Navy Validator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview

The Fully Qualified Navy Validator III will support Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) Department 40 as a contractor through Arlo Solutions, serving as a senior cybersecurity validation specialist providing comprehensive Risk Management Framework (RMF) package validation and assessment services for Propulsion, Power & Auxiliary Machinery Systems. This key personnel position acts as an independent third-party validator who assesses and validates that systems have implemented approved security control baselines in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD) RMF processes and Navy cybersecurity requirements for both afloat and Platform Information Technology (PIT) ashore systems.

Work Location; Primary: Philadelphia, PA; periodic travel to customer and operational sites may be required

Clearance:  Active Secret

Job Responsibilities and/or Success Factors

Navy Qualified Validator (NQV) Registration and Certification

• Register and maintain listing on the official Navy Qualified Validators registry
• Perform and support activities as a certified Navy Validator for Risk Management Framework (RMF) packages
• Ensure strict separation of duties between the Information System Security Manager (ISSM)/Information System Security Engineer (ISSE) and Navy Qualified Validator roles
• Maintain current NQV Level III certification and comply with all associated requirements
• Act as a trusted agent to the Security Control Assessor (SCA) and SCA Liaison throughout the validation process

Security Assessment Planning and Execution

• Prepare comprehensive Security Assessment Plans (SAPs) with input from system ISSEs and ISSMs
• Submit SAPs for approval by the SCA prior to validation activities
• Conduct independent third-party assessments to validate that systems have implemented approved security control baselines
• Perform on-site validation testing as required for afloat and PIT ashore systems
• Execute validation activities in accordance with DON SCA office requirements and procedures

Security Assessment Reporting and Documentation

• Develop comprehensive Security Assessment Reports (SARs) to document residual risk of non-compliant security controls
• Create SAR Executive Summaries and Functional Security Control Assessor (FSCA) Appendices
• Document residual risk in Risk Assessment Reports (RARs) in accordance with NAVSEAINST 9400.2 instruction
• Provide detailed briefings to Program Managers and ISSMs on validation findings and recommendations
• Ensure all validation documentation meets DON, NAVSEA Business Rules, and DoD cybersecurity standards

Risk Assessment and Validation Activities

• Conduct comprehensive risk and vulnerability assessments of planned and installed systems
• Identify vulnerabilities, risks, and protection needs through systematic validation processes
• Perform systems security reviews, audits, and evaluations to ensure accreditation documents accurately represent current risk posture
• Validate compliance with all applicable Controls and Assessment Procedures (APs) for assigned DON systems
• Develop appropriate test procedures when necessary and execute comprehensive security testing protocols

RMF Package Validation Support

• Validate RMF packages in accordance with DoD Instruction 8510.01, NAVSEA Business Rules, and DON RMF Process Guides
• Review and assess Authorization Boundary Diagrams, Defense in Depth Diagrams, Security Plans, and other RMF artifacts
• Evaluate system compliance with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP-800-37, SP-800-53 Rev 4, and applicable cybersecurity frameworks
• Support continuous monitoring activities to maintain Authorization to Operate (ATO) status
• Coordinate validation activities with government personnel, system owners, and other RMF stakeholders

Technical Documentation and Analysis

• Perform detailed technical documentation analysis of software/hardware associated with systems and components
• Develop system architecture diagrams, software design requirements, and network connection diagrams
• Create and maintain vulnerability assessments and security compliance documentation
• Analyze logs, events, and reporting from various data collection tools including Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS), Host Based Security Systems (HBSS), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), and firewall systems
• Present validation findings and submit comprehensive data to management in a cohesive manner

Cybersecurity Technical Writing and Communication

• Write technical documentation including user manuals, reports, policies, presentations, and security assessments
• Develop RMF plans, policies, and procedural documentation for multiple platforms
• Create comprehensive vulnerability assessments and risk assessment reports
• Support development of technical documents across configuration management and RMF documentation platforms
• Communicate validation results and recommendations effectively to all levels of management

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Ensure all validation activities comply with published Navy, NAVSEA Business Rules, NIST standards, and DoD regulations
• Verify accuracy of security control implementations and document any deficiencies or non-compliance issues
• Support Information Assurance Vulnerability Management (IAVM) activities including validation of remediation efforts
• Test systems to verify adequate functionality for mission and project requirements while maintaining security posture
• Maintain security clearance and comply with all security requirements specified in the contract

Education and Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Active Secret security clearance
• Bachelor's degree in computer science from an accredited college or university

Target Experience

• Five (5) years of professional experience in the management of Information Assurance Technical (IAT), certification agents, and system engineers on compliance requirements to achieve certification and accreditation in accordance with the DoD RMF program and DON Chief Information Officer (CIO) IA Policy for Platform Information Technology (PIT) Systems

Minimum Certification

• Must demonstrate at least one of the following Information Assurance Management (IAM)/IAT Level 2 certifications (acceptable certifications include: CAP, CASP+ CE, CISM, CISSP or Associate, GSLC, CCISO, or HCISPP)

Required Certification

• Must provide evidence of current NQV Level III certification

Continuing Professional Education Requirements

• Maintain current IAM/IAT Level 2 certification with required Continuing Professional Education (CPE) as mandated by certification body
• Maintain current NQV Level III certification and complete all required training
• Complete all required Government mandated training including Antiterrorism Level 1 Awareness, Operations Security (OPSEC), Cybersecurity 101 Training, and other security-related training as specified

Desired Qualifications

• Professional experience supporting DON or DoD
• Experience with DON cybersecurity programs and RMF validation processes
• Familiarity with NIST Special Publications and DoD cybersecurity instructions
• Experience with eMASS, Vulnerability Remediation Asset Manager (VRAM), ACAS, and other DoD cybersecurity systems
• Knowledge of DON and DoD organizational structure and cybersecurity policies
• Experience supporting NAVSEA or other Navy commands
• Understanding of NAVSEA Business Rules and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)