Director of Information Security

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description Company OverviewAV is a leading defense technology company delivering mission-critical solutions to government and commercial customers. We are seeking an experienced Director of Information Security to lead our cybersecurity program and ensure the protection of sensitive national security information.SummaryThe Director of Information Security will lead the organization's information security program, ensuring compliance with defense industry regulations, managing information security, and supervising a team of ~5 professionals. This role requires deep expertise in defense contractor security requirements and the ability to balance rigorous security controls with operational efficiency.Position ResponsibilitiesLeadership & ManagementLead and mentor a team of information security professionals including compliance specialists, compliance managers, and/or analystsDevelop and execute the information security strategy aligned with business objectives and threat landscapeCollaborate with executive leadership on security risk management, investment priorities, and incident responseLead and write procedures on approving security exceptions, foreign travel, and deviations following established risk management frameworksCompliance & Risk ManagementBuild compliance approaches for NIST SP 800-171, CMMC, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, and other defense industry information security requirementsDevelop and maintain security policies, procedures, and standardsConduct information security risk assessments and manage risk treatment plansOversee security audits, assessments, and government inspectionsMaintain relationships with government and third party representativesProgram ManagementReview and advise on continuous monitoring, compliance practices, and security automation prioritiesDevelop security metrics and reporting for leadership and government customersManage security budget and resource allocationBusiness PartnershipServe as trusted advisor to business units on security requirementsFacilitate security discussions with customers and partnersBalance security requirements with mission effectiveness and operational efficiencyPromote security awareness culture throughout the organizationBasic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Education • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field • Master's degree preferred Experience • Minimum 10 years of progressive information security experience • Minimum 5 years in leadership role managing security teams • Minimum 5 years working in defense contractor or government environment • Experience managing security programs supporting classified systems and information • Demonstrated experience implementing and maintaining NIST 800-171 and CMMC compliance Technical Knowledge • Expert knowledge of NIST SP 800-171, CMMC 2.0, and DFARS cybersecurity requirements • Working knowledge of NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27001/27002, and CIS Controls • Understanding of cloud security principles and FedRAMP requirements • Familiarity with network security, endpoint protection, SIEM, and security operations technologies • Knowledge of export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) and related IT security implications Compliance Frameworks • NIST SP 800-171 (Protecting CUI in Nonfederal Systems) • CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) 2.0 • DFARS 252.204-7012, 7019, 7020, 7021, and related clauses Skills • Strong leadership and people management capabilities • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to present to executive audiences • Risk management and decision-making under uncertainty • Project and program management • Budget management and financial planning • Vendor management and contract oversight • Ability to translate complex technical security concepts for non-technical stakeholders Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies Certifications (Preferred) • CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) • CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) • CCP (CMMC Certified Professional) • CCA (CMMC Certified Assessor) • CAP (Certified Authorization Professional) • Security+ or equivalent DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification Additional Experience • Experience in aerospace, intelligence, or weapons systems environment • FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) • FIPS 140-2/140-3 cryptographic module validation • DoD Cloud Computing SRG • NIST SP 800-37 (RMF Application) and SP 800-53 • ISO 27001 certification experience • Security architecture design • Software security and secure development lifecycle • Supply chain risk management • Export control and OPSEC experience • Government liaison and relationship management • Change management and organizational transformation Physical Demands • Ability to work in an office environment (Constant) • Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent) Special Requirements • U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required. Clearance Level No ClearanceThe salary range for this role is:$170,500 - $272,750AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires appro