Senior Information System Security Officer (ISSO) (Cybersecurity Technical Staff 4)

What You Will Do

The Special Security Operations IT & Cyber Group (SSO-3) is seeking experienced and highly motivated Cybersecurity Professionals to join the Field Intelligence Element's (FIE) Cybersecurity Team. The FIE Cybersecurity Team manages a highly classified portfolio of cybersecruity work supporting varied DoD and other Strategic Partners. The ideal candidate will perform as a Senior ISSO, supporting the FIE as an interim Information System Security Manager (ISSM) as needed. Successful candidates for this position will have the opportunity to build into an ISSM or alternate ISSM role. SSO Division is responsible for the operation of special security facilities at LANL and remote sites. These operations enable world class contributions in the areas of Emerging Threats, Energy Security, and Nuclear Threats and Deterrence. Our teams of dedicated and collaborative professionals' architect and implement secure computing environments which are leveraged to answer the nation's most difficult questions related to global and nuclear security.

The following are the core tasks the Senior ISSO, Cybersecurity Technical Staff 4, will perform:

  • Help create and put into action the cybersecurity program for the LANL FIE.
  • Help develop policies and processes to ensure they meet standards and regulations set by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Intelligence Community (IC).
  • Create and oversee DOE certified System Security Plans (SSPs), ensuring necessary inputs for Risk Management Framework (RMF) controls are completed in the XACTA tool and supporting documentation is provided.
  • Guide and help supervise junior cybersecurity staff, including Information System Security Officers (ISSOs) and Information System Security Engineers (ISSEs).
  • Collaborate with diverse teams across LANL and the LANL FIE on important and/or complicated cybersecurity problems to meet national cybersecurity requirements and support top-tier scientific research.
  • Assist in finding, creating, and managing strategies to address and fix cyber threats and weaknesses.
  • Support the Information System Security Manager (ISSM) in reviewing, evaluating, and developing security plans, processes, procedures and work instructions related to classified systems.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Expert demonstrated knowledge and expertise in one or more of the following disciplines: cybersecurity, information security, information assurance, or computer science with an emphasis on cybersecurity
  • Expert demonstrated experience obtaining and maintaining ATOs
  • ICD 503 implementation and/or JSIG implementation experience
  • Expert demonstrated experience implementing NIST controls, risk assessments, and contingency planning activities.
  • Demonstrated experience communicating technical issues and cybersecurity metrics to non-technical audiences.
  • Experience developing strong, cooperative working relationships with cybersecurity stakeholders including IT staff, other cybersecurity personnel, and program managers and leadership.
  • Ability to obtain DOE Q/SCI Clearance.
Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in a technical field and a minimum of 12 years' related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Advanced knowledge of networked systems, including system architectures, computer networks, and software
  • Advanced experience of applied classic and contemporary cyber threat and vulnerability knowledge to inform risk evaluation and mitigation strategies, system engineering, and improve operations
  • Advanced knowledge of usage of automated tools for measuring and assessing cybersecurity compliance and other metrics
  • Active Q (or Top Secret) and SCI clearance.
  • CAP, GSLC, Security+ CE, CISM, CASP, CISSP or other professional cybersecurity certification.
  • CISSP or other professional cybersecurity certification.
  • Experience working in SAP and/or SCI environments.
  • Experience with IT/cyber audits and assessments.
  • Masters Degree in a related field.
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid maternity and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q or Q/SCI (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.