Principal Security Specialist

Job details mentioned below:


Job Title: Principal Security Specialist

Location: Arlington, Virginia

Duration: Full Time


  • Duties include but are not limited to:

Perform Security Assessments and Technical Security Reviews (TSR) for classified and unclassified systems;


Ensure adherence to the DHS Systems Engineering Lifecycle (SELC) and Change Management (CM) principles;


Develop and update testing procedures, Rules of Engagement (RoE) and security assessment scripts;


Review output from existing vulnerability assessment tools (Nessus, AppDetective, etc.) to validate findings and identify false positives;


Identify security risks, threats and vulnerabilities;


Use NIST SP800-53 (Rev 3 and 4) and DHS 4300A/B controls for testing the security controls within the C&A phase;


Review security controls using manual processes and automated tools;


Create, review, edit System Security Plans (SSP);


Perform Risk Analysis;


Work with ISSOs, developers, and System Owners on the assessment of systems under test;


Develop Security Assessment Reports (SAR)



  • Required:


Eligible for Secret, Top Secret or DHS/OBIM/NPPD Clearance


B.S. from an accredited institution in a Technical or Engineering related discipline. Relevant experience can be substituted in lieu of a degree.


Five (5) plus years of experience in IT Security with relevant security assessment planning and execution including use of automated assessment tools (Nessus, AppDetective, WebInspect, Core Impact, etc.)


In-depth knowledge of and experience in applying: OMB, DHS 4300A/B, FIPS, NIST SP-800 series standards; related Federal IT security mandates and best practices; and agency specific policies and directives derived from such


Excellent written and verbal communication skills


Excellent interpersonal skills

  • Preferred:
Active Secret, Top Secret or DHS Clearance

DHS Agency or other Component experience

CISSP, CISA or GIAC Certification

Telos Xacta IA Manager experience

Similar jobs