CYBER SECURITY SPECIALIST III / Navy Qualified Validator (NQV)

MIKEL invests in people and technology – empowering the creative process, building responsive relationships, and propelling innovative solutions from conception to completion for the U.S. Navy.  MIKEL is a small woman owned business that has been providing Undersea Warfare Solutions to the Department of Defense since the company’s inception in 1999.  

Be a part of our dynamic team whose solutions and services enable the Navy to solve their toughest problems and meet their mission requirements.  We have undersea operations experience, combined with engineering and specific subject matter expertise, that provides an in-depth understanding of the problem and a novel, innovative and cost-effective solution.   MIKEL is committed to providing an environment that challenges its employees to use and advance their skills and knowledge to provide solutions that exceed customer expectations.

Position:   Navy Qualified Validator (NQV)

Responsibilities:

The Navy Qualified Validator (NQV) plays a critical role in ensuring the security and compliance of information systems within the U.S. Navy. As an independent third party, the NQV assesses and validates that systems have implemented the approved security control baseline. This position is essential for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data and ensuring compliance with security standards.

• Conduct thorough security assessments of Navy information systems using the Risk Management Framework (RMF) process
• Validate that systems adhere to approved security controls and policies
• Assess system vulnerabilities, risks, and potential threats
• Collaborate with stakeholders to address security gaps and recommend corrective actions
• Develop and maintain system authorization documentation, including Security Authorization Packages (SAPs) and Information System Security Plans (ISSPs)
• Create and update written system authorization artifacts
• Document findings, recommendations, and validation results
• Assist in identifying and mitigating security risks
• Evaluate the effectiveness of security controls
• Provide risk assessments to the Navy’s Authorizing Official (AO) or Designated Accrediting Authority (DAA)
• Work closely with system administrators, security engineers, and other stakeholders
• Serve as a trusted agent to the Security Control Assessor (SCA) during the authorization process
• Ensure compliance with Navy and Department of Defense (DoD) cybersecurity policies and guidelines
• Stay informed about evolving security threats and best practices

 Certifications preferred

• Security+
• Network+
• MCSE

Required Experience & Skills:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Navy Qualified Validator
• Cyber Work Force Certification
• Bachelor's degree
• Active Security Clearance
• Candidate must possess the CompTIA Security + certification
• Experience implementing security control frameworks (e.g. NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, ISO 27001)
• Working knowledge of the DoD Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) to evaluate cybersecurity capabilities and optimize security investments

Preferred Experience & Skills:

• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Cybersecurity

Work Location: Newport RI, no telework available.

MIKEL offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), 401k Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), and Tuition Reimbursement.

Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance or higher is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.  Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

MIKEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.