Authorization and Accreditation Lead

Summary

The primary role of the Authorization and Accreditation Lead is to serve as the crucial bridge between technical teams, program leadership, and security policy, driving compliance and continuous monitoring for mission‑critical systems. In this role, the successful candidate will perform authorization and accreditation duties for the program to include completing all processes and procedures as required for system compliance and security verification and controls.

• Lead all phases of the RMF (Prepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, Monitor) for information systems.
• Develop, review, and maintain essential security artifacts (e.g., System Security Plans, POA&M, Risk Assessments).
• Collaborate with engineers, developers, system owners, and leadership.
• Ensure adherence to federal mandates (NIST 800‑53, 800‑171, ICD 503, FISMA) and sponsor‑specific policies.
• Conduct assessments, track vulnerabilities, and manage remediation efforts.
• Brief leadership and AOs on system security posture and authorization status, leading to a final "Authorization to Operate" (ATO) decision.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or Computer Engineering.
• Demonstrated five (5) years of direct combined experience in IT systems administration, cybersecurity compliance, IT system troubleshooting, and incident response.
• Demonstrated six (6) years of experience in a role such as Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE), accrediting sponsor programs of similar scope and complexity.
• Experience with completing new system(s) authorization and accreditation through the sponsor’s Authorization and Accreditation (A&A) processes, procedures, security requirements, and systems.
• Experience in security policy, counterintelligence, and security controls.
• An active TS/SCI with polygraph.

• Certification on AWS or equivalent cloud technology.
• Certification in Security+, Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), or equivalent.

$140,000 to $170,000

Top Secret with Polygraph

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and the EAR, or a person approved for an export license by the governing agency. Current U.S. citizenship may be required for contract requirements.

AV offers medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and paid holiday shutdown. For more information visit our benefits page.

Based in California, Aero Vironment is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971, we have developed the world’s most widely used military drones and pioneering reconnaissance technology.

We design, develop, produce, and support advanced unmanned aircraft and tactical missile systems for the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services.

Aero Vironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other legally protected status.