Cybersecurity Systems Engineer / ISSM

AnaVation delivers groundbreaking research and advanced software and systems engineering to solve the most complex technical challenges for the U.S. Federal Intelligence Community. We are a U.S.-owned company headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, offering a top-notch work environment and a collaborative team.

About the role

The Cybersecurity Systems Engineer / Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) provides leadership for the organization's information security, governance, risk, and compliance program. This role is responsible for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of corporate and customer information systems while aligning cybersecurity practices with business objectives, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements. The position serves as the organization's primary cybersecurity advisor and collaborates with Information Technology, Program Management, Contracts, Human Resources, and Executive Leadership to maintain compliance with applicable cybersecurity frameworks and contractual obligations. This is a hands-on leadership role combining information systems security management with responsibility for the secure administration, engineering, configuration, and maintenance of the organization’s corporate and classified information technology environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the corporate Information Security Program, serving as the primary ISSM and security lead for corporate, customer, classified, air-gapped, and standalone information systems
• Lead cybersecurity compliance activities associated with applicable regulations, contracts, and frameworks, including NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, CMMC, CMMI, DFARS, FAR, ISO 27001, DCSA, RMF, ATO, and customer-specific requirements
• Design, implement, document, and oversee the secure operation and lifecycle management of corporate, cloud, classified, air-gapped, and standalone systems, ensuring appropriate security controls are implemented and maintained
• Develop and maintain SSPs, POA&Ms, authorization packages, policies, standards, procedures, system and network diagrams, inventories, configuration records, and documentation supporting account management, media control, auditing, incident response, and continuous monitoring
• Lead internal and external security assessments, ISO audits, CMMC readiness activities, DCSA reviews, self-inspections, vulnerability assessments, control validation, and remediation of identified findings
• Conduct risk assessments, oversee vulnerability management and remediation tracking, monitor emerging threats and regulatory changes, and provide executive-level reporting on cybersecurity posture, compliance, vulnerabilities, and risk
• Manage cybersecurity incidents, including reporting, investigation, documentation, corrective action, and coordination with appropriate internal, customer, and government stakeholders
• Review system changes from a security perspective and partner with IT personnel to ensure secure configuration management, patching, endpoint protection, identity and access management, backups, system hardening, and lifecycle maintenance
• Administer, configure, secure, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows-based servers and workstations, network and security devices, Microsoft 365 Government, Entra ID, Intune, Defender, Purview, privileged access, cloud services, and related technologies
• Coordinate with the Facility Security Officer, Insider Threat Program Senior Official, system administrators, executive leadership, auditors, government customers, third-party assessors, vendors, and managed service providers to ensure security responsibilities are assigned and executed
• Develop and deliver security awareness and annual cybersecurity training for employees
• Support business development activities through proposal responses, security compliance documentation, technology evaluations, and recommendations for security and infrastructure improvements

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in information security, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 7+ years of progressive cybersecurity or information assurance experience
• Experience serving as an ISSM, ISSO, IA Manager, or similar role
• Working knowledge of NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, RMF, DFARS 252.204-7012, CMMC, and DoD cybersecurity requirements
• Experience developing SSPs, POA&Ms, security policies, standards, and procedures
• Experience supporting security audits and assessments
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Ability to effectively communicate cybersecurity concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Active Secret clearance required; Top Secret and SCI eligibility is desirable
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

Skills

• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles, risk management, and security architecture
• Strong working knowledge of systems administration, endpoint and identity management, networking, cloud services, system hardening, backup and recovery, and technical troubleshooting
• Ability to independently perform and document technical work while providing sound security guidance to leadership and balancing compliance, operational availability, cost, and business requirements
• Ability to interpret government regulations and contractual security requirements
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines
• Strong customer service orientation and collaborative leadership style
• Ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization

Preferred Qualifications

• CISSP certification (or ability to obtain within an agreed timeframe)
• Certifications such as CISM, Security+, CASP+, CCSP, CGRC (formerly CAP), CEH
• Experience with Microsoft 365 Government, Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), Intune, and Microsoft Purview
• Experience with SIEM, EDR, vulnerability scanning, and cloud security platforms
• Experience supporting CMMC Level 2 or 3, ISO 27001, and/or ISO 20000 compliance programs
• Experience with developing policies and procedures and passing DCSA audits
• Experience supporting Defense Industrial Base (DIB) contractors
• Experience supporting classified and unclassified information systems

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods
• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds

Benefits

• Generous cost sharing for medical insurance for the employee and dependents
• 100% company paid dental insurance for employees and dependents
• 100% company paid long-term and short-term disability insurance
• 100% company paid vision insurance for employees and dependents
• 401k plan with generous match and 100% immediate vesting
• Competitive pay
• Generous paid leave and holiday package
• Tuition and training reimbursement
• Life and AD&D Insurance