Senior Specialist

Job Title: Sr. Spec, Cyber Intelligence

Job Code: 41664

Job Location: Carlsbad, CA

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Off every other Friday)

L3Harris is seeking a highly skilled and experienced and security-conscious ISSO to join our team in Carlsbad, CA. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Ubuntu, Red Hat, and Windows environments, with an emphasis on adhering to the Risk Management Framework (RMF). This role requires an active Secret Clearance, and involves maintaining the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of classified information systems.

Essential Functions: 

• Serve as a technical lead and subject matter expert for classified system security architecture, ensuring compliance with DCSA DAAG (formerly DAAPM), JSIG, and NIST RMF standards across multiple programs.
• Oversee end-to-end system authorization processes—including security categorization, control implementation, validation, and continuous monitoring—to maintain active ATOs and alignment with enterprise cyber governance.
• Develop and author advanced RMF documentation packages (SSP, SCTM, POA&M, RAR, etc.) and provide mentorship to ISSOs and System Administrators on control inheritance, risk acceptance, and test methodologies.
• Lead vulnerability and compliance assessments leveraging Nessus, STIGViewer, and SCAP, and coordinate with Engineering and Program Management to remediate findings and reduce enterprise risk.
• Direct audit readiness and inspection efforts for DCSA and internal Command Cyber Readiness Inspections (CCRIs), ensuring all security evidence and technical artifacts meet DAAG (formerly DAAPM) and program standards.
• Provide strategic security advisory support to ISSMs, FSOs, and Program Managers on architecture decisions, enclave segmentation, and classified lab operations.
• Conduct advanced incident response coordination to ensure timely containment and recovery within the approved system boundary.
• Drive the development and delivery of tailored cybersecurity awareness and privileged user training, reinforcing accountability and compliance across technical staff.
• Maintain current knowledge of evolving cybersecurity threats, regulatory changes, and defense policy updates; proactively identify and mitigate gaps before they impact program operations.
• Represent the Cyber Intelligence Team in cross-functional engineering reviews, change control boards (CCBs), and capital planning discussions as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or related discipline and a minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in cybersecurity, information assurance, or system security engineering within defense or critical-infrastructure environments. 10 years of directly related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Active Secret Clearance required; ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance post-hire.

Preferred Required Qualifications:

• Proven ability to translate technical security requirements into actionable engineering and operational controls aligned with DCSA, JSIG, and NIST 800-53 guidance.
• 10+ years of direct experience in cybersecurity, information assurance, and system accreditation in DoD environments.
• Prior experience serving as Information System Security Manager (ISSM) or lead ISSO supporting multiple classified enclaves under DCSA oversight.
• Deep familiarity with DAAG (formerly DAAPM), JSIG, and NIST RMF.
• Demonstrated experience leading and executing Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities for classified systems through all lifecycle phases—from system categorization through continuous monitoring.
• Strong knowledge of Linux (Ubuntu, Red Hat) and Windows operating systems in mixed enclave environments, including patch automation, configuration hardening, and endpoint compliance.
• Experienced in leading vulnerability management programs using ACAS/Nessus, SCAP, and STIG compliance tools, including interpreting and tracking POA&Ms for closure.
• Demonstrated success managing relationships across Program Management, Engineering, and Security to ensure mission readiness and compliance under strict timelines.
• Exceptional communication and technical writing skills, with experience briefing leadership and external assessors on risk posture, mitigations, and residual risk decisions.
• Familiarity with virtualization, containerization, and enclave segregation architectures supporting both legacy and emerging DoD systems.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to prioritize risk, balance operational impact, and deliver informed recommendations at the program level.
• Proficiency in advanced toolsets such as Splunk, Tenable (Nessus), STIGViewer, SCAP, DISA Gold Disk/Secure Host Baseline (SHB), and SIEM platforms for compliance validation and log correlation.
• Current IAM Level III (CISSP, CISM, etc.) or higher certification in accordance with DoD 8570/8140; additional certifications such as Network+, CCNP Security, RHCSA, or Cloud+ are highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior cybersecurity professionals and foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Prior success preparing organizations for DCSA inspections, CCRIs, and customer audits, with a record of “Satisfactory” or higher ratings.
• Experience supporting or leading security architecture reviews, artifact creation, system boundary definitions, and assisting with capital planning initiatives within classified or hybrid IT infrastructures.
• Strong working knowledge of threat intelligence, insider threat mitigation, and data-loss prevention (DLP) strategies within closed networks.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C, Denver, or NYC areas is $106,000 - $197,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements. 

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