Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE) - Applied Research Associates, Inc

Are you looking for a career where you can make a difference?  ARA can provide that!  We are a 100% employee-owned company looking for an Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE) to join our team supporting research and development projects. We are dedicated to supporting Department of Defense and operational warfighter needs, while also being committed to supporting our employee-owners throughout their entire career. This position is located at Eglin AFB, in the city of Valparaiso, Florida on the gulf coast of Florida.

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

We are team oriented at ARA.  The ideal candidate will be a hard-working, detail-oriented team player capable of diagnosing IT problems, implementing workarounds and rapidly resolving issues. Applicant must be self-motivated and have the ability to work independently and as part of a high performing team.

As an ISSE, you will demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the following areas:

• Designing, Planning, Implementing, Operating, Securing, and Maintaining IT networks within a DoD and DCSA environment of varying classifications
• Conducting assessments of existing IT architecture for efficiency and compliance with DoD, NIST, CMMC, and RMF guidelines
• Provide continuous monitoring and Authority to Operate (ATO) effort support.
• Develop IT security, design, and enhancement policy.
• Create documentation to support enhancement and security decisions within network design and sustainment.
• Server as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) acting as a liaison between high level security policies/requirements and the technical/system administrator teams for implementation of those requirements.
• Design, implementation, and operation of the Cisco DNA Center appliance, software, and configurations of all network-based configurations.
• Configuration, Monitoring, and Operation of the Cisco ASA Firewall appliance

ISSE Job duties include:

• Monitor systems/network advising senior staff of network failure, inefficiency, degradation, or security issues.
• Assist in corrective action plans, maintain network documentation, and ATO efforts.
• Generate solutions and supporting artifacts for implementation of security or functionality requirements.
• Perform cybersecurity duties in cooperation with the ISSM.
• Consult users and customers for technical solutions to challenging problems.
• Design, Configure, and Operate all network-based infrastructure ranging from wireless, firewalls, tunneling, and Cisco DNA Center operation.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure security and interconnectivity with On-Premises resources design and implementation

ISSE Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science or related field.
• 6 Years of related experience, experience may be accepted as a substitute for a degreed program.
• 2 years of experience as an Information System Security Manager (ISSM) and 4 years in a technical implementation role
• Technical training/coursework in Information Communications Systems, Information Assurance, Information Technology, or related field preferred.
• Ability to obtain DoD 8140 certification within 6 months of hire.
• Able to obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance

 ISSE Required Skills:

• Information Systems Security
• RMF, NIST, CMMC
• Solution Design and Implementation
• Cisco based networking to include 9000 series switches, DNA Center, and ASA firewalls.
• DoD Cryptology devices operation
• Metric generation and report analysis
• Advanced understanding of Information Technology, DoD Networks, and Information Security
• Advanced knowledge of Servers, Virtualization, Networking, Routing, Cloud, Firewalls, Wireless, Client Systems, RMF, NIST, CMMC, and ATO process

Company Details:

Applied Research Associates (ARA) is a recognized leader in the development of cutting-edge research, engineering, and software solutions that are critical to national defense and other problems facing the U.S.  ARA is a scientific and engineering company with an excellent national reputation and over a 40-year history of sustained growth. Our culture supports career growth and rewards innovation, self-motivation, and technical excellence. 

ARA is an employee-owned company with an attractive benefit package that includes 401-K, Employee Stock Ownership, Flexible Spending Plan, and various insurance options.  Our specialty is finding innovative solutions to complex technical problems.  We are seeking talented and motivated individuals who can help us meet our objective of providing quality service to our customers.  Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

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)