Lead Cybersecurity Engineer (TS/SCI)

Location: Washington, DC (On-site) Job Type: Full-Time Clearance Requirement: Active TS/SCI US Citizenship is Required Program Overview:Praescient Analytics is seeking a highly qualified Lead Cybersecurity Engineer to support the Defense Intelligence Agency's Analytic Innovation Office (DIA/AIO). This critical initiative focuses on driving innovation through scalable AI/ML solutions, modernizing legacy applications into cloud-based Platform as a Service (PaaS) environments, and embedding robust DevSecOps practices across the Defense Intelligence All-Source Analytic Enterprise (DIAAE). Job Description:As the Lead Cybersecurity Engineer, you will provide cybersecurity leadership, architecture design, and technical oversight for application development and systems engineering activities. You will be responsible for defining the technical security posture of all next-generation analytic applications, ensuring secure coding practices, and driving continuous monitoring and risk assessment frameworks across multiple classification domains. Key Responsibilities:Strategic Security Oversight: Develop and implement comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, technical policies, and procedures in strict alignment with NIST SP 800-53, DoD RMF, ICD 503, and Zero Trust architecture principles. Collaboration & Governance: Proactively engage with the DIA CIO to ensure information technology security, architecture, and compliance mandates are effectively implemented. Collaborate on formal accreditation efforts to ensure all advanced systems achieve Authority to Operate (ATO) eligibility. Secure Coding Enforcements: Enforce secure software development lifecycles (SDLC) and secure coding standards aligned with OWASP guidelines. Automated Security Pipelines: Oversee the integration of security mechanisms into a fully automated Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipeline. Vulnerability Management: Coordinate and review comprehensive security testing results, including static code analysis (e.g., SonarQube, Fortify), dynamic application security testing (DAST), container security scanning, and third-party dependency analysis. Incident Response: Manage incident response protocols, conduct defensive cybersecurity operations, track vulnerability remediations, and lead root-cause analysis for critical security incidents. RMF Package Preparation: Oversee the creation and maintenance of crucial compliance artifacts, including Security Control Implementation Plans, Continuous Monitoring Strategies, Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) tracking, and complete ATO packages. Team Mentorship: Lead, mentor, and train junior cybersecurity staff and developers on emerging threats, application security, and cloud security frameworks. Minimum Qualifications:Experience: Minimum of eight (8) years of senior-level experience in application security, secure software development, and cybersecurity engineering within DoD/IC environments. Certification: Active DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level III certification (e.g., CASP+, CCNP Security, or equivalent). Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance (with ability to pass/maintain a CI Polygraph). Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is strictly required. Preferred Qualifications:Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related technical field. Advanced Certifications: Expert-level certifications such as CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP, CISM, or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). Cloud & DevSecOps Expertise: Proven track record of securing cloud-native solutions (AWS, Azure PaaS environments) and integrating automated security gates into Kubernetes or OpenShift container pipelines. AI/ML Security: Knowledge of securing AI/ML models against adversarial attacks, data poisoning, and model extraction vectors. ATO Track Record: Demonstrated history of successful ATO submissions and navigating systemic risk management processes for complex federal IT enterprises.What You Can Expect From Us:Real opportunity for career growth in an environment where your achievements will be celebratedConstant collaboration with numerous teams to ensure client successA team that respects and embraces your ideas and expertiseCoworkers that are motivated by pursuing excellence, rather than the prospect of personal gainA workplace dedicated to supporting and bettering public safety and government agenciesBenefits:Very competitive salary based on qualifications and experienceComprehensive, Company paid healthcare for you (We pay your premiums and deductibles)401(k) with company matchTravel & performance incentives3 weeks paid time off (plus Federal Holidays)$5K annual training allowancePraescient Analytics is a Certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) with over a decade of expertise in advanced analytics, engineering, and DevOps, specializing in transforming complex data into actionable intelligence for informed decision-making. Since 2011, we have supported over 40 organizations across diverse domains, including military intelligence operations, financial and fraud investigations, and insider threat detection.Our team of experts—skilled in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, DevOps, and engineering—brings deep experience in solving complex challenges. With a proven track record in federal contracting, we deliver tailored, high-impact solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency, ensure mission success, and address the evolving needs of our clients. Praescient's innovative and adaptive approach makes us a trusted partner in delivering data-driven insights and technological excellence for critical missions.Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.US Citizenship Required Interested Candidates: Please forward your resume to View email address on click.appcast.io and please visit our website to apply online at