Cybersecurity Engineer - Cyber Defense Operations (ISSE)

About the role

All hired employees are expected to have experience with Microsoft Copilot and / or an approved equivalent AI solution.

About the role

Data Systems Analysts, Inc. (DSA) is seeking a TS/SCI-cleared Cybersecurity Engineer to support the security posture, compliance, and accreditation of enterprise systems in a secure DoD environment. The selected candidate will play a key role in maintaining cybersecurity readiness, supporting Risk Management Framework (RMF) processes, and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of mission critical systems.

The Cybersecurity Engineer will collaborate with both technical and compliance teams, supporting initiatives from vulnerability remediation and control implementation to RMF documentation and authorization sustainment. This role is suited for professionals with a strong foundation in DoD cybersecurity operations

This position is onsite at the National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC) in Charlottesville, VA. Candidates willing to relocate to the Charlottesville area are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a hands-on cybersecurity technical authority, providing guidance and solving complex security challenges across DoD systems, applications, networks, and enterprise environments.
• Advise architects, system owners, engineers, administrators, and cybersecurity personnel on security requirements, system design, technical risk, and secure implementation.
• Assess system architectures, configurations, technologies, and proposed solutions to identify vulnerabilities, security risks, and appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Perform vulnerability assessment and remediation using ACAS, Tenable/Nessus, SIEM, and other cybersecurity tools.
• Apply, validate, and troubleshoot DISA STIGs, SCAP benchmarks, security controls, configuration baselines, and system-hardening requirements.
• Support incident response, Continuous Monitoring (ConMon), vulnerability management, and ongoing assessment of system security posture.
• Implement and validate cybersecurity controls across operating systems, applications, networks, endpoints, and enterprise infrastructure.
• Identify opportunities to automate security assessments, vulnerability management, configuration validation, control testing, and other cybersecurity processes.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, modernization efforts, and architectural changes to identify cybersecurity requirements, technical risks, and secure implementation approaches.
• Provide cybersecurity engineering guidance for initiatives including Zero Trust, ICAM, cloud, DevSecOps, data-centric security, software supply chain security, security automation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Provide technical expertise supporting RMF, ATO, and continuous authorization, including SSPs, POA&Ms, eMASS, security controls, risk assessments, and supporting technical evidence.
• Communicate complex cybersecurity risks, technical findings, remediation strategies, and security posture to technical teams, system owners, mission stakeholders, and leadership.

Required Education, Certifications and Security Clearance

• BS degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Experience may be substituted for degree.
• TS/SCI Clearance
• DoD 8140 (8570) IAT Level II Certification

Requirements Experience/Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of hands-on cybersecurity engineering experience, preferably supporting DoD or Intelligence Community environments.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity engineering principles and DoD cybersecurity requirements, with the ability to translate requirements into practical technical solutions.
• Experience assessing system architectures and technical implementations and providing cybersecurity guidance to architects, engineers, administrators, and system owners.
• Hands-on experience with vulnerability management, system hardening, DISA STIGs, SCAP, ACAS, Tenable/Nessus, and remediation of technical findings.
• Strong working knowledge of Windows and Linux systems, networking, authentication, access controls, and enterprise security technologies.
• Experience implementing, assessing, and validating security controls across systems, applications, networks, and enterprise environments.
• Practical knowledge of RMF, Continuous Monitoring, NIST SP 800-53, eMASS, POA&Ms, SSPs, and ATO processes.
• Ability to independently analyze complex cybersecurity problems, develop effective technical solutions, and clearly communicate risks and recommendations to technical teams and leadership.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications

• CISSP, CGRC/CAP, CISM, CASP+/SecurityX, CySA+, CEH, or other relevant advanced cybersecurity certification.
• Experience with SIEM, endpoint security, IDS/IPS, firewalls, incident response, or defensive cyber operations.
• Experience with Zero Trust, ICAM, cloud security, DevSecOps, data-centric security, continuous authorization, or software supply chain security.
• Experience evaluating AI/ML technologies and providing cybersecurity guidance for their secure integration into enterprise environments.
• Experience with PowerShell, Python, Ansible, APIs, or other scripting and security automation technologies.
• Experience integrating cybersecurity requirements into system architecture, modernization, emerging technologies, and technology refresh efforts.

• #DSA209
• #LI-MH1

Pay and benefits

The posted salary range is a good-faith estimate. Actual compensation will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and other job-related factors.

DSA - Salary Pay Range $140,000—$170,000 USD

Many of DSA's positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. DSA is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. DSA requires background checks, where permitted, by law.