ISSO / RMF Cybersecurity Analyst

ISSO / RMF Cybersecurity Analyst

Xcelerate Solutions seeks an Information System Security Officer (ISSO) / RMF Cybersecurity Analyst to play a critical role in ensuring the security posture, compliance, and continuous monitoring of our secure enterprise IT systems. The successful candidate will guide systems through the federal Risk Management Framework (RMF) lifecycle to obtain and maintain an active Authorization to Operate (ATO).

This position requires a deep understanding of federal cybersecurity policies, NIST Special Publications (specifically NIST SP 800-37 and NIST SP 800-53), and hands-on experience managing security controls. The ISSO will collaborate closely with system administrators, software developers, and government authorizing officials to identify risks, implement mitigation strategies, and maintain robust system defenses. Come join our award-winning organization and work with some of the most talented and brightest minds in the GovCon industry.

Key Responsibilities

In accordance with established cybersecurity performance standards, the ISSO / RMF Cybersecurity Analyst will perform the following duties:

1. Risk Management Framework (RMF) & Compliance

• Lead the system categorization, security control selection, implementation, assessment, and continuous monitoring processes across the RMF lifecycle.
• Develop, update, and maintain comprehensive Security Authorization Packages, including System Security Plans (SSPs), Security Assessment Reports (SARs), Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), and continuous monitoring plans.
• Utilise government systems of record (e.g., Enterprise Mission Assurance Support Service - eMASS) to document and track compliance packages.

2. Vulnerability Management & Assessment

• Coordinate and conduct regular vulnerability scans using automated tools (e.g., ACAS, Nessus, SCAP Compliance Checker).
• Analyze scan results, coordinate with technical teams to remediate vulnerabilities, and document necessary exceptions or POA&Ms.
• Review Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and Security Requirements Guides (SRGs) to ensure secure system configurations.

3. Continuous Monitoring & Incident Response

• Monitor and assess security controls on an ongoing basis to ensure they remain effective over time in a dynamic operational environment.
• Assist with the identification, investigation, and reporting of security incidents or anomalies in accordance with established reporting procedures.
• Ensure log management, system auditing, and boundary protections are maintained in compliance with federal guidelines.

4. Technical Collaboration & Advisory

• Act as the primary cybersecurity advisor to technical development, systems engineering, and management teams.
• Ensure that new software features, infrastructure changes, and system updates are designed and implemented with security-by-design principles.
• Support the planning and execution of security control assessments (SCAs) conducted by external assessment teams.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (equivalent professional experience may be considered).
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5+ years of experience in cybersecurity, information assurance, or IT compliance.
  • 3+ years of direct, hands-on experience guiding systems through the RMF process (Steps 1 through 7) to successful ATO determinations.
• Technical Skills:
  • Deep working knowledge of NIST SP 800-37, NIST SP 800-53, and CNSSI 1253.
  • Direct experience using automated vulnerability assessment tools (e.g., Nessus, ACAS, SCC).
  • Proven experience managing and navigating security control databases (such as eMASS).
  • Solid understanding of operating system security configurations (Windows, Linux) and network security architectures.
• Soft Skills:
  • Strong technical writing skills with demonstrated ability to produce clear, structured compliance documentation.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to bridge the gap between technical teams and authorizing officials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cloud security compliance models (e.g., FedRAMP, AWS GovCloud, Azure Government).
• Familiarity with secure software development principles, DevSecOps pipelines, and container security (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience implementing Section 508 accessibility standards within cybersecurity practices.
• Experience supporting defense contract execution or secure federal program architectures.

Certifications

To meet federal cybersecurity and technical baseline requirements, candidates must possess or be willing to obtain:

1. Cybersecurity Baseline Certification (Required)

Active DoD 8570.01-M / DoD 8140 Information Assurance Management (IAM) Level II certification (or higher). Acceptable certifications include:

• Certified Authorization Professional (CAP / CGRC) (highly preferred)
• CompTIA Security+ CE (acceptable depending on IAM/IAT alignment)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• GIAC Security Leadership (GSLC)

Security & Clearance Requirements

Due to the secure nature of the enterprise environment and associated federal mandates:

• Work Status Allowable: U.S. citizenship
• Minimum Clearance to Start: Public Trust or Favorably Adjudicated Secret Clearance 
• Compliance: Must strictly adhere to government cybersecurity policies, operations security (OPSEC) rules, and secure system access regulations.

About Xcelerate Solutions: 

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in McLean, VA, Xcelerate Solutions (www.xceleratesolutions.com) is one of America's fastest-growing companies. Xcelerate’s culture is defined by our diversified workforce of dynamic and versatile professionals, supported with growth and development opportunities that contribute to individual and company growth. This strong commitment to our employees has been recognized by our inclusion on the Washington Business Journal’s “50 Best Places to Work” list as well as being a “Great Place to Work” certified company with a 4.6 star, and a 99% CEO approval Glassdoor rating. Come find out why Xcelerate Solutions is one of the top DC Metro employers!  

Xcelerate Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, equal pay, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or expression of another protected characteristic. As part of this commitment to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals, Xcelerate Solutions provides reasonable accommodation if needed because of an applicant's or an employee's disability.

Pay Transparency Notice: Xcelerate Solutions 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.