Senior Cybersecurity Engineer (Controls & Assessment Lead)

Job Description

hackajob is collaborating with Nightwing to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Nightwing is supporting a U.S. Government customer to provide support for onsite incident response to civilian Government agencies and critical asset owners who experience cyber-attacks, providing immediate investigation and resolution. Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize the severity of breaches, develop mitigation plans, and assist with the restoration of services. Nightwing is seeking a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer (Controls & Assessment Lead) to support this critical customer mission.

The Senior Cybersecurity Engineer will lead security controls implementation and risk assessment activities for technology integration initiatives. This role ensures all pilot and production integrations meet federal security requirements, maintain compliance frameworks, and align with CISA's risk reduction priorities while enabling innovation and modernization.

Responsibilities

Lead security controls assessment and implementation for technology integration pilots
Establish risk frameworks for pilot design and execution activities
Ensure compliance with federal security requirements (NIST, FISMA, FedRAMP)
Conduct security assessments of proposed technology insertions
Define security boundaries and controls for pilot environments
Coordinate with RMF and security teams on authorization activities
Ensure pilots maintain security posture and avoid becoming security liabilities
Assess security readiness for scaling pilots into production
Develop security metrics for measuring pilot and production outcomes
Lead security governance review processes and decision points
Ensure alignment with CISA Zero Trust Strategy and security architecture
Conduct risk assessments for technology insertions across federated environments
Support continuous monitoring and security validation of integrated capabilities
Provide security guidance to development and operations teams
Document security controls, procedures, and compliance evidence

Required Skills/Clearances

U.S. Citizenship
Active TS/SCI clearance
Ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry on Duty (EOD) Suitability
10+ years of experience in cybersecurity engineering or security architecture
Expert knowledge of federal security frameworks (NIST 800-53, RMF, FISMA)
Experience leading security assessments and authorization activities
Strong understanding of risk management and security controls implementation
Experience with security compliance in operational environments
Knowledge of Zero Trust architecture and implementation principles
Experience assessing security of AI/ML and emerging technologies
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent documentation and communication abilities

Desired Skills

ITIL, PMP, or similar operations/project management certification
Experience with CISA programs or similar federal cybersecurity operations
Background in security assessment of malware analysis platforms
Experience with cloud security assessment and authorization
Knowledge of critical infrastructure security requirements
Experience with continuous monitoring and automated compliance tools
Familiarity with DevSecOps and security automation practices
Background in penetration testing or vulnerability assessment

Required Education

BS in Cyber Security, Computer Science, or related degree; Master’s degree preferred, or HS Diploma and 7+ years of directly relevant experience

Desired Certifications

DoD 8140 IAT Level III
CAP, CRISC

Syndeo: ESS-3422

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.