18+ years of experience in cybersecurity or related fields.
Prior experience as an ISSO, ISSE, or cybersecurity lead for federal systems.
Extensive knowledge of RMF, XACTA, NIST 800-53, and accreditation packages.
Experience with IATT and ATO processes in government settings.
Proficiency in Splunk and enterprise security monitoring solutions.
Strong understanding of cybersecurity compliance and risk management.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Responsibilities
Lead RMF activities and support certification and accreditation efforts.
Conduct security assessments to evaluate compliance with federal requirements.
Develop and maintain security documentation and accreditation artifacts in XACTA.
Implement and validate NIST 800-53 security controls.
Coordinate with technical teams to ensure system compliance.
Support security assessments, audits, and interactions with officials.
Monitor security posture and recommend risk mitigation strategies.
Apply Zero Trust principles across enterprise and cloud environments.
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision.
401(k) plan with employer contributions.
Paid time off (PTO) and sick leave.
Observance of federal holidays.
Full Job Description
Senior Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) to support the modernization of a mission-critical government information system. This role is responsible for leading cybersecurity compliance, Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities, accreditation efforts, and continuous monitoring across complex enterprise environments. The ideal candidate has extensive experience supporting ATOs, implementing NIST security controls, and collaborating with engineering teams to maintain compliance in secure government environments.
Work Environment
Hybrid role supporting a critical federal modernization effort. Candidates may work from Reston, VA; Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (Washington, DC); or Annapolis Junction, MD , with 2-3 days onsite each week. This position works closely with engineering, infrastructure, database, application, and cybersecurity teams supporting secure enterprise government systems.
Responsibilities
Lead RMF activities and support certification, accreditation, IATT, and ATO efforts.
Conduct security assessments and evaluate system compliance with federal cybersecurity requirements.
Develop and maintain SSPs, POA&Ms, Security Assessment Plans (SAPs), and accreditation artifacts within XACTA .
Implement, assess, and validate NIST 800-53 security controls.
Coordinate with engineers, developers, DBAs, system administrators, and testers to maintain system compliance.
Support security assessment events, audits, and interactions with Authorizing Officials and Security Control Assessors.
Monitor security posture and recommend risk mitigation and corrective actions.
Apply Zero Trust security principles across enterprise and cloud-native environments.
Conduct vulnerability analysis, remediation tracking, and continuous monitoring activities.
Provide cybersecurity guidance to program stakeholders and technical teams.
Qualifications
18+ years of experience in cybersecurity, information assurance, systems security engineering, or related disciplines.
Prior experience serving as an ISSO, ISSE, or cybersecurity lead supporting federal systems.
Extensive experience with RMF, XACTA, ICD 503, NIST 800-53, SSPs, POA&Ms, and accreditation packages .
Experience supporting IATT and ATO processes within government environments.
Proficiency with Splunk and enterprise security monitoring solutions.
Strong understanding of cybersecurity compliance, risk management, and security control implementation.
Excellent communication, documentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Clearance Requirement
Active TS/SCI Clearance with Active Polygraph required.
Certifications
Current Security+ or equivalent DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II/III certification required.
Preferred
Experience leading cybersecurity programs and compliance initiatives.
Experience working directly with ISSMs, SCAs, System Owners, and Authorizing Officials.
Knowledge of cloud-native cybersecurity architectures and security controls.
Experience implementing Zero Trust architectures and security strategies.
Experience supporting federal modernization, cloud migration, or enterprise transformation programs.
Compensation & Benefits:
Salary Range: $170,000 - $190,000 based on experience.
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Application Period: Opens on 10/22/2026 and will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.
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About Piper Companies
Piper Companies is a staffing and recruiting firm based in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. It provides staffing solutions for a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance. The company was founded in 2011 and has since grown to become a leading provider of staffing services in the Philadelphia area. Piper Companies is committed to providing high-quality service to its clients and candidates, and has a strong focus on building long-term relationships. The company is also known for its corporate social responsibility initiatives, including support for local charities and community organizations.
