Cybersecurity Engineer III

Job#: 3042528

Job Description:

Apex Systems is seeking a Cybersecurity Engineer III to support a long-term Information Technology Management Support (ITM) program supporting the U.S. Navy at NIWC Pacific. This position plays a key role in cybersecurity compliance, Assessment & Authorization (A&A) activities, and continuous monitoring efforts across mission-critical environments.

Location: San Diego, CA (100% Onsite)

Duration: 6-Month Contract-to-Hire

Clearance Required: Active Secret Clearance

Interview Process: Minimum of Two Interview Rounds

Interested candidates can submit resumes via email to Rich at
Position Overview

The Cybersecurity Engineer III will be responsible for supporting Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities, maintaining cybersecurity monitoring operations, assisting with Assessment & Authorization (A&A) accreditation efforts, identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities, and ensuring ongoing compliance with DoD cybersecurity requirements.

This role requires strong expertise in cybersecurity governance, incident response, vulnerability management, and accreditation documentation within secure government environments.
Key Responsibilities

• Support Assessment & Authorization (A&A) efforts for systems seeking or maintaining Authority to Operate (ATO).
• Implement, test, and validate security controls based on system categorization, overlays, and tailored requirements.
• Perform active and passive cybersecurity assessments to identify risks, vulnerabilities, and compliance gaps.
• Develop and maintain accreditation documentation, including:
  • System Security Plans (SSPs)
  • Security Assessment Plans (SAPs)
  • Security Assessment Reports (SARs)
  • Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms)
• Author comprehensive POA&Ms with accurate mitigation strategies, milestone tracking, and control mapping.
• Support continuous monitoring activities and cybersecurity incident triage efforts.
• Execute eMASS-required activities, including:
  • Quarterly IV&V Reviews
  • Quarterly STIG Compliance Checks
  • Annual Security Reviews (ASRs)
  • Monthly POA&M Updates
  • ATO/ATC/IATC/IATT Submissions and Renewals
• Maintain DISA circuit connection documentation and accreditation dependencies.
• Collaborate with system owners, ISSOs, engineers, and stakeholders to ensure cybersecurity compliance and readiness.

Required Qualifications

• Active Secret Clearance.
• 10+ years of cybersecurity, information assurance, or incident response experience.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Risk Management Framework (RMF)
  • NIST Security Controls
  • eMASS
  • DoD Cybersecurity Compliance Requirements
  • Vulnerability Management and Continuous Monitoring
• Experience producing and maintaining A&A documentation.
• Ability to analyze cybersecurity findings and develop effective remediation strategies.

Required DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level III Certification

Candidates must possess one of the following certifications:

• CASP+
• CCNP Security
• CISA
• CISSP (or Associate of ISC )
• GCED
• GCIH

Preferred Qualifications

• CISSP certification strongly preferred.
• Prior experience supporting Navy, DoD, or federal cybersecurity programs.
• Experience with STIG compliance, vulnerability assessments, and security auditing.
• Familiarity with cloud security inheritances and accredited system environments.

Core Competencies

• Risk Management Framework (RMF)
• Assessment & Authorization (A&A)
• Cybersecurity Monitoring & Incident Response
• Vulnerability Assessment & Remediation
• Security Testing & Compliance Auditing
• Data Analytics & Risk Assessment
• Security Documentation Development
• eMASS Administration
• DISA STIG Compliance
• IT Security & Web Security Tools

Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

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Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.

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