Utah State University

Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)

Utah State University$87K — $156K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3-7 years of experience in information systems security or cybersecurity
  • Hands-on experience with JSIG and AFIC TS/SCI ATO development process
  • Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or related field
  • 8570/8140 IAT Level 1 certification
  • Knowledge of NIST 800-53, RMF, FISMA, and DoD security controls
  • Experience with security documentation and ATO readiness
  • U.S. citizenship and DoD TS security clearance required

Responsibilities

  • Ensure compliance with NIST 800-53 and other security frameworks
  • Conduct risk assessments and manage vulnerability mitigation
  • Perform audit log analysis and SIEM configuration
  • Oversee security operations and incident response plans
  • Develop security policies aligned with DoD regulations
  • Manage security training programs to promote best practices
  • Collaborate with teams to enhance cybersecurity posture

Benefits

  • Opportunity for career growth in a specialized field
  • Access to advanced training programs and certifications
  • Collaborative work environment with industry experts
  • Contributions to national defense through cybersecurity efforts
  • Flexible work arrangements depending on project needs
Full Job Description
Job ID: 6324A
Date Posted: April 23, 2026
Location: Albuquerque, NM


Key Responsibilities:
Security Compliance & Risk Management
  • Ensuring information systems comply with NIST 800-53, RMF, and other security frameworks
  • Conducts risk assessments, vulnerability management, and mitigation planning
  • Performs audit log reduction and analysis as well as SIEM tuning and configuration
  • Maintains Authority to Operate (ATO) requirements for classified systems
Incident Response & Continuous Monitoring
  • Oversees security operations, threat analysis, and intrusion detection
  • Develops and executes incident response plans to protect sensitive data
  • Implements continuous monitoring strategies to proactively identify threats
Policy Development & Documentation
  • Develops security policies, procedures, and guidelines in alignment with DoD regulations
  • Ensures thorough audit readiness and proper documentation of security controls
  • Manages security training programs to promote best practices
Collaboration & Leadership
  • Works closely with program teams, IT teams, and security personnel to strengthen SDL's cybersecurity posture
  • Serves as a trusted advisor for leadership on emerging threats and risk management strategies
  • Leads security assessments and interfaces with Government agencies (e.g., DoD entities)


Required Qualifications:
  • 3-7 years of experience in information systems security, cybersecurity, or related fields
  • Hands-on experience with the JSIG and AFIC TS/SCI ATO development process
  • Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information assurance, or a related field
  • 8570/8140 IAT Level 1 certification at minimum
  • Knowledge of Security Frameworks: NIST 800-53 Risk Management Framework (RMF), FISMA, and DoD security controls
  • Experience with examining and understanding security documentation for system hardware and software, to include System Security Plan (SSP), Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M), equipment specifications, practices, and procedures including assessment of controls and artifacts to verify the system is ATO ready
  • Assist in the execution of the Incident Response Plan, specifically in Data Spillage Cleanup
  • Prepare the weekly, monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, and annual ConMon reports to push towards a perpetual ATO
  • Recommend software packages for use in secure spaces
  • Technical Skills: Expertise in SIEM tools, vulnerability scanning, encryption, and secure network architecture, and demonstrated hands-on ATO development for SAP ATOs, AFIC ATOs, and unclassified ATOs
  • Ability to create professional reports for system owners and technical staff that accurately describe test events and results for highly complex requirements
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must have a DoD TS security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information assurance, or a related field
  • Certifications: DoD 8570/8140 IAM Level 3 i.e. CISSP, CISM, CISA, CGRC, or equivalent
  • Ability to understand, explain, and mitigate non-implemented controls
  • Familiarity with various interconnection agreements and memorandums of understanding
  • Detailed understanding of customer-centric RMF workflows and the ability to articulate that knowledge to internal and external customers
  • In-depth understanding of network topologies, protocols, hardware (switches, routers, etc.) and hardening techniques
  • Knowledge of the complex network environments involving shared networks and multiple security enclaves
  • Displays in-depth understanding of cybersecurity policies and procedures for government sector information systems
  • Hands-on experience with eMASS and Xacta ATO submission process
  • Must possess the ability to bridge the technical implementation (i.e., developer talk) into commonly understood security words
  • Technical knowledge and experience to implement cybersecurity policies and procedures
  • Experience working with System Administrators, Developers, and Systems Engineers
  • Familiarity with developing and maintaining system security documentation
  • Work under limited supervision


*Salary Range
  • $87,000 - $156,000
    • Salary commensurate based on education and relevant experience


This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate's preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.

For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact [redacted].

About Utah State University

Utah State University (USU) is a public land-grant research university in Logan, Utah. It is the flagship institution of the Utah State University System. USU offers programs in agriculture, engineering, business, economics, natural resources, and other fields. The university has about 17,000 students and 1,500 faculty members. USU is known for its research in agriculture, ecology, and engineering. The university has a large campus with many research facilities and a strong athletic program.
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