Cyber Security Engineer
Ardent Principles, Inc. · Herndon, Virginia, United States · $130K–$260K/yr
IT Services and IT Consulting · 11-50 employees
About the role
The Cyber Security Engineer will evaluate cloud architectures and conduct technical exchange meetings with service providers to ensure system security. They will also manage continuous monitoring, analyze critical findings, and oversee compliance through the maintenance of POA&Ms.
What they look for
Requirements
Candidates must possess an active TS/SCI clearance with a Full Scope Polygraph and demonstrate experience in cloud security assessments and risk management frameworks. Proficiency with security scanning tools and compliance platforms like Xacta 360 is essential for this role.
Benefits
Full description
Cyber Security Engineer
Application Deadline: 5 September 2026
Department: Data Analysis and Technology Services
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Herndon, VA
Compensation: $130,000 - $260,000 / year
Description
REQUIRED: Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph LOCATION: Full-time, onsite, Herndon, VA
We are looking for a mission-focused Cyber Security Engineer to evaluate cloud architectures, conduct technical exchange meetings with service providers, and design or review systems built on AWS, Azure, Oracle Cloud, or GCP. You’ll support continuous monitoring, analyze critical findings using tools like Rapid7, Nessus, and Qualys, and manage POA&Ms to maintain compliance.
Who We Are: We offer advanced services in data science, data engineering, software engineering, AI solutions, cybersecurity, staff augmentation, and IT program management.
Passionate Integrity, Driven by Excellence At Ardent Principles, passionate integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence define who we are. We offer a competitive salary range and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your long‑term success. Our mission is to connect fulfilled employees with satisfied clients, ensuring your well‑being and professional satisfaction directly contribute to exceptional outcomes for those we serve.
Join us as we continue building the future of secure, high‑impact solutions.
Key Responsibilities
In this challenging yet rewarding role, you are an integral part of what brings our Company's mission to life. You must have the following required skills, certifications and demonstrated experience in and/or with:
- Conducting security assessments, particularly for cloud infrastructure and cloud services.
- Facilitating TEMs with cloud service providers to review cloud service architectures
- Designing, implementing, assessing or reviewing systems that utilize cloud technology with either Amazon Web Services, Oracle Cloud, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure cloud architecture.
- Utilizing or reviewing cross domain technology and common architecture designs.
- Working with continuous monitoring requirements to include scan analysis for critical or high findings with common scan tools such as Rapid 7, Nessus, and Qualys.
- Monitoring or closing Plan of Action and Milestone items (POA&Ms).
- Utilizing compliance tools to track assessment and authorization activities such as Xacta 360, Risk Vision, RSA Archer.
- Working with the common control provider concept within the NIST Risk Management Framework.
- Security control assessments to include working with SCAs and preparing security packages for SCAs.
- Conducting information system security engineering activities.
- Project management experience including project planning, task tracking, milestone management, and resource coordination
- Developing and maintaining program metrics, performance indicators, and compliance status dashboards
- Preparing technical reports, program highlights, status briefings, and leadership communications.
Highly Desired Qualifications
Other skills and demonstrated experiences with or in the following are highly desired but not mandatory to perform the work include:
- Using the Sponsor’s or IC element A&A process.
- Creating or reviewing A&A body of evidence documentation in a cloud security environment.
- Identifying, implementing, or reviewing appropriate information security controls.
- Working in Xacta 360
- A&A tools.
- Assessing cloud infrastructure and cloud services for security gaps and weaknesses according to industry standards.
- Reviewing cloud service provider body of evidence packages for completeness and accuracy.
- Facilitating technical exchange meetings (TEMs) with cloud service providers to review cloud service architectures.
- Providing project management support including project planning, task tracking, milestone management, and resource coordination to ensure timely delivery of all contract requirements.
What We Offer You
• Highly Competitive Salary: Recognizing and rewarding your expertise and contributions.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Providing ample time for rest, relaxation, and personal pursuits.
• Dedicated Training Budget: Supporting continuous learning and professional development.
• 100% Employer-Covered Family Vision, Dental, and Health Insurance: Ensuring comprehensive health coverage for you and your family.
• 100% Employer-Covered Life and Disability Insurance: Offering financial security and peace of mind.
• 401(k) Plan with a 6% Employer Match: Helping you plan and save for a secure retirement, with 100% vesting from day one.
• 11 Paid Government Holidays: Observing national holidays to ensure time off with family and friends.
• Spot Bonuses for Exceptional Performance: Rewarding outstanding contributions and achievements.
SCHEDULE:
This is a full-time position with consultants expected to be available and working onsite in Herndon, VA during core hours.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Join us and be part of a team dedicated to driving positive change through technology. Apply now with our easy 3-minute, mobile-friendly initial application process. Your future starts here!
