Cyber Security Analyst/ISSO

Areté

• $80K — $110K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Active Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain CI polygraph.
  • 1-2 years of ISSO or equivalent cybersecurity experience with classified systems.
  • Familiarity with JSIG, RMF, and NIST 800-53 security controls.
  • Hands-on experience with security audits and continuous monitoring.
  • Current IAT Level II Security Certification or ability to obtain within 3 months.
  • Technical knowledge of Windows and Server OS hardening.
  • Experience with common cybersecurity tools such as Nessus and Microsoft Group Policy.
  • Strong interpersonal and technical writing skills.

Responsibilities

  • Perform ISSO duties per JSIG, RMF, and NIST 800-53 standards.
  • Develop and maintain security authorization documentation including SSPs and POA&M.
  • Conduct security control assessments and validation activities.
  • Document system audits and perform risk analysis.
  • Manage Continuous Monitoring tasks for compliance.
  • Support configuration management processes and documentation.
  • Provide incident response support for security events.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
  • Fitness Reimbursement
  • Company-funded 5% 401(k) contribution
  • Company-funded 5% Employee Stock Ownership contribution
  • Continuing Education Assistance
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave
Full Job Description
Areté is seeking an immediate full-time Cyber Security Analyst / Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) to support our Northridge, CA facility. This role requires a minimum, active TOP SECRET clearance, and the selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a CI polygraph. In this position, you will work closely with Cyber Security and IT team members, provide occasional after-hours support, and travel as needed. You will support a range of classified information systems with varying levels of complexity.

**NOTE: This is a 100% On-site position; hybrid or remote work options are not available**

Primary responsibilities:
  • Perform duties as ISSO in accordance with JSIG, RMF, and NIST 800-53.
  • Develop, maintain, and update security authorization documentation including System Security Plans (SSPs), Plan of Actions and Milestones (POA&M), SCTMs, ConMon Reports, and audit logs.
  • Conduct security control implementation, validation, and assessment activities.
  • Perform and document system audits and risk analysis.
  • Manage and execute Continuous Monitoring (ConMon) tasks to ensure compliance throughout the system lifecycle.
  • Support configuration management (CM) processes with a minimum of 1-2 years direct CM experience, including review and documentation of system changes, baseline management, and change control.
  • Provide incident response support, including investigation, reporting, and remediation of security events.
  • Support preparation for internal and external inspections and assessments.
  • Support ISSM with other duties as assigned.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Health & Wellness:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
  • Vision Reimbursement
  • Fitness Reimbursement

Financial:
  • Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
  • Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Continuing Education Assistance

Work-Life Balance:
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

What We Value:
  • Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
  • Integrity and responsibility in all actions
  • Collaboration across teams and specialties
  • Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
  • Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):
  • Active Top Secret security clearance with ability to obtain a CI polygraph.
  • 1-2 years of experience performing ISSO or equivalent cybersecurity duties for classified systems.
  • Demonstrated experience with JSIG, RMF, and NIST 800-53 security controls.
  • Hands-on experience in security auditing, continuous monitoring, and documentation of control implementation.
  • Current IAT Level II Security Certification or higher (Security+, CASP, CySA+, CISSP, GSEC) or ability to obtain within 3 months of the start date.
  • Must have solid technical knowledge on how Windows and Server operating systems are hardened.
  • Experience with common information system Cyber Security tools, technologies, and STIGs (Nessus/ACAS, SCAP Compliance Checker, STIG Viewer, Microsoft Group Policy, etc.).
  • Strong interpersonal skills, technical writing skills, and the ability to work autonomously and on a team.
  • Strong written communication skills and the ability to document/diagram information systems and procedures.
  • Must be able to lift 25 pounds.

Nice to Have (Preferred Skills):
  • Knowledge of the Risk Management Framework is a plus;
  • Experience with Security Directives, Policies, Publications and Regulations including but not limited to the NIST 800-171, NIST 800-53, JSIG and/or ICD 503;
  • Experience in one or more of the following Cybersecurity tools/technologies: SIEM or Log Reduction & Analysis Tools, McAfee ePO, SCC Tool, Bitlocker, Rapid7 IDR, InsightVM;
  • Technical knowledge on how Linux (RHEL 8/9) systems are configured, hardened, and managed.

The salary range for this role depends on the candidate's level of experience:
  • Cyber Analyst/ISSO 1: $80,000 - $90,000 [minimum 1 year experience
  • Cyber Analyst/ISSO 2: $88,000 - $110,000 [minimum 2-year experience

However, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Other Considerations

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.

Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

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