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Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Location: Kirtland Air Force Base
Employment Type: Half-Time (0.5 FTE)

Position Summary

We are seeking a part-time Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) to support our DoD Mission Services team. The ISSO will be responsible for helping ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems supporting Department of Defense programs. This position requires strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles, the Risk Management Framework (RMF), and the Authorization to Operate (ATO) lifecycle.

The ISSO will initially support two systems through the ATO process, with the expectation of supporting additional systems as the program portfolio grows.

As a professional, the selected candidate will work independently to solve complex security challenges while collaborating with system owners, engineers, and program leadership to maintain compliance with DoD cybersecurity

requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• RMF & ATO Support - Serve as the primary cybersecurity lead for assigned systems, guiding system owners and engineering teams through the RMF lifecycle to achieve and sustain ATO authorization.

• System Security Documentation - Develop, maintain, and continuously refine the System Security and Privacy Plan (SSPP) and associated RMF artifacts, including control implementations, assessment documentation, and continuous monitoring evidence.

• Risk & Vulnerability Management- Manage the Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) to track and remediate identified security weaknesses. Analyze vulnerability scan results and perform security impact assessments for system changes.

• Continuous Monitoring- Execute continuous monitoring activities, including control validation, security posture evaluations, and coordination with system administrators and engineering teams.

• Security Assessments- Conduct and support security assessment activities, including internal audits and control evaluations, to ensure compliance with DoD cybersecurity policies and standards.

• Incident Response- Support the investigation, reporting, and mitigation of cybersecurity incidents, ensuring accurate documentation and coordination with program leadership and security stakeholders.

• Stakeholder Communication- Communicate complex cybersecurity requirements effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders to support compliance and mission success.

Required Qualifications Experience

Minimum of:

• US Citizenship

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

• Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of experience or

• Master’s degree with 6+ years of experience or

• PhD with 3+ years of experience

• RMF / ATO Experience

• Hands-on experience implementing the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and supporting ATO authorization for DoD or federal systems.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while effectively collaborating with system owners, engineers, and program leadership.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting systems that process or store Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and familiarity with DoD cybersecurity compliance standards is highly desirable.

Technical Knowledge

Strong understanding of:

• NIST cybersecurity frameworks and guidance (SP 800-53, SP 800-37)

• System security documentation and control implementation

• Network security principles and operating system security

• Problem Solving

• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex cybersecurity issues and apply sound technical judgment.

Desired Certifications

One or more of the following certifications are preferred:

• CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional

• CompTIA Security+

• CISM – Certified Information Security Manager

• CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor

Clearance Level

TS/SCI

The salary range for this role is:

$21 - $30

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.