About the RoleThis ISSO owns the day-to-day security posture of EpiSci's classified information systems, collateral and Special Access Program, across our Irvine and Poway facilities.
You will build and maintain authorization packages under the Risk Management Framework, with implementation guidance drawn from JSIG, DAAPM, ICD-503, CMMC, and the NIST 800 series. You will work directly with the ISSM to attain and maintain assessment and authorization from government authorizing officials, from initial requirements through operational deployment and continuous monitoring.
This is a hands-on seat. The work includes configuring, scanning, remediating, and standing up enclaves alongside the documentation. You can expect regular interaction with government security offices and authorizing officials, DCSA, and program security teams, and a continuous review cadence on eMASS and program packages.
Program access: This position requires Special Access Program access. Prior SAP experience is strongly preferred. Candidates with collateral-only experience and a strong track record under RMF will be considered and read on after hire.
What You Will Do- Maintain accredited classified systems in an authorized operating state while meeting program delivery timelines
- Author, update, and defend RMF artifacts: System Security Plans (SSP), Security Assessment Reports (SAR), POA&Ms, Risk Assessment Reports, Configuration Management Plans, Incident Response Plans, Continuous Monitoring Plans, and hardware and software baselines
- Execute continuous monitoring: ACAS and Nessus vulnerability scanning, SCAP and STIG compliance checking, audit log review, and remediation tracking against CAT I, II, and III findings
- Support the design, development, and implementation of procedures and systems for secure facilities, and ensure facility compliance with requirements for classified information system processing
- Conduct risk and vulnerability assessments of planned and installed systems to identify vulnerabilities, threats, and protection needs, and recommend mitigations
- Lead periodic self-inspections and support DoD Cybersecurity On-Site Inspections, DCSA assessments, and customer security reviews across both sites
- Serve as first-line response for classified security incidents and spillage: detect, contain, preserve evidence, document, and escalate through the ISSM and program security chain
- Administer and harden classified computing and network infrastructure, including standing up and configuring new enclaves
- Manage user account provisioning, privileged access review, media control, and trusted download and data transfer procedures
- Deliver security awareness and system-specific training to cleared users and system administrators
- Maintain working knowledge of evolving policy, regulation, and compliance guidance affecting classified computing assets
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, or a minimum of 5 years of ISSO, ISSE, or cybersecurity policy and engineering experience in a classified environment
- DoD 8570/8140 IAM Level I/IAT Level 2 (Security +) as a condition of employment
- Demonstrated proficiency applying RMF and writing authorization packages, with working knowledge of ICD-503, JSIG, and the NIST 800 series (800-53, 800-37, 800-171)
- Hands-on experience with security tooling: NESSUS and ACAS, DISA STIGs, STIG Viewer, SCAP Compliance Checker, and HBSS or ESS
- Experience designing, building, and maintaining information system enclaves, including the underlying computing hardware and network architecture
- Working knowledge of incident response, disaster recovery, forensic principles, continuous monitoring, and cybersecurity hygiene
- Active DoD security clearance (SECRET minimum) and U.S. citizenship
Preferred Qualifications- Prior SAP experience as an ISSO, ISSE, or system administrator under JSIG, with current or recent program briefings
- TS/SCI with the ability to obtain program access
- eMASS, Xacta, or equivalent package management experience as a package author
- Experience with DCSA DAAPM and NISPOM-governed facilities, including Co-Use or multi-program environments
- Prior ISSM designation, or readiness to be designated ISSM for a smaller program
- Hands-on Linux (RHEL, Rocky, Ubuntu) and Windows Server administration in air-gapped and cross-domain environments
- Familiarity with cross-domain solutions, COMSEC and TACLANE operations, or trusted download procedures
- CMMC assessment or preparation experience on the CUI side
- Experience supporting a rapid-prototyping or startup defense environment
What Success Looks Like in the First Year- 90 days: Fully briefed and read on. Baseline established, with a complete inventory of accredited systems across Irvine and Poway, current POA&M status understood, and scan and audit cadence running on schedule.
- 6 months: Self-inspection program running cleanly at both sites, package gaps closed, and established as the point of contact for the ISSM, program security, and government assessors.
- 12 months: New program systems accredited on the timeline the program requires.
Travel RequirementsWilling to travel for company business between Irvine, CA and Poway, CA, as well as to customer and government sites (approximately 15-20%).
Security Requirements- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must hold an active DoD security clearance
- Must be eligible for and willing to accept Special Access Program briefings
- Position is 100% on-site. Classified work cannot be performed remotely.
For more information about U.S. security clearances: https://www.state.gov/securityclearances
Don't meet every single requirement? If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
