CSSM jobs in Fort Meade, MD
Computer Systems Security Manager (CSSM)
Infrastructure security management, authorization support, incident review, vulnerability reduction, and cyber policy leadership for cleared mission systems.
Apply for this RoleGS Consulting Environment
Managing Security Where Infrastructure Meets Mission Risk
At GS Consulting, computer systems security management is not just policy enforcement. It is the discipline of keeping critical infrastructure available, protected, and accountable while mission requirements keep moving.
This role is built for security managers who can connect infrastructure risk, incident response, vulnerability reduction, authorization work, and cyber policy. You will help customers strengthen the systems they depend on instead of treating security as an after the fact review.
The Work
What the Role Looks Like Day to Day
CSSM work usually starts with the operational health of the infrastructure. What is exposed? What vulnerability needs a decision? What security feature needs to be integrated? What incident lesson should change policy, process, or technical control?
A typical day may include reviewing security incidents, coordinating corrective action, assessing vulnerabilities, shaping security procedures, supporting authorization work, advising technical teams, and helping customers make practical decisions about enterprise security risk.
Mission and Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Our CSSMs manage the security posture for critical computing infrastructure. Depending on your LCAT level, you will be expected to:
- Maintain the availability, integrity, and security posture of Agency computing infrastructure and mission systems.
- Design, integrate, and promote security features, products, procedures, and operational standards that support authorization and accreditation work.
- Direct proactive measures to assess and reduce vulnerabilities, detect intrusions, deter malware, and strengthen defensive posture.
- Review investigative processing of security incidents and use findings to improve corrective actions, policy, and operational controls.
- Develop, interpret, and enforce computer security policies that guide enterprise operations and technical teams.
Technical Domains
Required Technical Domains
Successful Computer Systems Security Managers at GS Consulting need practical experience across several of the following technical and management domains:
- Computer security and information systems management
- Hardware and software engineering life cycles
- Requirements analysis, system design, and implementation
- Computer systems research and network security
- Incident investigation and corrective action management
- Cyber policy development and operational enforcement
- Authorization, accreditation, and infrastructure risk management
Preferred Degree Fields and Certifications
Preferred degree fields include Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Security, Computer Forensics, Network Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, Information Security, or Information Assurance. The degree must be from an accredited institution.
Relevant DoD 8570 or 8140 certifications are preferred. Highly preferred certifications include CISSP, CAP, Security Plus, and NET Plus.
Tools and Mission Context
Security Management Has To Change the System, Not Just the Report
Computer Systems Security Managers use policy, incident data, vulnerability findings, authorization artifacts, security procedures, and technical implementation plans to improve the actual security posture of mission infrastructure.
The work requires management judgment and technical credibility. A strong CSSM can look at a security issue, understand the operational impact, and push the right corrective action without losing track of mission continuity.
Compensation
Estimated Compensation Range
Estimated compensation for Computer Systems Security Manager roles ranges from $105,000 to $210,000 per year. Final compensation depends on CSSM level, years of relevant experience, clearance status, certifications, customer requirements, contract fit, and location expectations.
The range is intentionally broad because this posting covers Levels 1 through 4. Senior CSSMs are expected to bring stronger infrastructure ownership, better incident judgment, deeper policy experience, and more independent customer leadership.
Qualification Paths
LCAT Qualification Paths
We are actively staffing billets across all four CSSM levels. Relevant experience should connect to computer security, information systems management, network security, incident investigation, systems engineering, cyber policy, authorization support, or related mission work.
Level 1
- Associate Degree plus 4 years of experience
- Bachelor Degree plus 2 years of experience
- Master Degree plus 0 years of experience
Level 2
- Associate Degree plus 7 years of experience
- Bachelor Degree plus 5 years of experience
- Master Degree plus 3 years of experience
- Doctorate plus 0 years of experience
Level 3
- Associate Degree plus 10 years of experience
- Bachelor Degree plus 8 years of experience
- Master Degree plus 6 years of experience
- Doctorate plus 4 years of experience
Level 4
- Associate Degree plus 13 years of experience
- Bachelor Degree plus 11 years of experience
- Master Degree plus 9 years of experience
- Doctorate plus 7 years of experience
Career Growth
How CSSMs Grow Across Levels
Growth in this role comes from stronger infrastructure ownership, better policy judgment, sharper incident review, and the ability to turn security findings into action. Senior CSSMs are trusted because they can make risk visible and help customers fix what matters.
At GS Consulting, CSSM growth can lead deeper into infrastructure security leadership, information assurance management, incident response coordination, cyber policy, or broader mission security roles.
Why GS Consulting
A Smaller Team Focused on the Real Security Problem
GS Consulting takes a direct approach to cleared mission support. We care whether the person in the seat can understand the infrastructure, make the risk clearer, and help the customer protect systems that matter.
CSSM work is not generic management language. It takes technical credibility, policy discipline, incident judgment, and the ability to keep secure infrastructure aligned with mission reality.
Role Questions
Computer Systems Security Manager FAQ
What does a Computer Systems Security Manager do?
A Computer Systems Security Manager maintains the security posture of computing infrastructure and mission systems. The role includes infrastructure security management, authorization support, security feature integration, vulnerability abatement, incident review, policy enforcement, and coordination with technical teams responsible for keeping systems available and protected.
What clearance is required for GS Consulting CSSM roles?
GS Consulting Computer Systems Security Manager roles require an active TS/SCI clearance. Candidates must also be able to meet customer, contract, and site access requirements for the specific billet. If additional customer screening is required, that will be handled during recruiting rather than posted as public qualification language.
What are the CSSM levels 1, 2, 3, and 4?
CSSM levels reflect increasing experience, infrastructure ownership, security management responsibility, and policy judgment. Level 1 starts at 0 to 4 years of relevant experience depending on education path. Level 2 ranges from 0 to 7 years. Level 3 ranges from 4 to 10 years. Level 4 ranges from 7 to 13 years. Relevant experience should involve computer security, information systems management, network security, incident investigation, systems engineering, cyber policy, or related mission work.
How is a CSSM different from an ISSO?
A CSSM is more focused on managing the security of computing infrastructure, enforcing policy, reviewing incidents, and directing vulnerability reduction across systems. An Information Systems Security Officer focuses more on operational compliance, continuous monitoring, control evidence, and day to day security oversight. The roles work together, but CSSM work is usually closer to infrastructure security management and policy enforcement.
What certifications are preferred for CSSM candidates?
Relevant DoD 8570 or 8140 certifications are preferred for CSSM candidates. Highly preferred certifications include CISSP, CAP, Security Plus, and NET Plus. Candidates should include current certifications, expiration dates, and any customer relevant cyber security credentials when applying.
What skills make a strong Computer Systems Security Manager candidate?
Strong candidates understand computer security, information systems management, system design, infrastructure risk, network security, incident review, vulnerability reduction, policy enforcement, and authorization support. The best CSSMs can connect technical security decisions with operational risk and mission continuity.
What does a Computer Systems Security Manager earn?
Estimated compensation for GS Consulting Computer Systems Security Manager roles ranges from $105,000 to $210,000 per year. Final compensation depends on CSSM level, years of relevant experience, clearance status, certifications, customer requirements, contract fit, and location expectations.
Are these CSSM jobs onsite?
Yes. These Computer Systems Security Manager positions support work in the Fort Meade, MD and Annapolis Junction area. Because the work is tied to cleared government facilities, sensitive systems, and customer mission requirements, candidates should expect onsite work rather than a remote arrangement.
How do I apply for GS Consulting CSSM roles?
Use the Apply for this Role button on this page or email your resume directly to info@gsconsultingllc.com. Include your active clearance level, current certifications, primary computer security or infrastructure management experience, and the CSSM level you believe matches your background.
Ready to govern the infrastructure?
Send us your resume. Please include your active clearance level, current certifications, primary computer security or infrastructure management experience, and the specific CSSM level you are targeting.