Information Systems Security Engineer

Information Systems Security Engineer

Information Systems Security Engineer opportunity in Arlington, Virginia, with a confidential employer. This full-time role is the Classified Information Security Lead, requiring U.S. citizenship, an active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility, and 8–20 years of relevant experience. The position offers a salary of $140,000–$160,000 per year plus top benefits and a 10% 401(k) match.

Location Arlington, Virginia, USA Comp $140,000 - $160,000 per year Work Style No Remote

Role Snapshot

Company Confidential Employer Location Arlington, Virginia, USA Industry Aerospace / Defense Degree Not specified Compensation $140,000 - $160,000 per year

Opportunity

This is a chance to step into a high-impact security leadership role where your expertise directly supports national security missions. As the Classified Information Security Lead, you will own the security posture for sensitive Secret and Top-Secret programs at a confidential research-driven organization in Arlington, Virginia. The work you do will safeguard critical information across a broad range of government-sponsored activities, giving you visibility and influence from day one.

Your daily work will revolve around maintaining and strengthening the security of both classified and unclassified information systems. You'll ensure strict compliance with federal regulations, develop and oversee cybersecurity documentation such as security plans, and execute contract-specific security duties. Beyond routine compliance, you will directly support legal proceedings, research operations, and proposals, often adapting security protocols for non-standard computing environments that push the boundaries of conventional IT.

The professional who thrives here is a U.S. citizen with an active Top Secret clearance and SCI eligibility, backed by 8 to 20 years of hands-on experience in information systems security. You are known for your stability—no short-tenure roles in recent history—and you navigate the intersection of technical depth and regulatory precision with ease. A bachelor's degree is required, and your background likely includes direct work in research or defense settings where adaptability is as important as compliance.

This direct-hire position offers a salary of $140,000 to $160,000 per year, plus top-tier benefits including a 10% 401(k) match and full relocation assistance. If you're ready to lead classified security for a confidential industry innovator, this is the role that rewards your clearance, your experience, and your commitment to the mission. Apply today and take the next step in a career that makes a measurable difference.

Non-Negotiables

• You must be a U.S. citizen and currently hold an active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
• You cannot have dual citizenship with any other country
• You have a stable employment history with no short-tenure roles in recent years
• You must hold at least a bachelor's degree in a related field
• You have 8 to 20 years of professional experience in information systems security or a closely related area
• You are required to work on-site in Arlington, Virginia; remote work is not an option
• You must be willing to relocate if not already local, as full relocation support is provided

What's In It For You

• Earn a competitive annual salary between $140,000 and $160,000, commensurate with your experience
• Enjoy top-tier benefits, including a generous 10% 401(k) employer match to help secure your financial future
• Receive full relocation assistance, making your move to Arlington, Virginia smooth and stress-free
• Step into a high-visibility leadership role as the Classified Information Security Lead for a confidential employer in the Aerospace/Defense industry
• Work across diverse research programs with non-standard computing environments, keeping your skills sharp and your work engaging
• Benefit from a stable, long-term direct-hire position with room for professional growth
• Join a team that values innovation, compliance, and the protection of national security

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enforce the security posture of classified and unclassified information systems in accordance with federal regulations
• Develop, update, and oversee cybersecurity compliance documentation, including security plans and system security packages
• Execute contract-specific security duties, ensuring the proper handling, storage, and transmission of classified data
• Support legal proceedings, research operations, and government-sponsored activities while guaranteeing institutional and contractual compliance
• Adapt security protocols to accommodate non-standard computing environments across various research compartments and sponsors
• Collaborate with end-users, research teams, and sponsors to meet contract milestones and project requirements on time
• Serve as the primary security point of contact for proposals and the initiation of new projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of an ISSE (Information Systems Security Engineer) certification or an equivalent advanced security credential is preferred
• Experience working within research and development environments, especially those with non-standard IT configurations, is highly valued
• The ability to juggle end-user needs, research contract milestones, and sponsor requirements concurrently is a strong plus
• Familiarity with the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and relevant NIST publications is beneficial
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with executive management and government clients are advantageous
• Previous experience supporting proposals and new project start-ups in a classified setting is desired
• A proven ability to manage multiple classification compartments and varied sponsor demands is a distinct asset

Role Details & Location

Employment Type Full Time/Direct Hire Remote Status No Remote Work Experience 8 Total Openings 1 Location String Arlington, Virginia, USA ZIP Not specified