Senior Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)

Who are we?

Independent Software is a consulting, product, and solutions firm dedicated to the practical application of software and system engineering technologies to solve complex problems.  We bring together world class engineers with proven engineering best practices, domain expertise, commercial technologies, and proven agile management approaches to create high value solutions aimed at helping our customers meet their most critical business and mission objectives.

Why Independent Software?

We are focused on continual learning and evolution.  We don’t do things because “that’s the way we’ve always done things”; we listen to our employees and adapt to the changing marketplace.  We look at the big picture and encourage our engineers to get training and certifications in emerging technologies that will help shape our customer’s mission.

We’ve been profitable year after year.  We’re always on the lookout for great engineers to join the team and we recognize that our employees are the heart and soul of what we do.  We focus on recruiting talented people, treating them right, and then allowing them to do what they do best.  No red tape.  No micromanagement.  Smart people want to work with smart people, and we love people who are passionate about what they do and finding ways to do it better.

Top Reasons to Work at Independent Software:

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  Great people deserve even better benefits, from comprehensive healthcare coverage and generous leave time to discounts with all our vendors.
  
  


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  You are not just a job title. That's why we tip the work-life balance scale in your favor. It's not about being billable, it's about being valuable.
  
  


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  Whether you're working on-site or in our offices, your role at Independent Software is just as critical to our success as your coworker's.
  
  


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  We're constantly researching and implementing the latest technology, so you've always got the right tools at your disposal.
  
  


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  As we've grown, we've retained that small company feel. When we say we have an open-door policy, we actually mean it.
  
  


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  Independent Software is comprised of wonderfully generous folks. We believe in supporting the causes our employees care about. Bring us an opportunity to help and we'll listen.
  
  


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  Teamwork got us where we are today. Our collaborative environment allows you to maximize your true potential.
  
  


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  The work we do is exciting, critical stuff. No matter your role at Independent Software, you're helping us keep the nation safe and secure.
  
  


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  We have a history of great achievement, and, with each year, our company gets even bigger and better. As we grow, so does the opportunity for our employees.
  
  


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  We host a variety of fun employee and family events throughout the year to say thanks for all that you do to make Independent Software a technology leader as well as a phenomenal place to work.
  
  

Benefits:

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  Competitive salary
  
  


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  Company Sponsored Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans
  
  


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  Company Paid Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability and Life Insurance
  
  


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  Employee Assistance Program
  
  


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  Your retirement plan is an important benefit you shouldn’t overlook. We offer a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust that offers a powerful way to enhance your long-term financial well-being by investing in yourself. We offer immediate eligibility and company matching.
  
  


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  A generous Paid Time Off and Holiday package
  
  


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  Paid training! We encourage all employees to seek out training opportunities like conferences, certification courses and seminars.
  
  


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  We truly believe the right work-life balance can exist, and it's here at Independent Software. Our work is extremely important, but your job is just a part of who you are. When you enjoy your life outside of our walls, you're at your best the next time you walk through our doors. We do all we can to assure that happens every day.
  
   
  
  Independent Software is an Equal Opportunity Employer EOE, M/F/D/V.

Senior Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)

Annapolis Junction, MD



Full Time



Information Systems Security Officer



Experienced

What You Will Do:

As an Information Systems Security Officer at Independent Software, you will play a critical role in strengthening and defending the security posture of mission-critical systems supporting the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. You will lead cybersecurity efforts across the full system lifecycle, from initial design and Risk Management Framework (RMF) implementation through system authorization, continuous monitoring, and ongoing sustainment.

In this role, you will serve as a key security authority for assigned systems and programs, ensuring compliance with evolving DoD and IC policies while proactively identifying and mitigating risks to classified environments. You will work closely with system administrators, engineers, and program leadership to integrate security into system architecture and operations, ensuring security is embedded—not bolted on—throughout the lifecycle.

You will drive system authorization activities, oversee vulnerability management efforts, and guide remediation strategies to maintain operational readiness and accreditation. Additionally, you will provide technical leadership in interpreting security requirements, implementing controls, and responding to emerging threats, while continuously improving processes to enhance resilience, compliance, and mission effectiveness.

Your expertise will directly support national security objectives by ensuring systems remain secure, compliant, and capable of operating in high-threat, high-stakes environments.

Key Responsibilities:
 

• Manage daily security operations for information systems ensuring compliance with Department of Defense and Intelligence Community cybersecurity policies, directives, and frameworks
• Support and enforce information assurance initiatives across programs, systems, and enclaves to strengthen overall security posture
• Conduct vulnerability and risk assessments to support accreditation decisions and ensure system integrity throughout development and sustainment
• Administer configuration control for security software, hardware, and firmware ensuring all changes are evaluated for potential security impacts
• Create and maintain critical security documentation including:
   – System Security Plans (SSPs)
   – Risk Assessment Reports (RARs)
   – Plan of Actions and Milestones (POA&Ms)
   – Certification and Accreditation Packages
   – System Requirements Traceability Matrices (SRTMs)
•  Lead system authorization efforts in accordance with the Department of Defense Risk Management Framework process and legacy NISCAP standards ensuring timely submission and approval of security artifacts
• Evaluate, implement, and maintain security solutions for classified processing environments ensuring compliance with required controls and standards
• Utilize and manage agency-specific security tools such as Latteart, Biscoti, Xacta, ACAS, Nessus, or similar platforms for monitoring, assessment, and reporting
• Provide technical expertise in security policies, procedures, and countermeasures to protect systems from unauthorized access or compromise
• Work directly with system administrators, engineers, and program leadership to resolve security issues and embed cybersecurity best practices across all project phases
• Assess current security processes, identify vulnerabilities, and develop proactive solutions to strengthen the organization’s cybersecurity posture

Required Skills and Qualifications:
 

• Ability to interpret and apply Department of Defense, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Intelligence Community security standards including NIST SP 800-53, CNSSI 1253, and DoDI 8510.01
• Skilled in Risk Management Framework steps 1 through 6, risk mitigation, and continuous monitoring
• Experience implementing and validating technical controls for operating systems, applications, and network devices
• Hands-on experience with vulnerability scanners, audit tools, and enterprise security management systems such as ACAS, Nessus, or comparable tools
• Familiarity with customer security tools, repositories, playbooks, and compliance guidelines
• Operational understanding of server technologies, information assurance practices, and networking protocols and services
• Ability to perform detailed risk assessments and author clear, actionable security documentation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to brief stakeholders and leadership
•  Proven ability to work in a cross-functional classified environment with minimal supervision
• Exposure to infrastructure provisioning or configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Terraform)

Education and Experience: 
 

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Security, Information Assurance, or related technical discipline
• In lieu of a degree, an additional four years of relevant experience may be substituted
• Minimum of twelve or more years of professional experience in cybersecurity, information assurance, or systems security engineering
• Minimum of ten or more years of ISSO or equivalent experience supporting Department of Defense or Intelligence Community programs of similar scope, type, and complexity 

Certifications:

• DoD 8140.03 compliance with IAM Level II or IAT Level III (CASP, CISSP, or Associate)

Clearance Requirement:
 

• Must possess an active TS/SCI with appropriate Polygraph to be considered for this role

Why Choose Independent Software?

At Independent Software, our people are the mission. We’ve built a company around collaboration, integrity, and innovation and we make sure our team has the tools and support to grow, succeed, and thrive.
When you join us, you will:

• Support critical national security missions that matter
• Be part of a close-knit, employee-first culture where your voice is heard
• Expand your skills through ongoing training, mentorship, and career development
• Enjoy competitive compensation, generous benefits, and work-life balance

Ready to take the next step in your career? Join us and be part of something bigger.

Apply today.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.