Senior Systems Security Administrator
Laurel, MD, 20723, USA
- $100,000 p/year
- IT
- Full-time
- cybersecurity
- systems security administrator
- DoD compliance
The Senior Systems Security Administrator is responsible for analyzing and improving the security posture of enterprise IT infrastructure, managing compliance with DoD security standards, and administering various cybersecurity tools such as Endpoint Security Solutions and ACAS. This role involves monitoring network security events, supporting vulnerability management, and collaborating with audit and security teams to ensure continuous policy enforcement. Candidates must have experience with security systems analysis, DoD compliance frameworks, and relevant certifications, with a strong emphasis on classified and defense-related IT environments.
Are you interested in creating new IT security capabilities and learning new cybersecurity technologies?
Do you want to have a stake in the overall security posture and assessment of the IT infrastructure?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to apply and join our team at APL!
We are seeking a Senior Systems Security Administrator (SSA) to be part of APL 's Classified IT Services team. We provide technical expertise to meet compliance and security objectives in environments consisting of Computer Network Defense (CND) tools such as Endpoint Security Solutions (ESS), Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS), Comply-to-Connect (C2C), and Device and Application Control. Our collaborative environment promotes learning, growth, and fosters team spirit!
As an SSA, you will...
- Analyze data that will improve the security posture of the Collateral Networks and identify operational issues.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of current security systems and make suggestions for improvement when necessary.
- Establish a framework to assess and improve current controls and processes to the security system.
- Assist with the installation and maintenance of the ESS/Trellix ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) suite and associated modules in accordance with the DoD-mandated baseline. Support the implementation and upkeep of application whitelisting through the Trellix SolidCore module.
- Analyze logs and monitor authorized and unauthorized removable devices and media on the network.
- Monitor alerts for specific events associated with VPN Gateways or Firewalls associated with receives and drops of any unexpected traffic which could indicate a compromise.
- Collaborate with audit analysts to monitor policy changes, privileged user activities, and data transfers to ensure continuous policy enforcement.
- Plan, communicate, and coordinate CND tools administration to support requirements from sources such as Security Operations, DoD compliance/inspection readiness, Cyber Security Services Provider (CSSP), and end-users.
- Support the Vulnerability Management Team to ensure the ACAS security architecture, design, and implementation is in accordance with DoD regulations and other governing documents.
Qualifications
You meet the minimum requirements if you have....
- A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Information Systems, or a comparable field or equivalent years of professional work experience in Information Technology (IT).
- 5+ years performing security systems analysis and monitoring in an enterprise environment.
- 3+ years of experience administering enterprise security tools and capabilities including ESS and ACAS in an organization with at least 100 devices.
- Experience in both Windows and RHEL Operating Systems.
- Skill in assessing security controls based on cybersecurity principles and tenets.
- A comprehensive understanding of Host-based Security Systems, Device Control Solutions, Network Access Control (802.1x), and Security tools implementation.
- Experience conducting packet capture (PCAP) analysis.
- Experience in the implementation of Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIGs) for device hardening. Additional experience in the automation of STIGs for specified environments.
- Experience in incident response process with the ability to effectively troubleshoot issues in a complex environment.
- Self-starter capable of working effectively under minimal guidance and within a team.
- DISA ESS 201 & 301 Administrator certifications and DISA ACAS Operator and Supervisor certification. Additionally, can obtain ACEM Operations and Security Essentials and FCSA Comply to Connect (C2C) within 6 months of hire.
- A current industry certification aligned to DoD Manual 8570, 01-M for IAT II (e.g., GSEC, Security+, CCNA-Security).
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including articulating and presenting highly technical information in a comprehensible manner to all levels of management and staff.
- Have an active Top Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
You 'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
- Have prior experience maintaining and operating ForeScout CounterAct or other Comply-to-Connect solutions.
- Hands-on in-depth knowledge and experience in networking, network security, VMware, Enterprise storage, server, data center services, and other leading-edge products and technologies.
- Have prior experience utilizing Splunk to create custom queries to analyze and respond to anomalies.
- A current industry certification aligned to DoD Manual 8140, 01-M for CSSP roles (e.g., CEH, GCIH, CISSP).
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About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually
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