Senior Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)

Senior Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)
Location: Annapolis, MD / Reston, VA / Washington, DC
Work Model: 100% Onsite (SCIF Environment)
Work Type: Full-Time
Experience Required: 13+ Years


The Senior ISSO will support mission-critical cybersecurity initiatives within a highly secure government environment. This role involves risk management, compliance, ATO processes, and system security documentation , ensuring systems meet stringent federal and intelligence community security standards.


This position requires deep expertise in RMF, XACTA, Splunk, and ICD 503 compliance frameworks , along with active TS/SCI clearance with CI Polygraph.
Key Responsibilities

Cybersecurity & Compliance
• Conduct technical security assessments and risk analysis
• Ensure system compliance with RMF and ICD 503 frameworks
• Support full lifecycle ATO/IATT processes
Documentation & RMF Activities
• Develop and maintain SSPs, POA&Ms, SAPs, and security artifacts
• Use XACTA for documentation and compliance tracking
• Coordinate with ISSMs, ISSEs, AOs, and system owners
ATO & Risk Management
• Drive ATO and IATT efforts across programs
• Implement and validate NIST 800-53 security controls
• Support audits and security assessment events
Technical & Operational Security
• Work with developers, DBAs, and system admins for compliance
• Apply Zero Trust principles in cloud/data environments
• Utilize Splunk for monitoring and analysis
Must-Have Qualifications
• Active TS/SCI clearance with CI Polygraph (Mandatory)
• Security+ or IAT II/III Certification (Active)
• 13+ years of experience in cybersecurity / systems engineering
• Strong experience with RMF (Risk Management Framework)
• Proficiency in XACTA and ATO/IATT processes
• Experience with Splunk
• Experience with ICD 503 / NIST 800-53 frameworks
• Experience creating SSPs, POA&Ms, SAPs, and security documentation
• Ability to work in SCIF (100% onsite)
Preferred Qualifications
• Prior ISSO or ISSE experience
• Experience leading cybersecurity programs
• Team leadership and mentoring experience
• Strong stakeholder communication skills
Core Competencies
• Cybersecurity compliance & RMF
• Risk management & ATO processes
• Documentation & audit readiness
• Technical security expertise
• Communication & leadership
Work Environment
• Secure SCIF environment
• Mission-critical government systems
• Highly regulated cybersecurity setting
Recruiter Submission Template -

Full Name:
Degree Major with University and Completion Year:
Do you have an active TS/SCI clearance with CI Polygraph? (Yes/No - provide details):
Do you have an active Security+ or IAT II/III certification? (Yes/No - provide details):
Total Years of Experience in Cybersecurity / ISSO / RMF roles :
Do you have experience working as an ISSO or ISSE ? (Yes/No - provide details):
Do you have experience with RMF (Risk Management Framework)? (Yes/No - explain):
Do you have hands-on experience with XACTA tool ? (Yes/No - explain):
Do you have experience managing ATO / IATT processes ? (Yes/No - explain):
Do you have experience working with Splunk ? (Yes/No - explain):
Do you have experience with ICD 503 / NIST 800-53 frameworks ? (Yes/No - explain):
Do you have experience creating and maintaining SSPs, POA&Ms, SAPs, and security documentation ? (Yes/No - explain):
Do you have experience leading or supporting cybersecurity initiatives/programs ? (Yes/No - explain):
Do you have experience working with ISSMs, ISSEs, AOs, and system owners ? (Yes/No - explain):
Do you have experience collaborating with developers, DBAs, and engineering teams ? (Yes/No - explain):
Motivation / Reason for interest in this position:
Why is the candidate seeking a new opportunity?
Contact Details
Contact Number:
Email ID:
LinkedIn Profile URL:
Full Address (City, State):
Availability & Compensation
Notice Period (in weeks):
Expected Salary:
Work Authorization?
Are you ready to relocate on your own expenses and work onsite in Annapolis, MD / Reston, VA / Washington, DC (SCIF environment)? (Yes/No):