Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) – Senior/SME Level

Washington, DC

Full Time

Experienced

Tangent Technologies is seeking a skilled Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) to support a federal program. The ISSO will ensure ongoing security, compliance, and risk management of information systems. This role is critical in the development and implementation of system security documentation and procedures, which are required to obtain and maintain an Authority to Operate (ATO).

In this position, the ISSO will serve as a trusted security advisor, ensuring compliance with federal standards including NIST, FISMA, FedRAMP, and the Risk Management Framework (RMF). The ISSO will also help implement effective continuous monitoring practices for assigned systems.

Candidates should be proactive, detail-oriented, and possess strong communication skills for client engagement.

This position is a hybrid role, with some onsite work required.

Key Responsibilities

System Authorization: Lead the development, review, and maintenance of System Security Plans (SSPs) and authorization packages.
Security Assessment & Authorization (A&A): Lead the preparation of ATO packages, including System Security Plans (SSPs), Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms), Security Assessment Reports (SARs), and supporting documentation. Guide systems through the ATO lifecycle and continuous authorization processes, ensuring compliance with NIST SP 800-53, FISMA, and RMF standards.
Risk Mitigation & Management: Conduct Security Impact Analyses (SIA) for system changes, develop mitigation strategies for identified vulnerabilities, and collaborate with system engineers to maintain secure system baselines. Conduct regular security audits, oversee scanning operations (e.g., ACAS, Nessus), and manage Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) for remediation.
Compliance Enforcement & Governance: Perform self-assessments, risk assessments, and annual testing of Contingency Plans and Incident Response Plans. Ensure systems adhere to strict federal, Department of Defense (DoD), or Intelligence Community frameworks (e.g., NIST SP 800-53, FISMA).
Continuous Monitoring: Review audit logs, analyze vulnerability scans, and evaluate system-level reports to ensure the effectiveness of security controls. Implement security telemetry, manage patch statuses, and monitor system activities for anomalous behavior or potential threats.
Leadership & Advisory: Provide strategic risk and compliance advice to system owners and Information System Security Managers (ISSMs), while mentoring junior ISSO staff.
Technical Knowledge: Demonstrate expertise in network security, cloud environments (including containers and architectures), operating systems, and security assessment tools.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related cybersecurity field. (Or 6 years of work experience equivalency in addition to that listed below)
Minimum of 15 years of experience in ISSO, information assurance, or RMF roles
Direct experience developing ATO packages (SSP, POA&M, SAR)
Strong knowledge of NIST SP 800-53, FISMA, and RMF requirements
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple systems (4-6 simultaneously)
An active DoD clearance is required for this role

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with cloud-based systems (SaaS, IaaS, PaaS) from major providers such as AWS, Azure, or GCP
Experience using Microsoft and Google Suite tools
Familiarity with AI tools such as Gemini, ChatGPT etc.
Familiarity with Archer or CSAM platforms
Relevant certifications (one required): CISSP, CISM, CISA, CRISC, CGRC
Experience supporting federal civilian agencies. Active Public Trust clearance

Veteran Hiring Preference

Tangent Technologies is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Veterans and military-affiliated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Security Requirement

Candidates must successfully complete a federal background investigation, which includes a financial suitability screening.

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Do you have 6+ years of hands-on ISSO or RMF experience supporting federal systems?*

Have you personally led or been directly responsible for developing ATO packages (SSP, POA&M, SAR)?*

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