ISSO Specialist

ISSO Specialist


Clearance Level: Candidate must have an active secret clearance and be able/willing to obtain a Top Secret clearance. – MUST BE US Citizen


Location: Hybrid – Must be within 100 miles from Lexington, MA


At Aquila Technology, you will see our team’s passion every day, whether we are building a robust, policy-compliant IT system or stress-testing a system to identify gaps and security vulnerabilities. To own the advantage, we ensure our team owns results and gets the work done right the first time by deploying smart, purposeful solutions that work. Aquila is the right people with the right skills driving the right outcomes. We call this the Aquila Advantage.


Aquila Technology is seeking a highly skilled ISSO Specialist to join our team in supporting one of the country’s premier defense research organizations. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles, RMF, STIGs, NISPOM, and DAAPM, and will support system security, compliance, vulnerability management, and authorization activities.


Responsibilities/Day to Day:

• The right candidate will provide information systems security support to a key research and development division supporting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and tactical missions.


• Candidate must be knowledgeable in computer security principles, to include the Risk Management Framework (RMF), Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), and Defense Security Service (DSS) Assessment and Authorization Manual (DAAPM).


• Candidate must have strong technical skills and be able to respond to off-hours emergencies. The team is looking for a minimum of 5 years of experience.


• Responsibilities included but are not limited to:


• Assist in the security configuration and management of collateral classified and unclassified systems and networks in a variety of traditional and virtual environments including Linux, Unix, Solaris, and Windows


• Assist divisional ISSM and System Administrators in the development and maintenance of System Security Plans (SSP) and associated artifacts such as the Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M), Risk Assessment Report, and Continuous Monitoring Strategy.


• Ensure systems are operated, maintained, and disposed of in accordance with the Risk Management Framework security policies and procedures.


• Collect, analyze, and store system audit records.


• Conduct network, system, and application vulnerability scanning, configuration assessment, and remediation.


• Prepare for and participate in periodic organization compliance assessments.


• Ensure account management documentation is complete and updated.


• Maintain configuration management documentation (change tracking, maintenance logs, etc.)

Must Have

• Currently holds a Secret Clearance (OR a higher clearance)


• 5 years Compliance & Auditing


• 5 years DoD Experience


• 5 years Regulatory & Compliance


• 5 years STIGs/SCAP


• 5 years Conduct network, system, and application vulnerability scanning/configuration assessment/remediation


• 5 years Assist in the security configuration and management of collateral classified/unclassified systems


• 5 years Collect, analyze, and store system audit records


• 5 years ISSO experience


• 5 years Risk Management Framework (RMF)


• 5 years Experience with common configuration management tools


• 5 years Operating Systems: Linux, Windows, VMware

Nice to Have

• Security+ certification (or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment)


• Bachelor’s Degree


• Currently holds a Top Secret Clearance


• 5 years DoD Mandate 8570.1-M


• 5 years Splunk or SOC Operations

Required Skills:

• Technical experience and skills in securing multiple operating systems such as Windows, Linux and virtualization technologies


• Technical experience securing networks and systems utilizing DISA STIGs and/or SRGs.


• Knowledgeable in computer security principles and policies, including Risk Management Framework (RMF), Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), and Defense Security Service (DSS) Assessment and Authorization Manual (DAAPM).


• Experience with vulnerability scanning and auditing tools and processes


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational and time management skills


• A minimum of 3 years of IT security experience in DoD Industrial


• Possess Security+ certification or be able to obtain one within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Skills:

• Possess Security 8570/8141 compliance certification or be able to obtain one within 6 months of hire.


• Experience with ACAS, Nessus, Splunk, OpenRmf , or McAfee EPO

Education and Certifications:

• Security+ certification (or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment)


• Bachelor’s Degree

Our Perks Include:
PTO – 15 days (vacation/sick) 10 paid holidays – 6 standard (New Year’s, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) – 4 floating holidays prorated based on your day of hire:

• 1.5 paid days, or 12 hours, for approved volunteer work


• 1 week of paid maternity/paternity LOA after 1 year of Full-time employment

Tuition & Training Reimbursement – 5K annually for pre-approved, Eligible full-time team members who have completed a minimum of six (6) months of employment may apply for tuition reimbursement for approved, job-related courses taken through an accredited college or university. Team members must achieve a grade of “B” or better to qualify for reimbursement.Aquila will reimburse up to $5,000 per fiscal year for tuition expenses only. Expenses related to training programs, certifications, books, materials, meals, transportation, or other non-tuition costs are not eligible under the Tuition Reimbursement Program. All tuition reimbursement requests must be submitted to and approved by the team member’s Manager prior to course registration. Reimbursement will be issued upon successful course completion and submission of final grades and proof of payment.


401K with Principal – Eligible to participate day 1 of employment. Company match on employee contributions:


• Eligibility on date of hire
• Employer Match- 100% of first 3% and 50% of next 2%
• Vesting- 100%
• Contribution limit- $24,500
• Catch-up contribution limit- $8,000
• Catch-up contribution limit for ages 60-63 in calendar year- $11,250
• Catchup contributions must be directed to Roth bucket if earned over
$150k in 2025


Cell Phone & Internet Reimbursed up to $150 monthly to cover cell phone, data, and home internet expenses. Aquila Technology will reimburse team members who work from home ONLY for cell phone/mobile device fees for work-related communications and/or operations each month. Employees eligible for this benefit must work remote 2 days a week or more to qualify.


Buy Your Own Device (BYOD) – Team members are eligible for reimbursement of up to $1,500 every three (3) years for the purchase of electronic equipment used to access corporate services. To qualify for this benefit, employees must have completed a minimum of six (6) months of employment and must agree to and sign the Device Minimum Configuration Form prior to reimbursement. Electronic devices eligible under the Buy Your Own Device (BYOD) program are limited to cell phones, laptops, and tablets.


Clearance Level -Candidate must have an active secret clearance and be able/willing to obtain a Top Secret clearance. – MUST BE US Citizen


Interview process – will consist of a phone screen followed by an extensive zoom interview with the team members.


Location/Work Schedule – 1st round interview will be a Zoom with the hiring manager. 2nd round interview will be onsite for local candidates with additional team members as needed. 2nd round Zoom will be allowed for non-local candidates. Must be within 100 miles from Lexington, MA


We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.