Lead Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Specialist

Description Join our mission-driven team! At Leidos , we pride ourselves on delivering innovative solutions through the dedication of our diverse and talented workforce. We empower our teams, actively engage in our communities, and prioritize sustainability. Our commitment to integrity guides every action we take to benefit our customers, employees, and the wider community. Are you ready for your next career opportunity? The Mission Operations Division under the National Security Sector at Leidos has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Information Assurance & Cybersecurity Specialist to help support the RHEL Project. In this role, you will play a critical part in safeguarding essential systems that support U.S. government missions. If you are motivated by precision, accountability, and teamwork in high-stakes environments, this position is tailored for you. Key Responsibilities: Your primary responsibility as the Lead Information Assurance & Cybersecurity Specialist will be to manage and mitigate risks associated with processing, storing, or transmitting information, ensuring the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of information systems. You will need to meet both regulatory and non-regulatory compliance demands. Specific duties include: Acting as the primary contact for cybersecurity-related inquiries from system owners, developers, and stakeholders. Establishing and standardizing Information System Security Officer (ISSO) processes in alignment with DoDI 8500.01. Driving continuous improvement and leveraging lessons learned within the ISSO team. Overseeing all phases of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) lifecycle—from system categorization to continuous monitoring. Preparing and maintaining Authorization & Accreditation (A&A) documentation such as Security System Plans (SSPs), Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), and Security Assessment Reports. Championing the implementation and validation of NIST 800-53 controls and ensuring STIG compliance. Leading vulnerability scans, audit log reviews, and maintaining accurate control documentation in eMASS/XACTA/CORE. Guiding systems through the Authorization to Operate (ATO) process and supporting cyber readiness initiatives including Cyber Compliance Readiness Inspections (CCRIs) and internal audits. Collaborating on incident response strategies and disaster recovery planning across engineering and operations. Mentoring junior Information Assurance engineers and assisting with technical maintenance activities. Basic Qualifications: Candidates must possess strong communication skills to engage with executive leadership on matters crucial to the RHEL Project. Required qualifications include: A BS degree with a minimum of 10 years of experience (or MS with 8 years); additional experience or certifications may be considered in lieu of education. U.S. Citizen with an active TS/SCI or Secret clearance (with the ability to maintain or upgrade to TS/SCI upon hire). DoD 8570 IAT Level II+ certification (e.g., Security+ CE, SSCP, GSEC). 3+ years of experience with ACAS, Evaluate-STIG, SCAP, and related vulnerability assessment tools. Hands-on experience with DoD RMF, XACTA/eMASS, and NIST 800-53 documentation. Preferred Qualifications: Preferred candidates will have a comprehensive understanding of defense information assurance technical principles, theories, and concepts. Additional skills that will make candidates stand out include: CISSP certification. Experience in USAF or DoD cybersecurity environments. Familiarity with NISSC or similar Air Force/Space Force programs. Current TS/SCI clearance. We're looking for innovative thinkers and problem solvers to join our team. Come make impactful contributions as we shape the future of technology! Join us in Colorado Springs where we tackle high-stakes challenges and deliver solutions that matter.