Principal Cyber Systems Engineer Security Clearance

Position: Principal Cyber Systems Engineer with Security Clearance
Principal Cyber Systems Engineer Mid-Level / Senior Level | Mid-$90,000 - $112,000 Senior- $112,000 - $125,000 | Colorado Springs, CO | Onsite | Travel Up to 25% (CONUS & OCONUS) | Active Secret Clearance Required Protect mission-critical defense systems by supporting cybersecurity engineering, Risk Management Framework (RMF) compliance, and continuous monitoring activities across classified environments. Join a collaborative engineering team responsible for securing next-generation defense systems through vulnerability assessments, security compliance, system hardening, and Assessment & Authorization (A&A) activities that enable mission success.

A Day in the Life - What you'll do
* Perform cybersecurity assessments of classified systems and networks to identify configuration drift, security vulnerabilities, and compliance deficiencies.
* Conduct compliance audits using tools such as STIG Viewer, Evaluate-STIG, STIG Manager, SCAP, SCC, and related assessment utilities.
* Develop, update, and maintain cybersecurity documentation including Security Assessment Plans (SAPs), Security Assessment Reports (SARs), Risk Assessment Reports (RARs), Plan of Actions & Milestones (POA&M), and RMF body-of-evidence artifacts.
* Support the full Risk Management Framework (RMF) lifecycle by preparing Assessment & Authorization (A&A) documentation and maintaining system accreditation packages within eMASS.
* Coordinate with government customers, System Program Office (SPO) personnel, Information System Security Managers (ISSMs), and engineering teams to resolve cybersecurity findings and maintain authorization status.
* Perform vulnerability assessments using ACAS, Nessus, Tenable.sc, and related security assessment tools to identify and remediate cybersecurity risks.
* Validate security controls and verify compliance with DoD cybersecurity requirements, including NIST, DoDI, AFI, and NISPOM guidance.
* Apply Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) to harden Linux-based systems and verify secure system configurations.
* Analyze cybersecurity findings, recommend risk mitigation strategies, and support implementation of corrective actions across engineering teams.
* Collaborate with software developers, systems engineers, and infrastructure teams to integrate cybersecurity requirements throughout the system development lifecycle.
* Support continuous monitoring activities through recurring security assessments, audits, inspections, and compliance reviews.
* Research emerging cybersecurity technologies, evaluate new security tools, and recommend enhancements that improve overall system security posture.
* Support domestic and international travel (up to 25%) to assist with cybersecurity assessments, program reviews, and customer mission support.

Required Qualifications Cyber Systems Engineer II
* Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline and 2 years of related professional experience; OR
* Master's degree with 0 years of related professional experience. Principal Cyber Systems Engineer
* Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of related professional experience; OR
* Master's degree and 3 years of related professional experience; OR
* PhD and 1 year of related professional experience. Both Levels Require:
* Active in-scope DoD Secret security clearance required at time of application.
* Current DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification (Security+ CE, SSCP, GSEC, CCNA Security, or equivalent).
* Experience applying DoD cybersecurity policies and standards including DoDI 8500.01, NIST SP 800-53, and NIST SP 800-115.
* Working knowledge of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) lifecycle, including security requirements development, security control assessments, vulnerability analysis, and Assessment & Authorization activities.
* Experience developing cybersecurity documentation and RMF artifacts supporting system accreditation.
* Experience performing vulnerability and compliance assessments using ACAS, Nessus, Tenable.sc, or equivalent scanning tools.
* Experience administering Linux systems in secure environments.
* Experience implementing and validating Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
* Strong technical writing, documentation, and analytical skills.
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
* Ability to work onsite under a 9/80 schedule.
* Ability to travel up to 25% (CONUS and OCONUS).

Preferred Qualifications
* Active DoD Top Secret security clearance.
* Penetration testing certifications such as OSCP, OSCE, GPEN, GWAPT, or GXPN.
* Experience implementing or administering Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and centralized log aggregation platforms.
* Experience conducting cybersecurity assessments of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) environments.
* Strong understanding of networking concepts including:
* TCP/IP networking
* Subnetting
* Firewalls
* Network Address Translation (NAT)
* Access Control Lists (ACLs)
* VLANs
* Advanced…