Lead Security Engineer - SME

About the Role

Essnova Solutions is seeking an experienced Lead Security Engineer - SME to support a large-scale federal technology modernization initiative supporting the U.S. Census Bureau. This senior-level role will provide cybersecurity engineering expertise across modernized enterprise and cloud environments, with a particular focus on Zero Trust Architecture, federal security frameworks, risk management, and authorization requirements. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience securing complex federal systems and translating federal cybersecurity requirements into practical technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level security engineering expertise for complex enterprise technology environments.
• Support implementation and advancement of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles.
• Apply federal cybersecurity and risk-management requirements to system architecture and engineering activities.
• Support security authorization and assessment activities.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, architects, developers, cloud teams, and cybersecurity stakeholders.
• Incorporate security requirements throughout system modernization and development activities.
• Support technical security documentation and compliance efforts.
• Identify security risks and recommend appropriate technical controls and mitigation strategies.

Requirements

• 15+ years of relevant cybersecurity/security engineering experience.
• Active CISSP certification - required.
• Active CCSP certification - required.
• Demonstrated experience with:
  • Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)
  • NIST SP 800-53
  • NIST SP 800-37
  • Federal security authorization/ATO processes
  • Cyber Security Assessment and Management (CSAM)
• Knowledge of federal cybersecurity requirements, including:
  • Executive Order 14028
  • OMB M-22-09

Qualifications

• Preferred: CISM certification
• Preferred: CISA certification

Work Location: This position supports the U.S. Census Bureau Headquarters in Suitland, Maryland under a hybrid work model. Candidates must be located in the DC/MD/VA area or be willing to commute to Suitland.