Information Systems Security Engineer/IT Systems Eng

Security Leadership & Governance

• Collaborate with senior leadership to align technology, cybersecurity, and operational practices with ISI research goals and classified processing requirements.
• Implement and execute IT strategy and roadmaps in alignment with institutional, contractual, and customer requirements.
• Maintain security documentation and ensure compliance with sponsor and regulatory mandates.

Cyber Security & Compliance

• Establish, execute, and maintain organizational security policies and procedures.
• Maintain expert knowledge of applicable regulatory and national security frameworks, including but not limited to:
  • CMMC
  • NIST SP 800-171
  • DFARS 252.204-7012
• Oversee and ensure continued compliance with all applicable requirements.
• Responsible for compliance of both Classified systems and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) data and network environments.
• Collaborate on the design and implementation of cybersecurity measures to protect ISI digital assets and research data.

Unclassified Systems (NIPR)

• Coordinate with sponsors to create and manage unclassified DoD Enterprise accounts (e.g., A365).
• Enforce DoD-level security protocols across applied, transitioned, and classified research activities where appropriate.

Classified Systems

• Install, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot classified IT systems and infrastructure.
• Install and maintain classified network connections in approved university facilities.
• Coordinate with sponsors to establish and maintain classified user accounts.

Infrastructure Management

• As a member of the CIS Operations Team, support day-to-day management of ISI Arlington infrastructure, including servers, networks, email, and data centers.

Qualifications:

• Educational Background:
  • Bachelor’s degree, preferred in Information Science or Computer Science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Technical Expertise:

• Familiarity with personnel and facilities security in classified environments
• Experience performing ISSO responsibilities
• Experience with:
  • CMMC
  • NIST 800-171 and/or NIST 800-53
• CISSP or equivalent security certification
• Experience supporting higher education or research-focused academic environments

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills:
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Availability:

• Available for on-call and after-hours emergency support

The annual base salary range for this position is $130,000 - $140,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC’s Information Sciences Institute is seeking an Information System Security Engineer (ISSO) / IT Systems Engineer to serve as the Classified Information Security Lead for the Institute. The position is based in the Arlington campus and is responsible for managing and safeguarding classified information at the Secret and Top-Secret levels. Candidates must be U.S. citizens with active Top Secret (TS) clearance and SCI eligibility. The cleared professional ensures compliance with all applicable federal regulations governing the handling, storage, transmission, and protection of classified national security information.
The role maintains the security posture of classified and unclassified systems, oversees cybersecurity compliance and documentation (e.g., security plans), and executes contract-specific security duties. The position supports legal proceedings, research operations, and government-sponsored activities while ensuring institutional and contractual compliance.
The position supports research environments across a broad range of sponsors and classification compartments. The research programs also often have non-standard computing environments. A successful candidate needs to be able to navigate end-user needs, research contract milestones, and sponsor requirements promptly to support proposals and new projects.

                                                  

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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