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

Position Summary

We are seeking a skilled and independent 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 advisor for assigned systems, guiding system owners and engineering teams through the RMF lifecycle to achieve and maintain ATO authorization.

System Security Documentation

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

Risk & Vulnerability Management

Maintain and manage the Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) to track and remediate identified security weaknesses. Review and analyze vulnerability scan results and conduct security impact analyses for system changes.

Continuous Monitoring

Support ongoing continuous monitoring activities, including control validation, security posture reviews, and coordination with system administrators and engineers.

Security Assessments

Participate in or lead security assessment activities, including internal audits and control assessments, to ensure compliance with DoD cybersecurity policies and standards.

Incident Response

Assist with the investigation, reporting, and mitigation of cybersecurity incidents, ensuring appropriate documentation and coordination with program leadership and security personnel.

Stakeholder Communication

Explain complex cybersecurity requirements to technical and non-technical stakeholders to support program compliance and operational success.

Required Qualifications
Experience

Minimum of:

• 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree, OR
• 3 years with a Master’s degree, OR
• PhD without experience, OR
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.

RMF / ATO Experience

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

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.

Work Style

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

Clearance Requirement

Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

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

Preferred Experience

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

Clearance Level

 

The salary range for this role is:

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 youre 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.