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Role Description

The Department of War’s (DoW) Office of the Undersecretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW (R&E)) is at the forefront of supporting the DoW with the adoption of innovative technologies such as data, analytics, and artificial intelligence to help accelerate predictions, forecasts, and interpretations for both strategic and tactical decisions across the enterprise. These ground-breaking endeavors bring new challenges to the assessment of DoW IT systems that previously did not exist.

The Security Control Assessor (SCA) plays a pivotal role in comprehensively understanding the cybersecurity posture of a given capability within OUSW (R&E). SCAs must go beyond a mere compliance focus on controls to articulate the inherent risks of systems. Success in this position requires expertise in statutory guidance such as:

• NIST 800 series
• DoWI 8500.01
• DoW 8140.03
• ISO 27001
• COBIT
• DoW RMF
• Operation Vulcan Logic (OVL)

The SCA provides authoritative risk determinations and recommendations critical for the Authorizing Official (AO) to grant an Authority to Operate (ATO). Their assessments integrate technical rigor with regulatory compliance, ensuring a robust security posture and informing strategic decision-making.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide the AO with an independent risk assessment of assigned systems and authorization.
• Advise Program Managers on AO determination utilizing OVL documentation.
• Provide senior advisory support to OUSW (R&E) AO regarding authorizations of OUSW (R&E) capabilities.
• Utilize expert knowledge and experience regarding risk management strategies in support of a major DoW program.
• Providing support regarding the agile authorization and OVL processes.
• Provide independent risk analysis and recommendation.
• Collaborate between the AO and the program as well as Program leadership.
• Identify the security baseline based on the mission and security impacts to the system.
• Determine assessment criteria, develop, review, and create a plan to assess the security requirements.
• Assess the security requirements in accordance with the assessment procedures defined in the Security Assessment Plan (SAP).
• Prepare the Security Assessment Report (SAR).
• Monitor POAM actions based on findings and reassess remediated risk(s) as appropriate.
• Develop the Risk Recommendation and AO Determination Brief.
• Develop a system-level continuous monitoring strategy.
• Author and present briefs regarding status of authorizations to AO and other senior Government officials.
• Provides security architecture and DoW compliance advisory support.

Qualifications

• Must have an active Top-Secret Clearance SCI eligible.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science/information technology, or other related degree fields (master’s degree is preferred or at least 5 years of related experience).
• At least 5+ years of cybersecurity experience including a senior technical or management role, Project or Program Management experience a plus.
• At least one IAT/IAM or equivalent security certifications e.g. Sec+, CISSP, CCSP, CISM, CISA, or CASP.
• Experience working with OSD leadership or Military component or branch.
• Understanding of NIST 800 series guidelines, DoWI 8500.01, DoW 8140.03, ISO 27001, COBIT, DoW RMF, OVL, and current cybersecurity best practices.
• Excellent communication/presentation skills briefing senior military and government civilian leadership.
• Experienced with writing standard operating procedures.
• Experience in hands-on with eMASS, Xacta and/or other GRC tools.
• Experience with Federal and FedRamp A&A Processes.

Success Factors

• Have a strong background in risk management, and governance, risk and compliance (GRC).
• Strong client focus and commitment to continuous improvement, ability to proactively network and establish relationships.
• Manage multiple priorities in a high-paced and fast-changing environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

AAP Statement

We are proud to be an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and as such, we evaluate qualified candidates in full consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, and any other protected status.