This role pays more than
72%
of similar roles. Most pay
$126,550–$186,700
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$184k
versus about
$157k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations.
Leidos currently has
264 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$92,300–$166,850
across 245 roles with salary data.
The ISSO CTO joins the Mission Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection Security Operations Center to ensure security compliance, system resilience, and secure modernization of infrastructure and applications. This role provides cybersecurity oversight for major federal systems across hybrid environments including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. The individual will manage containerized workloads, integrate AI/ML-driven tools for threat detection and behavioral analytics, and develop critical authorization artifacts like System Security Plans and Risk Assessment Plans. Key responsibilities include overseeing vulnerability scanning, patch management, and flaw remediation while ensuring cloud-based systems align with Zero Trust principles. The position requires expertise in NIST Risk Management Framework, information assurance, and the development of cybersecurity playbooks to mature security capabilities. Technical skills required include proficiency in systems engineering, cloud computing, and AI-enabled technologies within a high-stakes government security environment.
Provide cybersecurity oversight and compliance for major CBP applications across hybrid cloud and on-premise environments.
Integrate AI/ML-driven security tools into operations to enhance threat detection and predictive risk modeling.
Develop, review, and endorse formal information system security plans and authorization artifacts like SSPs and PO&Ms.
Manage the transition of systems into the DHS Ongoing Authorization Program while maintaining required authorizations.
Oversee vulnerability scanning processes, patch management, and flaw remediation across hybrid and AI-enabled infrastructures.
Draft cybersecurity SOPs, playbooks, and automated workflows to mature security capabilities for the Security Operations Center.
Perform technical security evaluations of threats and vulnerabilities involving new technologies and cloud workloads.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related discipline (Master's preferred).
12+ years of IT/cybersecurity experience (or 6+ years with a Master's).
5+ years as an ISSO supporting major federal information systems and applications.
Proven expertise in systems engineering and cloud computing across AWS, Azure, or GCP platforms.
Hands-on experience with AI/ML tools for cybersecurity, including anomaly detection and automated risk scoring.
Working knowledge of auditing security controls, risk management, and compliance reporting.
Deep understanding of Information Assurance, Information Management, and the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF).
Superior writing, communication, and critical analysis skills.
CISSP, CGRC, CISM, or CASP+ certifications (preferred).
Experience designing AI governance frameworks and secure AI model deployment (preferred).
Cloud security certifications such as AWS Certified Security, Azure Security Engineer Associate, or Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer (preferred).
Must successfully complete a CBP Background Investigation.
NIST RMF
Information Assurance
Cybersecurity
Configuration Management
ServiceNow
Risk Assessment
Security Operations
Encryption
DoD 8570
IAM
System Security Plans
Firewalls
Hardware/Software Security
Communication Protocols
NIST RMF
Information Assurance
Cybersecurity
Configuration Management
Risk Assessment
ServiceNow
Encryption
Security Operations
System Accreditation
DoD 8570
IAM
Firewalls
Hardware/Software Security
Communication Protocols