Senior Information System Security Engineer (ISSE)

About the role

Join us in transforming how technology serves those who serve. At Leidos, we're pioneering the future of defense and intelligence technology, architecting cutting-edge solutions in cyber defense, logistics optimization, security operations, and decision intelligence for the United States Coast Guard (USCG). This role supports cloud modernization initiatives at the Command, Control, Communication, Computer, Cyber, and Intelligence Service Center (C5ISC) in the Alexandria, VA area. As the Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE), you will lead the design, implementation, and governance of cloud security solutions across AWS and Azure, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of cloud-hosted assets while enabling secure innovation at scale.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement secure cloud infrastructure across AWS and Azure platforms.
• Define and enforce cloud security policies, standards, and automation frameworks.
• Lead threat modeling, risk assessments, and incident response for cloud-native applications and services.
• Integrate security into CI/CD pipelines and DevOps workflows.
• Support cloud identity and access management (ICAM), encryption, and key management systems.
• Monitor cloud environments using SIEM, CSPM, CWPP, and other security tools.
• Collaborate with engineering, compliance, and operations teams to ensure secure cloud adoption.
• Stay ahead of emerging cloud threats and recommend proactive mitigation strategies.
• Support cross-functional coordination across engineering, cybersecurity, and program management teams.
• Promote continuous improvement through feedback loops and process refinement.
• Ensure alignment with USCG mission priorities and Leidos delivery standards.
• Support ATO upgrade efforts from NIST RMF Rev4 to Rev5, including Control family transitions and mapping (e.g., PM, RA, PL, SR families).
• Develop and maintain SSPs, SARs, POA&Ms, and compliance artifacts.
• Update system documentation and security architecture to Rev5 standards.
• Support continuous ATO (cATO) for federal systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Computer Science, Information Systems, Business) or equivalent experience.
• 12+ years of experience in information security engineering (or 10+ years with a Master’s degree, or a Doctorate in a technical domain).
• Deep expertise in AWS and Azure security services and architecture.
• Strong understanding of cloud-native security controls and shared responsibility models.
• Experience with configuration management and orchestration tools (e.g., Terraform, Ansible, Puppet).
• Hands-on experience with containerization and orchestration (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Certifications such as CCSP, AWS Certified Security – Specialty, or Azure Security Engineer.
• Proven experience supporting ATO upgrade efforts from NIST RMF Rev4 to Rev5.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust and a DoD Secret Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with zero trust principles and secure multi-cloud strategies.
• Experience with UiPath (a plus).
• Experience with compliance frameworks (FedRAMP, SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS).
• Experience using automation platforms like RegScale for cATO.
• Proficiency in scripting and automation (Python, Bash, PowerShell).
• Prior experience supporting DHS, USCG, or other federal cloud modernization efforts.
• Experience working with technical teams in cloud, cybersecurity, or enterprise IT environments.
• DoD 8570 Certification compliance (IAT II, IAM I, II or III, or IASAE I, II or III).
• Additional certifications such as Security+, CISSP, CASP+ CE, or ISSEP.

Pay

Pay Range: $131,300.00 - $237,350.00. The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave, and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.