Information System Security Officer (ISSO) / Space Communications

Peraton is seeking an Information System Security Officer (ISSO) to support cybersecurity compliance and risk management activities for the NASA Near Space Network (NSN) at the White Sands Complex in Las Cruces, NM. This position will play a critical role in managing and maintaining on or more System Security Plans (SSP) and associated Risk Management Framework (RMF) artifacts for mission-critical NASA systems.

The selected candidate will work closely with the NASA Government ISSO, system owners, engineers, and cybersecurity stakeholders to ensure compliance with NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5. This role is ideal for an ISSO who is highly organized, documentation-focused, and experienced in federal cybersecurity compliance within a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

Serve as the primary contract ISSO responsible for the development, maintenance, and execution of the System Security Plan (SSP) for the NASA Near Space Network.
• Interface directly with the NASA Government ISSO to coordinate cybersecurity compliance activities, resolve findings, and ensure alignment with NASA security policies and RMF expectations.
• Manage and track Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms), including documenting remediation activities, coordinating with technical teams, and supporting POA&M closure efforts.
• Support the preparation, submission, and adjudication of Risk-Based Decisions (RBDs), ensuring risks are clearly articulated, justified, and properly documented.
• Document and maintain security controls allocated to the system from NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, including implementation details, control inheritance, and applicable Organizationally Defined Values (ODVs).
• Coordinate with system engineers, ISSEs, and network/security teams to validate technical control implementations and collect evidence for compliance and assessments.
• Support RMF activities including system categorization, control selection, control implementation, assessment support, authorization packages, and continuous monitoring.
• Maintain SSP accuracy by ensuring system architecture diagrams, boundary descriptions, interconnections, and data flows remain current.
• Support internal and external security assessments, audits, and reviews, including providing documentation, responding to findings, and tracking corrective actions.
• Assist with continuous monitoring activities, including annual control reviews, vulnerability tracking, and compliance reporting.
• Provide regular status updates and briefings to Peraton leadership and NASA stakeholders on SSP posture, POA&M status, and risk trends.

Required Experience:

• Education and Experience - degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, Mathematics or a related technical field and related experience as follows: MS & 7 yrs, BS & 10yrs, AS & 12 yrs.
  • In lieu of a degree - HS diploma/GED, 14 years of experience, and a professional certification such as CISSP, CAP, CISM, or Security+ may be considered.
• 4+ years of experience in an ISSO, cybersecurity compliance, or RMF-focused role supporting federal information systems.
• Experience managing or maintaining System Security Plans (SSPs) and RMF documentation for moderate or high-impact systems.
• Hands-on experience with POA&M management, including coordination with technical teams and federal stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, RMF, and federal cybersecurity compliance requirements.
• Experience documenting security control implementations and coordinating control evidence collection.
• Strong written communication skills with demonstrated experience producing formal cybersecurity documentation.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across technical and government teams.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

Desired Experience:

• Prior experience supporting NASA, other federal civilian agencies, or space/mission systems.
• Familiarity with Risk-Based Decisions (RBDs) and interaction with Authorizing Officials (AOs) or AO representatives.
• Experience supporting systems with complex boundaries, multiple interconnections, or hybrid environments.
• Understanding of continuous monitoring strategies and annual control assessment processes.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity tools used to support compliance and vulnerability tracking.
• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CAP, CISM, or Security+.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple compliance tasks simultaneously.

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.