Senior Information Security Analyst

Senior Information Security Analyst

The Senior Information Security Analyst is a highly experienced cybersecurity professional responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of an organization's information systems. This role serves as a subject matter expert on all matters of operational cybersecurity, leading efforts to secure systems, manage risks, and ensure compliance with all governing policies and regulations. The Senior Analyst is responsible for implementing and managing the security posture of assigned systems throughout their lifecycle, from initial authorization to decommissioning. This individual works with system owners, administrators, and users to enforce security controls, respond to threats, and maintain the formal Authority to Operate (ATO).

Risk Management Framework (RMF) and Compliance:

• Lead the development, maintenance, and submission of all documentation required to achieve and maintain the system's ATO under the RMF process.
• Develop and maintain key security artifacts, including the System Security Plan (SSP), Contingency Plan, and Incident Response Plan.
• Conduct periodic reviews of security controls to ensure ongoing compliance and prepare the system for security assessments and audits.

Vulnerability Management and Remediation:

• Perform regular vulnerability scanning of systems and networks using approved tools (e.g., ACAS/Nessus).
• Analyze scan results, prioritize vulnerabilities based on severity and mission impact, and coordinate with system administrators to ensure timely remediation.
• Track and report on remediation progress, and develop Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) for vulnerabilities that cannot be immediately fixed.

Security Operations and Monitoring:

• Monitor security logs and alerts from various sources (e.g., SIEM, firewalls, endpoint security tools) to identify, analyze, and respond to suspicious activity.
• Serve as a key player in the security incident response process, including identifying the source of a threat, containing the impact, and leading eradication and recovery efforts.
• Conduct regular audits of user accounts and system access logs to detect and report unauthorized activity.

Policy and Guidance:

• Develop, implement, and enforce information security policies, procedures, and guidelines based on DoD, DAF, and NIST standards.
• Provide expert cybersecurity guidance and consultation to system owners, developers, and administrators to ensure security is integrated into all phases of the system lifecycle ("security by design").
• Promote security awareness by providing training and guidance to all system users.

Minimum Qualifications / Requirements Experience:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in an information security, cybersecurity, or Information Assurance (IA) role.
• At least three (3) years of direct, hands-on experience serving as an Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) or a similar role with responsibility for managing the RMF/ATO process for DoD systems.

Certifications (Baseline):

• Must possess a current CompTIA Security+ CE certification (or higher) to meet DoD 8140 requirements for IAT Level II.

Certifications (ISSO Environment - Desired):

• Advanced certifications demonstrating subject matter expertise are highly desired, such as: CASP+ CE CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)

Security Clearance: Must be eligible to obtain and hold a DoW security clearance

Technical Skills:

• Expert-level knowledge of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and NIST Special Publications (e.g., SP 800-53, SP 800-37).
• Proficiency with vulnerability scanning tools such as ACAS/Nessus.
• Strong understanding of network security, operating system hardening (Windows/Linux), and application security principles.
• Experience with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems and other security monitoring tools.
• Familiarity with DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and the STIGing process.