Senior Cybersecurity Engineer; Controls & Assessment Lead

Nightwing is a leading provider of cyber and data operations services to the intelligence, defense, civilian and commercial sectors. We are supporting a U.S. Government customer with onsite incident response to civilian agencies and critical asset owners experiencing cyber‑attacks. The Senior Cybersecurity Engineer (Controls & Assessment Lead) will lead security controls implementation and risk assessment activities for technology integration initiatives, ensuring federal security requirements are met and security posture is maintained while enabling innovation and modernization.

• Lead security controls assessment and implementation for technology integration pilots
• Establish risk frameworks for pilot design and execution activities
• Ensure compliance with federal security requirements (NIST, FISMA, FedRAMP)
• Conduct security assessments of proposed technology insertions
• Define security boundaries and controls for pilot environments
• Coordinate with RMF and security teams on authorization activities
• Ensure pilots maintain security posture and avoid becoming security liabilities
• Assess security readiness for scaling pilots into production
• Develop security metrics for measuring pilot and production outcomes
• Lead security governance review processes and decision points
• Ensure alignment with CISA Zero Trust Strategy and security architecture
• Conduct risk assessments for technology insertions across federated environments
• Support continuous monitoring and security validation of integrated capabilities
• Provide security guidance to development and operations teams
• Document security controls, procedures, and compliance evidence

• U.S. Citizenship
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry on Duty (EOD) Suitability
• 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity engineering or security architecture
• Expert knowledge of federal security frameworks (NIST 800-53, RMF, FISMA)
• Experience leading security assessments and authorization activities
• Strong understanding of risk management and security controls implementation
• Experience with security compliance in operational environments
• Knowledge of Zero Trust architecture and implementation principles
• Experience assessing security of AI/ML and emerging technologies
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent documentation and communication abilities

• ITIL, PMP, or similar operations/project management certification
• Experience with CISA programs or similar federal cybersecurity operations
• Background in security assessment of malware analysis platforms
• Experience with cloud security assessment and authorization
• Knowledge of critical infrastructure security requirements
• Experience with continuous monitoring and automated compliance tools
• Familiarity with Dev Sec Ops  and security automation practices
• Background in penetration testing or vulnerability assessment

• BS in Cyber Security, Computer Science, or related degree
• Master’s degree preferred, or HS Diploma and 7+ years of directly relevant experience

• DoD 8140 IAT Level III
• CAP, CRISC
• Syndeo: ESS-3422

Nightwing is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.