📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Cleared Cloud Security/ATO Architect *
Company: Virtual Service Operations
Location: Reston, Virginia, United States
Job Type: On-site (2 days a week)
Category: Cybersecurity & Infrastructure
Date Posted: 2025-05-09
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: On-site (2 days a week)

🚀 Role Summary

Lead the Authorization to Operate (ATO) process for AWS environments, ensuring compliance with stringent security requirements.
Conduct thorough security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities and risks within AWS infrastructure.
Implement and manage security controls and measures to safeguard AWS resources and data.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and maintain required documentation.
Serve as a subject matter expert on AWS security, providing training and guidance to team members as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in AWS security and accreditation processes, coupled with exceptional analytical and communication skills. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of AWS Services and experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and/or programming languages.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Lead ATO Accreditation: Own, drive, and accelerate the ATO process for AWS environments, working closely with cross-functional teams to develop and maintain required documentation.
Security Assessments & Audits: Conduct thorough security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities and risks within AWS infrastructure.
Security Controls & Measures: Implement and manage security controls and measures to safeguard AWS resources and data.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with stakeholders to address security concerns and provide guidance on best practices for maintaining a secure AWS environment.
Threat Identification & Mitigation: Stay abreast of emerging threats and technologies, proactively identifying and mitigating security risks.
Training & Guidance: Serve as a subject matter expert on AWS security, providing training and guidance to team members as needed.
Security Frameworks & Compliance: Demonstrate a strong understanding of security frameworks and compliance standards such as NIST SP 800-53, FedRAMP, and RMF.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high level of technical expertise in AWS security, with a focus on ATO accreditation processes. The ideal candidate will possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail and the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in cybersecurity, with a focus on AWS security and ATO accreditation.

Required Skills:

Active TS/SCI clearance
Proficiency in AWS services and tools, including IAM, VPC, EC2, S3, and CloudFormation
Strong understanding of security frameworks and compliance standards such as NIST SP 800-53, FedRAMP, and RMF
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Effective communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Deep understanding of AWS Services that would be used to accelerate ATO (e.g., AWS Config)
Deep hands-on experience with IaC and/or programming languages

Preferred Skills:

Relevant certifications such as CISSP, AWS Certified Security Specialty, or CompTIA Security+

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, having experience with AWS Config and familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools would be highly beneficial for this role. Additionally, relevant certifications such as CISSP or AWS Certified Security Specialty would further demonstrate the candidate's expertise in AWS security.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a strong understanding of AWS security by showcasing relevant projects or case studies.
Highlight experience with ATO accreditation processes and security assessments.
Showcase proficiency in AWS services and tools, with a focus on security-related features.
Emphasize problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and mitigate security risks.

Technical Documentation:

Provide detailed documentation of past security assessments, audits, and ATO processes.
Include examples of security controls and measures implemented to safeguard AWS resources and data.
Demonstrate a strong understanding of security frameworks and compliance standards by including relevant documentation and certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a portfolio is not explicitly mentioned in the job listing, demonstrating relevant experience and expertise through case studies, projects, or certifications would be highly beneficial for this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on experience and qualifications)

Benefits:

Health Benefits
Flexible Work Arrangements (2 days on-site per week)
Ongoing Learning and Development Opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with the flexibility to work remotely for 3 days a week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research for cybersecurity roles with a focus on AWS security and ATO accreditation. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and negotiation skills.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology and Services

Company Size: Medium (100-250 employees)

Founded: 2005

Team Structure:

The security team is responsible for ensuring the protection of AWS resources and data.
The team works closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, engineers, and project managers.
The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders.

Development Methodology:

The company follows Agile development methodologies, with a focus on iterative development and continuous improvement.
The security team works closely with development teams to ensure that security is integrated into the development process from the beginning.
The ideal candidate will have experience working in an Agile environment and be comfortable with Agile development practices.

Company Website: vso-inc.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's website provides additional information about their services, clients, and company culture. Familiarizing oneself with the company's mission, values, and services can help demonstrate a strong fit for the role during the interview process.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Director of Security.

Technical Impact: The Cleared Cloud Security/ATO Architect will have a significant impact on the security of AWS environments, ensuring compliance with stringent security requirements and safeguarding AWS resources and data.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: As a subject matter expert on AWS security, the ideal candidate will have the opportunity to develop their skills and expertise in AWS security and ATO accreditation processes.
Leadership Growth: With experience and strong performance, the ideal candidate may have the opportunity to take on a leadership role within the security team, mentoring junior team members and driving the team's strategic direction.
Career Progression: The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to advance their career within the company, potentially taking on more senior roles or exploring other areas of interest within the company's service offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on ongoing learning and development opportunities, as well as the potential for career progression, makes this an attractive role for candidates looking to grow their skills and advance their careers in AWS security.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site (2 days a week), with the flexibility to work remotely for 3 days a week.

Office Location(s): Reston, Virginia

Workspace Context:

The ideal candidate will have access to a collaborative workspace, with opportunities to work closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
The company values a culture of continuous learning and improvement, with a focus on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in an Agile environment and collaborating with team members to drive projects to completion.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with the flexibility to work remotely for 3 days a week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's flexible work arrangement allows for a better work-life balance, enabling the ideal candidate to maintain a healthy lifestyle while still meeting the demands of the role.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss the candidate's experience, qualifications, and fit for the role.
Technical Interview: A deep dive into the candidate's technical skills and expertise in AWS security and ATO accreditation processes.
Behavioral Interview: An assessment of the candidate's communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with the company.
Final Interview: A meeting with the Director of Security to discuss the candidate's fit for the role and the company's strategic direction.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight relevant experience and expertise in AWS security and ATO accreditation processes.
Include examples of security assessments, audits, and ATO processes conducted in previous roles.
Demonstrate a strong understanding of security frameworks and compliance standards, with a focus on NIST SP 800-53, FedRAMP, and RMF.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on AWS security best practices and familiarize oneself with relevant AWS services and tools.
Prepare for questions about security frameworks and compliance standards, with a focus on NIST SP 800-53, FedRAMP, and RMF.
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner, with a focus on communicating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

ATS Keywords:

AWS Security
ATO Accreditation
Security Assessments
Risk Management
Security Controls
Compliance Standards
NIST SP 800-53
FedRAMP
RMF
IaC
Programming Languages
Agile Methodologies
Cybersecurity
Information Security

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's technical expertise, communication skills, and cultural fit with the company. By preparing for the interview process and demonstrating a strong understanding of AWS security and ATO accreditation processes, the ideal candidate can increase their chances of success.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

AWS Services:

IAM (Identity and Access Management)
VPC (Virtual Private Cloud)
EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud)
S3 (Simple Storage Service)
CloudFormation
AWS Config
AWS Security Hub
AWS Shield
AWS WAF
AWS Secrets Manager
AWS Key Management Service (KMS)

Security Tools:

Nessus
Burp Suite
Metasploit
Wireshark
Nmap
OpenVAS
OWASP ZAP
Veracode
Checkmarx
Prisma Cloud

Programming Languages:

Python
Bash
PowerShell
Java
C#
Go
Ruby

Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Tools:

Terraform
CloudFormation
Ansible
Puppet
Chef

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarity with the AWS services and tools listed above, as well as relevant security tools and programming languages, would be highly beneficial for this role. Additionally, experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools would be valuable for automating security processes and ensuring consistent security configurations across AWS environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Security First: The company prioritizes security above all else, with a focus on protecting AWS resources and data.
Continuous Improvement: The company values a culture of continuous learning and improvement, with a focus on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Collaboration: The company values collaboration and teamwork, with a focus on driving projects to completion through effective communication and coordination.
Innovation: The company values innovation and encourages team members to explore new technologies and approaches to security.

Collaboration Style:

The company follows Agile development methodologies, with a focus on iterative development and continuous improvement.
The security team works closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, engineers, and project managers.
The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on security, continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation makes it an attractive place to work for candidates looking to grow their skills and advance their careers in AWS security.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Staying up-to-date with the latest AWS security best practices and emerging threats.
Conducting thorough security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities and risks within AWS infrastructure.
Implementing and managing security controls and measures to safeguard AWS resources and data.
Collaborating with stakeholders to address security concerns and provide guidance on best practices for maintaining a secure AWS environment.
Proactively identifying and mitigating security risks associated with emerging technologies and trends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skills Development: The company offers ongoing learning and development opportunities, with a focus on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Career Progression: The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to advance their career within the company, potentially taking on more senior roles or exploring other areas of interest within the company's service offerings.
Industry Connections: The company's focus on collaboration and teamwork provides the ideal candidate with opportunities to build relationships with industry peers and thought leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on ongoing learning and development opportunities, as well as the potential for career progression, makes this an attractive role for candidates looking to grow their skills and advance their careers in AWS security.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

AWS Security: Can you describe your experience with AWS security and ATO accreditation processes? What specific AWS services and tools have you used to ensure the security of AWS environments?
Security Assessments & Audits: Can you walk me through your process for conducting thorough security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities and risks within AWS infrastructure?
Security Controls & Measures: How do you implement and manage security controls and measures to safeguard AWS resources and data? Can you provide examples of specific security controls you have implemented in previous roles?
Security Frameworks & Compliance: How do you ensure compliance with security frameworks and standards such as NIST SP 800-53, FedRAMP, and RMF? Can you describe your experience with these frameworks and standards in previous roles?

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: How do you see yourself fitting into the company's culture and values? What specific aspects of the company's culture and values appeal to you?
Team Dynamics: How do you work effectively in a team environment? Can you provide an example of a time when you collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive a project to completion?
Agile Methodologies: How do you approach Agile development methodologies? Can you describe your experience with Agile development practices and how you have applied them in previous roles?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Relevant Experience: Highlight relevant experience and expertise in AWS security and ATO accreditation processes.
Case Studies: Include examples of security assessments, audits, and ATO processes conducted in previous roles.
Technical Deep Dive: Provide a deep dive into the technical aspects of security controls and measures implemented to safeguard AWS resources and data.
Communication Skills: Demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: By preparing for technical and behavioral interview questions, as well as developing a strong portfolio that highlights relevant experience and expertise, the ideal candidate can increase their chances of success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Cleared Cloud Security/ATO Architect position:

Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and expertise in AWS security and ATO accreditation processes. Include specific examples of security assessments, audits, and ATO processes conducted in previous roles.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Include examples of security assessments, audits, and ATO processes conducted in previous roles. Highlight your experience with AWS services and tools, as well as relevant security tools and programming languages.
Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with the company's services, clients, and company culture. Prepare for interview questions about the company's values, team dynamics, and Agile development methodologies.
Practice Interview Questions: Prepare for technical and behavioral interview questions, focusing on your experience with AWS security, security assessments, and ATO accreditation processes. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner, with a focus on communicating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Cleared Cloud Security/ATO Architect *