NSS Security Controls Assessor

National Security Systems Security Controls Assessor (w/ active TS)

Location: Springfield, VA
Full-time, Hybrid
Clearance: Top Secret w/ SCI eligibility

JOB DESCRIPTION

Critical Solutions has an immediate opening for a National Security Systems (NSS) Security Controls Assessor (SCA) to support our federal customer in Springfield, VA

PRIMARY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide recommendations for Information Spillage Incident Response efforts on handling and sanitization methods pursuant to industry best practices, NIST 800-88 recommendations, and Federal guidelines.
• Execute in-depth security control assessments (SCAs) for National Security Systems (NSS) in compliance with NIST RMF and CNSS policy, ensuring the highest level of system security.
• Develop and maintain formal documentation, including NSS-specific SOPs and Concept of Operations (CONOPs), to streamline and enhance the authorization process.
• Analyze cyber risk indicators stemming from system threats and vulnerabilities and provide detailed cybersecurity risk recommendations in support of NSS continuous monitoring activities.
• Research, develop, and implement policies to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the security authorization process while minimizing operational impacts on critical NSS systems.
• Conduct vulnerability scans, create Body of Evidence (BoE) artifacts, and produce Security Assessment Reports (SARs) to document risk levels and recommended mitigations.
• Provide in-depth analysis of cyber threat actor behavior and create detailed white papers to inform DHS NSS of potential risks and threat trends.
• Actively participate in security meetings, including engineering review boards and cybersecurity supply chain risk management (C-SCRM) sessions, to inform and support NSS initiatives.
• Develop automated assessment tools and dashboards to support continuous monitoring and ongoing authorization processes, leveraging tools like Splunk, Tenable, and Axonius.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be able to obtain and maintain an Entry on Duty (EOD) clearance and hold an active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience) AND 4+ years experience OR AS/AA with 6+ years experience OR HS/GED with 8+ years experience
• Expertise in NIST RMF and CNSS policy frameworks, with the ability to apply them to secure National Security Systems.
• Strong background in cybersecurity risk analysis and reporting, with experience in creating detailed BoE artifacts.
• Proficiency in using cybersecurity tools for vulnerability scanning and continuous monitoring.
• Local to D.C. or Virginia with ability to work on-site for classified work.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Expertise in conducting SCAs and cybersecurity assessments for NSS in accordance with NIST RMF and CNSS guidelines.
• Extensive knowledge of risk management and mitigation techniques tailored to high-security environments, such as those encountered in NSS.
• Experience developing and maintaining cybersecurity SOPs and CONOPs, with a focus on streamlining the risk assessment and authorization process.
• Proficiency in using vulnerability assessment tools such as Nessus, Splunk, and AppDetective, along with MGMT compliance tools like CSAM-S.
• Strong analytical skills to assess cyber threats, identify trends, and create actionable risk mitigation strategies through continuous monitoring.
• Adept at creating Body of Evidence (BoE) artifacts, security reports, and other documentation required for high-risk systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in high-security environments and collaborate with government leads and stakeholders.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CEH, GPEN, or CNSS-related credentials.
• In-depth knowledge of supply chain risk management and its impact on national security.
• Experience with federal cybersecurity policies, including DHS 4300B.
• Hands-on experience developing cybersecurity risk assessments and strategies in classified environments.
• Familiarity with emerging