**Description** Our company is preparing to support a **mission-critical Team Awareness Kit (TAK) Server environment** for the Department of the Interior’s Office of Wildland Fire (OWF). This effort enables real-time situational awareness for wildland fire response, aviation assets, emergency management, and interagency coordination across thousands of users nationwide. We are seeking a **Cyber Security Engineer** to help **design, guide, and sustain the security posture** of a **FISMA High cloud-hosted TAK Server platform** . This role is ideal for a cybersecurity professional who enjoys shaping security solutions, working closely with engineers and operators, and ensuring that complex systems are both **secure and mission-ready** . The Cyber Security Engineer serves as a **technical authority and mentor** , defining security control implementations, guiding Cyber Security Specialists and infrastructure teams, and partnering with government stakeholders to achieve and maintain an Authorization to Operate (ATO). **_Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be US citizens._** **_While the role may allow for remote work, such arrangements are contingent upon operational requirements and may be changed._** **_This offer is contingent upon contract award and in certain cases approval of your qualifications for the position by the Prime contractor and the government agency._** **What You’ll Be Doing** Cyber Security Engineers on this program are deeply involved across the **entire system lifecycle** , from architecture and design through authorization and operations. Key responsibilities include: + Designing and overseeing implementation of cybersecurity controls aligned with: + **FISMA High** + **NIST 800-53 Rev. 5** + **FedRAMP High** + Developing and maintaining RMF artifacts, including: + System Security Plan (SSP) + Control Implementation Statements + Continuous Monitoring Strategy + Supporting the **Authority to Operate (ATO)** process and ongoing compliance + Translating federal security requirements into practical, actionable guidance for implementation teams + Providing technical direction to Cyber Security Specialists responsible for hands-on control execution + Advising cloud and DevOps teams on secure architectures for: + Kubernetes-based TAK Server deployments + High availability and resilience + Designing and validating Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) solutions supporting: + CAC/PIV + Multi-factor authentication + Role-based access control + Federation across TAK instances + Supporting vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and remediation planning + Assisting with incident response planning and escalation aligned with **NIST 800-61r3** + Producing clear, defensible security documentation for auditors and government reviewers **Why This Role Matters** The TAK Server directly supports **public safety and emergency response missions** . Your work will help ensure that firefighters, pilots, emergency managers, and decision-makers can trust the systems they rely on— **even during high-stress, high-impact operations** . This role balances **technical depth** , **mission purpose** , and **real-world impact** . **Cyber Security Engineer Required Qualifications:** **Education-** + Associate's or Bachelor’s degree or higher in: + Cybersecurity + Computer Science + Information Systems + Computer or Electrical Engineering _(or 16-18 years of experience in lieu of a degree)_ **Experience-** + **12-14 years of progressive cybersecurity experience with an associates degree OR** **8–10 years** **with a bachelors degree** + Demonstrated experience working with: + NIST 800-53 security controls + RMF and ATO processes + FISMA High or FedRAMP environments + Experience securing cloud-hosted systems (AWS, Azure, GovCloud) + Experience supporting or advising operational security teams **Technical Skills-** + Strong understanding of: + Security architecture and defense-in-depth + Identity and access management + Encryption and boundary protection + Experience with: + Secure configuration baselines (STIGs, CIS) + Vulnerability management programs + Security monitoring and logging strategies + Familiarity with Kubernetes and container security is highly desirable **Desired Qualifications-** + Prior experience supporting mission systems, emergency response, or government operations + Experience integrating security into DevOps or cloud-native environments + Excellent written and verbal communication skills + Ability to explain security requirements to both technical and non-technical audiences + Relevant certifications such as: + CISSP, CCSP, CISM + AWS/Azure Security certifications + Security **Cyber Security Engineer Qualifications:** **Behaviors-** + **Team Player** – Works effectively across engineering, operations, and government teams + **Detail-Oriented** – Produces high-quality documentation and defensible security artifacts + **Analytical** – Evaluates risk thoughtfully and pragmatically + **Accountable** – Takes ownership of security outcomes, not just deliverables **Motivations-** + **Mission Impact** – Motivated by supporting public safety and national resilience + **Problem Solving** – Enjoys tackling complex security challenges + **Mentorship** – Interested in guiding and developing junior security staff + **Continuous Improvement** – Driven to keep systems and teams improving over time Anticipated salary range: $66.07 - $75.59 hourly. Offer may vary depending on experience and skill set. **Who is ARA?** Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,265 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company. To find out more about what the Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/ **Qualifications** **Education** **Preferred** + Bachelors or better in Cybersecurity + Associates or better in Cybersecurity **Experience** **Required** + 8-10 years: Relevant Work Experience with Bachelors Degree + 12-14 years: Relevant Work Experience with Associates Degree Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.