Senior Information System Security Officer (Senior ISSO) (R-00185)

True Zero Technologies, a veteran-owned small business, was founded on the principle that the purposeful enablement of people and technology in an organization directly ties to the quality of its outcomes. True Zero recognizes that those outcomes begin and end with our people, and that is what we have built a community of like-minded, driven, and passionate individuals and innovators who are aligned in a common goal of delivering top-tier services to our customers. Our culture and commitment have been recognized through numerous accolades, including being named one of the Best Places to Work in 2023 in two categories (“Prosperous and Thriving” ($5MM–$50MM in gross revenue) and “Mid-Atlantic Region” (DC, DE, MD, NC, VA, WV)), and again in 2025 as a Best Places to Work honoree. In addition, True Zero earned coveted spots on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in America in 2022, 2023, and 2025 , a testament to our sustained growth driven by our people-first approach and unwavering dedication to excellence. True Zero is seeking a Senior Information System Security Officer (Senior ISSO) to provide cybersecurity leadership and serve as the primary security advisor for assigned information systems supporting the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This position leads the day to day execution of Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities while coordinating cybersecurity efforts across system owners, engineering teams, vulnerability management, incident response, security architecture, privacy, and independent assessment teams. The Senior ISSO serves as the operational focal point for the system security program, ensuring security documentation remains current, authorization packages accurately reflect the operational environment, vulnerabilities are tracked through remediation, and systems remain prepared for ongoing authorization, annual assessments, audits, and continuous monitoring activities. Success in this role requires strong technical knowledge, exceptional coordination skills, and the ability to integrate cybersecurity activities across multiple disciplines into a cohesive security program. Job Responsibilities Serve as the primary cybersecurity advisor for assigned information systems throughout the system lifecycle. Lead Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities supporting initial authorization, ongoing authorization, annual assessments, and continuous monitoring. Coordinate with System Owners, Authorizing Officials, business stakeholders, engineering teams, and Government personnel to maintain system authorization readiness. Develop, maintain, and continuously update System Security Plans (SSPs), security documentation, authorization artifacts, and supporting RMF documentation. Coordinate security control implementation, evidence collection, documentation updates, and authorization package development. Track vulnerabilities, POA&Ms, risk acceptance decisions, and remediation activities to ensure cybersecurity risks are appropriately managed and documented. Work closely with vulnerability management personnel to ensure security findings are prioritized, remediated, and accurately reflected within authorization packages. Coordinate with incident response teams to ensure security incidents, corrective actions, and operational lessons learned are incorporated into RMF documentation and continuous monitoring activities. Support annual security assessments, Security Control Assessments (SCAs), independent assessments, internal audits, and external oversight activities by coordinating evidence collection and stakeholder participation. Review assessment findings, validate remediation activities, and coordinate corrective actions with technical teams and system owners. Support implementation of security architecture, Zero Trust initiatives, and continuous monitoring strategies as they relate to assigned systems. Coordinate privacy, contingency planning, incident response planning, interconnection security agreements, and other required system documentation. Develop and deliver recurring authorization status updates, risk summaries, and executive level reporting for assigned systems. Mentor junior ISSOs and support consistent application of RMF processes, documentation standards, and cybersecurity best practices across the program. Participate in governance meetings, risk reviews, change management activities, and operational planning sessions to ensure cybersecurity considerations are integrated into system operations. Promote continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to streamline authorization activities, improve documentation quality, and strengthen operational coordination across the Information Security Program. Job Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline. Five or more years of experience serving as an ISSO or supporting Federal RMF and Assessment & Authorization (A&A) programs. Demonstrated experience supporting all phases of the NIST Risk Management Framework, including system categorization, control implementation, assessment support, authorization, and continuous monitoring. Experience coordinating with System Owners, security engineers, vulnerability management teams, auditors, and Government stakeholders. Strong working knowledge of NIST SP 800-37, NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, NIST SP 800-53A, FISMA, and Federal cybersecurity policy. Experience preparing and maintaining authorization documentation including SSPs, SARs, POA&Ms, security plans, contingency planning documentation, and supporting artifacts. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated experience coordinating complex cybersecurity activities across multiple organizations. Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting NIH, HHS, or other Federal civilian agencies. Experience with JCAM, eMASS, ServiceNow GRC, Archer, or comparable governance platforms. Experience supporting cloud based systems, High Value Assets (HVAs), or enterprise shared services. Familiarity with vulnerability management, continuous monitoring, Zero Trust implementation, and cybersecurity engineering practices. Experience supporting FISMA reporting, audit response activities, and annual security assessments. Experience supporting Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM), continuous monitoring, or enterprise cybersecurity operations. Experience working in Agile development environments. Preferred Certifications: One or more of the following is preferred: Certified in Governance, Risk and Compliance (CGRC) CISSP CAP (Certified Authorization Professional) CISM Security+ PMP We’re actively searching for talented security and technology practitioners who are ready to experience the True Zero difference. As a True Zero team member, you'll enjoy: - Competitive salary, paid twice per month - Best in class medical coverage - 100% of medical premiums covered by True Zero - Company wide new business incentive programs - Contribution Incentives (i.e. white papers, blog posts, internal webinars, etc.) - 3 weeks of PTO starting + 11 Paid Holidays Annually - 401k Program with 100% company match on the first 4% - Monthly reimbursement of Cell Phone and Home Internet costs - Paternity/Maternity Leave - Investment in training and certifications to broaden and deepen your technical skills