, and leadership teams to deliver a resilient, compliant system. This position is 100% onsite and requires an active DoD Secret clearance . Key Responsibilities Lead end-to-end ATO lifecycle including planning, execution, documentation, and authorization activities. Ensure adherence to NIST RMF, NIST 800-53, FedRAMP, ISO 27001, and related standards. Create and maintain SSPs, Risk Assessment Reports, POA&M, and supporting accreditation artifacts. Conduct vulnerability assessments, gap analyses, and control validation to ensure compliance and readiness. Identify, assess, and mitigate system and infrastructure risks; develop contingency and incident response strategies. Validate system architecture, security controls, system hardening, logging, and continuous monitoring capabilities. Develop timelines, track milestones, and ensure on-time ATO delivery across multiple teams. Serve as primary liaison between internal teams, Authorizing Officials, auditors, and third-party assessors. Work with IT, networking, facilities, and security teams to align infrastructure with ATO requirements. Support implementation of post-ATO monitoring strategies and compliance sustainment efforts. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity, compliance, or information assurance Proven experience leading ATO efforts for data centers or large-scale systems (DoD, FedRAMP, FISMA, or similar) Strong knowledge of NIST 800-53, RMF, and related security frameworks Active DoD Secret clearance Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in a related field Experience supporting DoD data center ATO efforts Familiarity with hybrid, cloud, or on-prem data center environments Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, CAP, PMP, or equivalent Experience with vulnerability scanning tools, SIEM platforms, and configuration management systems Strong understanding of networking, virtualization, storage, and physical security controls Experience working with Authorizing Officials (AOs) and regulatory stakeholders Compensation and Benefits Salary Range: $140,000–$175,000+ depending on experience Full Benefits: Cigna Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick Leave (as required by law), and Holidays #J-18808-Ljbffr Zachary Piper Solutions