Cybersecurity Risk & Compliance SME

Cybersecurity Risk & Compliance SME

Apex Systems is seeking a Cybersecurity Risk & Compliance SME to support a Chicago-based Cybersecurity assessment. This role will execute security control assessments (SCAs) and provide risk analysis across highly sensitive environments, ensuring compliance with CNSS, NIST, FISMA, and TSA standards. The Cybersecurity Assessor will deliver expert guidance to government stakeholders and contribute to the continuous improvement of cybersecurity posture for mission-critical systems.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct security control assessments (SCAs) in accordance with the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) and Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) policies, standards, and guidelines.
• Provide validation, analysis, and documentation of assessments for systems, applications, and appliances.
• Develop, maintain, and improve formal NSS assessment and compliance CONOPS and SOPs.
• Evaluate and update cybersecurity risk indicators, including risks from emerging threats and vulnerabilities.
• Deliver risk recommendations and track remediation through POA&Ms and continuous monitoring processes.
• Author white papers and reports to identify trends, adversary activity, and systemic risks impacting the facility
• Support NSCD compliance engagements, engineering review boards, configuration control boards, and C-SCRM efforts.
• Document lessons learned and provide training and guidance to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and 15+ years of related experience or Master's degree with 13+ years of related experience.
• Strong knowledge of IA policies, CNSS guidance, NIST RMF, FISMA, and related standards.
• Demonstrated experience with audits, compliance, and IT security review processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to brief senior leadership.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior IT security or audit experience.
• Experience supporting high-security national mission environments.
• Familiarity with FIPS-140-2, and other federal compliance frameworks.

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.