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

Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc. has an immediate need for an experienced Information Systems Security Engineer to join our team in the National Capital Region.

This position will support multiple programs, collaborating closely with the Information System Security Manager to ensure strict adherence to the Risk Management Framework (RMF), System Security Plans, DAAPM/NISPOM guidelines, and applicable NIST Publications.

The role requires designing, configuring, and maintaining secure systems and network infrastructure in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD) regulations. Responsibilities include conducting comprehensive security assessments and audits, developing STIG checklists, and utilizing tools such as ACAS and SCAP for vulnerability scans across Windows, RHEL, Cisco, and VMware environments. Additionally, the position entails diligently analyzing system anomalies to optimize performance.

Successful candidates will prepare systems for operational deployment, implement security controls, support testing phases, and carry out secure maintenance and continuous monitoring efforts. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams are essential for this role. Certification in Cisco, or VMware is advantageous.

Information Systems Security Engineer Requirements:

• U.S. citizenship required; Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain Top Secret//SCI.
• Bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years of relevant experience OR High School Diploma and 8+ years of relevant experience in DoD Information Security.
• DoD 8570 IASE-II and/or IAT-II level certification (e.g., CASP+, Security+, CCNA-Security).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for team collaboration, content preparation, and delivery.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills for assessing and recommending security solutions.
• Proficiency in conducting security assessments and implementing controls using STIGS, and SCAP.
• Strong working knowledge of conducting security scans using ACAS to analyze results to identified vulnerabilities, assess risks, and recommend/implement remediation measures.
• Design and implementation of security architectures for complex systems and networks.
• Proficient in Windows, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and system hardware.
• Intermediate to Advance experience in configuring and managing Cisco ASA, Cisco Firepower, IOS/IOS-XE Routers, and Network Switches, hands-on experience preferred.
• McAfee/Trellix ePO administration, to include familiarity with DLP components
• Familiarity with VMware technologies (e.g., vSphere, ESXi, NSX).
• Understanding of identity and access control, secure configurations using Active Directory and Group Policy.
• Experience in developing technical training materials compliant with DoD standards.
• Strong grasp of networking concepts, protocols, and virtualization technologies.
• Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, Python).

Information Systems Security Engineer Preferences:

• Experience deploying and administering Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) or similar products such as Forescout.
• Experience administering McAfee/Trellix ePO to include policies, deployment, and DLP components.
• Proficiency using SIEM solutions.
• Experience working on air-gapped and government connected systems.
• Relevant certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security, Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security, VMware Certified Professional (VCP), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are preferred but not required.

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 1,700 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company. We are also very proud of our Women’s Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.

To find out more about what the Integrated Missions Systems Sector has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/ 

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)