Information System Security Manager (ISSM) - Applied Research Associates, Inc

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is currently looking for a tenacious, logical, and detail-oriented team player capable of diagnosing complex Information Technology (IT) problems, implementing workarounds, and rapidly resolving incidents. The Information System Security Manager (ISSM) will be responsible for the design, planning, operation, security, and day-to-day management of the organization's network, servers, switches, network connected devices, and all data communications with entities within the Air Force Cloud Networks. This is a senior level position, and involves substantial responsibility for the overall health, operations, and security of all computer networks and servers within the domain. It is the expectation that this position will be able to plan for and solve the most complex network and server issues that may arise within the programs of interest specific to the Risk Management Framework (RMF) accreditation process in effort and support of an Authority to Operate. ARA is a 100% employee-owned company that offers excellent benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement and more. This position is located at Eglin AFB, in the city of Valparaiso, Florida on the gulf coast of Florida.

As part of our IT Branch, this person will be comfortable working independently but also enjoy working collaboratively and building close relationships with colleagues. This type of individual is willing to proactively take ownership of challenges and is happy to support occasional after-hours work, as well as limited travel within the continental US. Must be able to lift 35 lbs. sit, stand, walk, and climb ladders unassisted.

ARA offers an excellent benefits package that includes:

• 401-K Retirement (both Traditional and Roth) with employer matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Various insurance options including Flexible Spending Plan and a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid leave and holidays

ISSM Responsibilities include:

• As in-house expert designs, installs, maintains, and coordinates the use of the network system.
• Evaluates complex hardware and software and peripheral equipment for large, complex networks.
• Manages and takes ownership of the security posture and compliance of the cloud systems.
• Troubleshoots and resolves complex problems to ensure quality transmission service on the network.
• Manages, maintains, and updates system security plans on all platforms. Implements and manages network policies, procedures, and standards.
• Enforces security procedures. Supervises the ISSO and provides technical guidance.

ISSM Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems or equivalent.
• Position requires a minimum of seven to nine years of related experience.
• Applicant must be a United States citizen and be able to obtain and maintain an Active DoD Security Clearance.
• Previous experience as an ISSO/ISSM is required.
• DoDM 8140 certification required.

ISSM Required Skills:

7+ years relevant experience with following technologies,

• Windows Domain Environments
• Active Directory Domain Services (ADDS) / Domain Naming Service (DNS)
• Windows 10 Enterprise / Windows 11 Enterprise
• Windows Server 2008r2 / 2012r2 / 2016 / 2019 / 2022
• NIST SP 800-60/1, NIST SP 800-53v4/5
• RMF processes and procedures
• ACAS
• ESS (formerly known as McAfee ePO)
• SEIM and auditing activities
• Incident Response
• FedRamp / Cloud ATO processes and requirements
• Security best practices

Additional Consideration for:

Experience in maintaining networks in a secure government environment would be a distinct advantage to the applicant. (ISC)² CISSP certification preferred. And previous ATO establishment for cloud systems is desired but not required.

7+ years relevant experience with following technologies,

• Windows Group Policy Management (GPOs)/Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
• DSS RMF process
• Experience with Network Attached Storage (NAS)/data backup.
• Monitoring and auditing technologies
• Stand-alone networks
• Linux RHEL 7
• Linux Ubuntu

Company Details:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,011 professionals and is rapidly growing. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

 At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are recognized and rewarded for their contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)