Senior Systems Security Engineer

Job Description

Overview: Cyber Defense Technologies (CDT) is seeking a proactive Senior Systems Security Engineer to join our team and play a key role in integrating development, security, and operations to enhance our end-to-end system security. In this position, you will be responsible for designing and implementing scalable, functional, and secure systems, while continuously improving the security posture of both our development and production environments. You will work closely with both development and operations teams to ensure security and best practices are embedded throughout the software lifecycle. The ideal candidate will have a strong DevOps background with a deep emphasis on security, strong analytical skills, and a passion for solving complex IT and security challenges. As a Senior Systems Security Engineer, you will lead the design and deployment of our security infrastructure, manage complex security projects, set strategic direction for security practices, and mentor junior engineers. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and are committed to advancing security in every phase of the development process, we encourage you to apply.

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Clearance Requirements: An active Secret clearance is required, TS preferred. All candidates must be U.S. Citizens. Applicants who do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

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Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

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• Review software packages produced by the SAOC CI/CD pipeline for security, quality, compliance, and required documentation completeness.
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• Validate that all required assurance artifacts (SAST, DAST, SCA, RASP, penetration test results, traceability matrices, SPS/SVD components, etc.) are present, accurate, and linked within the C IDE/C IDE S environment.
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• Recommend acceptance, conditional approval, or remediation actions for each CI/CD software deliverable.
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• Maintain bi-directional requirements traceability across design, code, test, and SwA evidence.
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• Collaborate with DSO/DevSecOps engineers, pipeline owners, and software developers to address findings, enforce fail closed pipeline rules, and ensure measurable assurance criteria are met.
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• Support automated and manual review processes tied to pipeline integrity, runtime protection validation, predictable behavior testing, and SwA evidence verification.
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• Ensure alignment with NIST SP 800 53 Rev 5 relevant controls, SAOC Program Protection Plan (PPP), Critical Information List (CIL) expectations, and all applicable program CDRLs.
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• Provide authoritative SwA recommendations to leadership, pipeline gatekeepers, and the Authorizing Official (AO) as required.
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• Document review outcomes in accordance with SAER/SVAR reporting requirements.
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• Participate in CI/CD pipeline continuous improvement meetings, contributing SwA perspectives to process updates, tool capability enhancements, and workflow refinement.
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• Design and implement secure automation solutions for development, testing, and production environments.
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• Manage and maintain infrastructure security and monitoring systems.
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• Develop and maintain CI/CD pipelines across multiple environments.
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• Understand and remediate system vulnerabilities and security issues.
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• Collaborate with team members to improve the company’s engineering tools, systems, procedures, and data security.
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• Create and maintain security-related documentation.
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• Stay current with security industry trends, including emerging threats and security solutions.
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• Support incident response and problem management teams by providing containment actions and incident analysis.
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• Developing strategies for security and scalability.
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Required Qualifications:

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• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or related technical field; or work relevant work experience equivalent.
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• Minimum 4 years of information security-related experience in areas such as security operations, vulnerability management, security testing, system patching, log analysis, intrusion detection, or security device administration.
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• Knowledge of RMF, Windows/Linux operating systems, STIGs, ACAS, HBSS, and/or related technologies.
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• Demonstrated ability to work independently, analyze root causes, and drive solutions from identification through resolution.
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• U.S. Citizenship and active Secret clearance (or higher), clearable to TS/SCI.
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Preferred Qualifications:

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• Bachelor's degree in Systems Security, Network Engineering, Information Technology, or related Engineering discipline.
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• 8+ years of experience in IT security or a related field.
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• Relevant experience can be considered as a substitute for the required educational qualifications. In the absence of a degree, a minimum of 12 years of related experience is required.
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• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is required.
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• Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
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• Expert understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices.
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• Experience with security frameworks and standards such as National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ISO 27001.
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• Proven work experience as a DevSecOps Engineer or similar role in development, operations, and security.
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• Knowledge of cloud technologies and architectures (Azure / AWS).
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• Experience in secure coding practices and automating security testing tools.
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• Proficient with containerization technologies like Docker and orchestration tools like Kubernetes.
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• Experience with automation scripts and configuration management tools.
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• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex security topics in an understandable manner.
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• Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.
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Travel: May require CONUS depending on program needs (1-2x annually)

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Why Join Cyber Defense Technologies?

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At CDT, we offer a collaborative and inclusive work environment where your expertise in system security can help shape the future of cybersecurity and engineering solutions.

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Compensation and Benefits:

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• Competitive salary based. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on work experience, education, certifications, geographic location, contract wage determination that align with the specified role.
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• Comprehensive benefits package, including Health, Dental, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Short-term and Long-term disabilities, Life Insurance, Retirement plans, Learning and Development opportunities, Wellness programs as well as other optional benefits elections.
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CDT is committed to hiring without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

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Apply Now:

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If you are a proactive Senior Systems Security Engineer and thrive in dynamic environments, we encourage you to apply and join the CDT team!

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Salary Range: $130,000 - $195,000