Junior Information Systems Security Engineer with Security Clearance
The Junior Information Systems Security Engineer supports cybersecurity engineering efforts focusing on system design, security architecture, and maintaining continuous authorization to operate (cATO) for Confidential Client cloud and network environments. This hybrid role involves conducting security assessments, incident analysis, compliance auditing, and managing security documentation to ensure adherence to DoD and Navy cybersecurity standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, IT.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is seeking a motivated Junior Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE) to support Navy/NAVSEA-focused cybersecurity work in Virginia Beach, VA. This hybrid role (2–3 days onsite / 2–3 days remote) contributes across the full cybersecurity lifecycle: design, assessment, authorization, continuous monitoring, and security documentation maintenance for cloud and network environments.
Responsibilities
- Perform cybersecurity research and analysis under NAVSEA programs for cloud and network solutions.
- Assist in identifying information protection needs and defining security requirements for information systems and cloud network environments.
- Support security architecture design and implementation of cybersecurity countermeasures.
- Assist in cyber incident reviews and reporting; conduct onsite SIPR-based research and analysis of Secret-level incident data.
- Help prepare Interconnection Approval (IAP) requests, Boundary Change Requests (BCRs), Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA), and Ports, Protocols, and Services Management (PPSM) documentation.
- Participate in Authorization to Operate (ATO) activities using RMF, NIST 800-series, and Navy-specific guidance.
- Assist with auditing and updating IL5 & IL6 eMASS instances (inheritance, POA&M, hardware/software inventories, DADMS, secure cloud diagrams).
- Lead self-assessments and STIG reviews to validate system hardening.
- Manage annual security reviews of full ATO packages to maintain a Continuous ATO model and on-time submissions.
- Track and manage tasks in GitHub—maintaining metadata (milestones, projects, descriptions, boards).
- Integrate the latest Navy guidance into templates and security documentation to keep artifacts current.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related technical field AND 1 year of relevant information systems experience; OR high school diploma/GED AND 4 years of relevant information systems experience in lieu of degree.
- Active Security+ certification (or other DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II–compliant certification).
- Ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with Navy cloud brokerages and DoD/Navy-specific RMF guidance.
- Practical experience using GitHub for project tracking or documentation management.
- Knowledge of federal compliance frameworks: FISMA, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and FedRAMP.
- Understanding of technical controls and technologies (Access Control, Privileged Access Management, Data Loss Prevention, Configuration Management).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for documentation and briefings.
Clearance & Physical Requirements
- Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain an active Secret security clearance.
- Physical: Able to remain stationary ~50% of the time; move around an office and operate standard office equipment; frequently communicate with co-workers, management, and customers, including presentations.
Location & Schedule
- Primary location: Virginia Beach, VA (zip 23450)
- Work model: Hybrid (approximately 2–3 days onsite, 2–3 days remote)
- Must be able to work onsite as required for SIPR-based research and meetings.
Employment Type & Compensation
- Employment type: Full-time
- Estimated salary: $77,375 per year (estimated). Actual pay may vary based on experience, location, and applicable laws.
Keywords & Skills (for clarity)
- RMF, NIST 800-series
- Security+ / DoD 8570/8140
- ATO / Continuous ATO
- Cloud security, IL5 / IL6, eMASS
- GitHub for tracking and documentation
- SIPR / Secret-level data handling
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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