ISSE/SYSTEMS SECURITY ENGINEER (RDTE)

Bowhead is seeking an experienced ISSE / Systems Security Engineer to support a government program’s Information Assurance Security Engineer (IASE) mission in Dahlgren, VA. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise, disciplined cybersecurity engineering practices, and exceptional communication skills to ensure secure system design, compliance, and continuous monitoring across complex RDTE environments.

This role requires close coordination with Code 104 technical teams, 1043 Command ISSMs, system administrators, developers, and external partners. The ISSE will serve as a critical liaison, ensuring alignment between engineering activities and command-level cybersecurity requirements.

Essential functions for the Systems Security Engineer include, but are not limited to:

• Assist with development, interpretation, and maintaining of cybersecurity policies, system-specific governance documents, and IA guidance to ensure compliance with DoD, Navy, and program requirements.
• Support continuous monitoring activities, including log analysis, vulnerability tracking, control effectiveness validation, and coordination with system administrators to maintain real-time awareness of system security posture.
• Support the design and refine repeatable cybersecurity processes that enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and strengthen compliance across the system lifecycle.
• Assist in the identification and implementation of automation opportunities for configuration validation, compliance reporting, vulnerability scanning workflows, and security control testing.
• Deliver clear, concise, and technically accurate communication to engineering teams, ISSMs, leadership, and stakeholders. Produce high-quality documentation, briefings, and risk analyses.
• Liaison Between Code 104 and 1043 ISSMs — Serve as the primary bridge between technical engineering counterparts and command cybersecurity authorities to ensure alignment on security requirements, system changes, and risk decisions.
• Build strong relationships with system owners, developers, administrators, ISSMs, and external partners. Facilitate collaboration, resolve security concerns, and maintain alignment across all parties.
• Produce PIT designation requests, PIT Risk Assessments, DIACAP plans, and other required cybersecurity artifacts.
• Support system authorization and operational security through structured documentation and remediation planning.
• Work with system administrators to conduct host and network vulnerability assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate closely with the IASE, system administrators, engineers, and developers to ensure secure system design and operation.

• Five (5+) or more years of relevant experience required
• High School Diploma required or BA degree highly desired 
• Knowledgeable with DoD security and IA requirements as outlined in DoDI 8500.2 and the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guidelines (STIG).
• Must have knowledge of basic to advanced UNIX and Windows system administration. Current knowledge of DoD Ports, Protocols, and Services (PPS), Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), and DoD Information Assurance Vulnerability Management (IAVM) policies and standards.
• DoD 8570 Information Assurance Management Level II certification
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and outside contacts
• Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment with the ability to work alone or as part of a team
• Experience with security assessment tools such as Nessus
• Experience with security control implementation and testing
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment

Targeted salary range is $110,000 to $130,000 annually based on qualifications and experience.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift up to 15-20 pounds or more
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
• Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must currently hold a security clearance at the Top Secret level.  US Citizenship is a requirement for Top Secret clearance at this location.

Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Bowhead considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and business considerations when extending an offer.