Senior Security Systems Engineer

Job Title: Senior Security Systems Engineer (SSSE)

Location: Dahlgren, VA (Hybrid )

Clearance Required: TS/SCI Eligible
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Security Systems Engineer (SSSE) to lead advanced cybersecurity engineering, systems validation, and Assessment & Authorization (A&A) support for Navy tactical, land-based, and Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) systems. This role is critical in ensuring compliance with DoD and Navy cybersecurity standards through secure system design, vulnerability management, and full Risk Management Framework (RMF) implementation. The SSSE will serve as the senior technical lead for cybersecurity design and certification, directly supporting the Navy’s Information Assurance (IA) mission.

Key Responsibilities

• 🛡️ Lead cybersecurity engineering efforts for RMF, A&A, and continuous monitoring of Navy systems.


• 📋 Manage Systems Engineering Technical Review (SETR) processes and associated documentation.


• 🧠 Design and validate secure system architectures using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).


• 🔍 Direct cyber testing, vulnerability assessments, and compliance analysis using DISA STIGs and NSA guidelines.


• 🔐 Develop secure configurations using IDS/IPS, HBSS, Cross Domain Solutions (CDS), and network appliances.


• 🗂️ Create and maintain DoD A&A artifacts including System Security Plans (SSPs), Security Assessment Reports (SARs), and Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms).


• 🧪 Prepare and execute Information Assurance Vulnerability Management (IAVM) plans and security test procedures.


• ✅ Support the acquisition and maintenance of Authorizations to Operate (ATOs) and resolve Interim ATO (IATO) issues.


• 👨‍✈️ Serve as the Information Assurance Officer (IAO) for cybersecurity matters.


• ⚙️ Identify and resolve security design discrepancies to ensure DoD and Navy compliance.


• 📘 Develop System Security Authorization Operational Manuals (SSAOMs).


• ⚓ Apply DoD cybersecurity policies across Navy tactical combat systems.


• 🚀 For SLBM programs, utilize SSP Validator Handbook experience and support Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) duties.


• 🤝 Collaborate with customers, security authorities, and project teams to ensure successful system certification.

Required Qualifications

• Experience (one of the following):




• Minimum of 7 years supporting SLBM programs, or


• 5+ years in Navy afloat/tactical combat system security engineering, or


• 10+ years of general security engineering experience.


• Technical Expertise in:




• Cybersecurity engineering and RMF lifecycle execution


• Vulnerability management, configuration compliance, and boundary defense


• SETR processes and documentation


• DISA STIGs and NSA hardening standards


• Documentation Skills:




• Proven ability to develop and manage DoD cybersecurity documentation and A&A artifacts


• System Experience:




• Experience supporting Aegis, SSDS, Zumwalt, or equivalent Navy systems


• (Minimum of six SSSEs must have 5+ years of experience on these systems)


• Security Clearance:




• TS/SCI eligible (active clearance preferred)


• Certifications:

• IAM or IAT Level II (e.g., Security+, CCNA-Security, GSEC, SSCP, or higher) — Required


• Navy Qualified Validator (NQV) — Required