Cyber Security Engineer

JASON ALAN GARSTKA

*** ********* ****** • Madison, AL 35758

228-***-**** • ************@*****.***

Available: July 7, 2025 • Active TS/SCI Clearance

Professional Summary

Accomplished cybersecurity expert with over 20 years of experience securing mission-critical Department of Defense systems and classified environments. Adept in Risk Management Framework (RMF), cybersecurity governance, secure architecture design, and intelligence-driven threat response. Proven record of supporting Army and Joint Agency operations through expert compliance management, ATO lifecycle execution, and strategic advisory roles. Recognized for pioneering RMF 2.0 ATO achievements and driving operational resilience across complex, multi-agency environments.

Core Competencies

RMF (NIST SP 800-53), DIACAP, DoDI 8510.01, ATO Lifecycle

ISSO/ISSM Governance, Security Assessments, Risk Reporting

eMASS, SCAP/Nessus, IAVA, DISA STIG Compliance

Cyber Threat Intelligence, POA&Ms, and Vulnerability Management

Secure Network/Systems Admin, Windows Server, WSUS, SCCM

Defense Contractor Coordination, Army & Joint Agency Liaison

Professional Experience

PingWind, US Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL Dec 2022 – Present

Cyber Security Engineer / Intelligence Officer

Monitors global cyber threats affecting Army contracts and generates actionable intelligence through the ACC Threat Analyzer Tool (ATA).

Provides daily critical cyber threat notifications to command-level mission partners across DoD agencies.

Serves as ISSO for PADDS and supports its security posture, configuration control, and vulnerability management.

Advises Program Managers, ISSMs, and ISSOs on NIST 800-53 security control implementation and RMF lifecycle execution.

Collaborates with cyber intelligence teams and Army Sentinel leadership on ATO approvals and policy development.

Recognized as the first in the Army to receive an ATO under the new RMF 2.0 Sentinel process.

Intrepid, PEO Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, AL Jul 2021 – Dec 2022

ISSO / Systems Administrator

Enforced cyber security compliance for special access aviation programs.

Managed vulnerability remediation, incident response, and security incident documentation.

Led security testing and validation during system development and modification.

Developed SOPs for AIS usage, access control, auditing, and configuration management.

Provided technical security advisement to engineering teams and system owners.

Ensured systems met ATO sustainment through continuous monitoring and audits.

Arena Technical Resources, Army Materiel Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL Mar 2021 – Jul 2021

Security Control Assessor (SCA-V) / InfoSec Analyst

• Utilized eMASS to document assessment results and track POA&M implementation status.

• Served as a trusted advisor to program managers and ISSMs on system accreditation and cybersecurity posture.

• Performed security control validation, documented compliance gaps, and generated recommendations to the SCA and AO.

• Reviewed RMF A&A packages including System Security Plans (SSPs), Security Assessment Reports (SARs), and boundary diagrams.

Cyber Security Engineer / IA SME

Verity Integrated Systems Dec 2020 - Mar 2021

Developed and submitted full RMF accreditation packages for classified systems supporting defense operations.

Conducted system audits, configuration enforcement, and vulnerability assessments using Nessus and SCAP.

Ensured compliance for internal and external stakeholders operating under DFARS, NIST, and CMMC frameworks.

Advised multiple contractors on secure deployment and documentation of classified environments.

Delivered user training and support during Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) inspections.

Cyber Security Lead

AEgis Technologies Group Jul 2019 - Jul 2020

Directed cybersecurity operations for USASMDC tactical systems in pursuit of ATO.

Conducted risk assessments and created Security Assessment Reports and Risk Assessment Reports.

Ensured timely delivery of cyber artifacts including POA&Ms;, vulnerability scans, and security overlays.

Maintained compliance with IAVM and coordinated with ISSMs and DoD partners on continuous monitoring.

Senior Cyber Security Analyst

PeopleTec, Inc. Sep 2018 - Jul 2019

Developed RMF A&A; documentation for Army tactical systems in the Cyber Hardening Integration Lab (CHIL).

Performed IAVA patching, system scans, and audit logging in support of continuous ATO monitoring.

Maintained eMASS records and system artifacts; acted as trusted agent during package updates.

ISSM / Security Specialist (Automation), DA Civilian GG-12

Department of the Army USASMDC/ARSTRAT Jun 2015 - Sep 2018

Accomplished three JWICS ATO authorizations in coordination with INSCOM AO.

Conducted compliance inspections of SCIFs, networks, and physical security measures.

Appointed and trained all DoDIIS ISSOs and SAs across multiple secure facilities.

Reviewed system documentation and enforced strict access control and auditing policies.

IT Specialist, DA Civilian GS-12

Department of the Army USASMDC/ARSTRAT Nov 2013 - Jun 2015

Provided IT support to 350+ users supporting space and missile defense operations.

Led SCCM/WSUS patch deployment, GPO security enforcement, and hardware upgrades.

Developed user training guides and maintained vulnerability databases.

Created and maintained DIACAP packages for DoD systems.

Systems Integrator / IA Support Officer

QRI Inc. Dec 2012 - Nov 2013

Delivered IA training and compliance guidance for classified/unclassified systems.

Operated and maintained help desk and hardware depot for satellite communication systems.

Coordinated remediation efforts for security violations and non-compliance findings.

Help Desk Analyst, Sr.

ASD, Inc. Oct 2011 - Dec 2012

Provided Tier I/II support to executive users across SMDC.

Resolved Active Directory, patching, and network access issues.

Managed ticketing system, lifecycle upgrades, and account provisioning.

Directly supported senior command IT needs, resolving 29 critical issues for squadron commanders.

Public Service

City Councilman, Triana, Alabama 2018 – 2024

Elected by citizens to represent municipal interests and oversee legislative decision-making impacting infrastructure, safety, and community programs.

Partnered with local officials, first responders, and public works departments to advance development and deliver responsive governance.

Acted as liaison between constituents and city departments, resolving resident concerns and implementing neighborhood improvement projects.

Supported fiscal planning and reviewed proposals for zoning, business development, and community services.

Advocated for transparency, accountability, and long-term strategic planning across city operations.

Military Service

United States Air Force Various Locations 2002 – 2015

Served in both active duty and reserve roles, specializing in cybersecurity operations, emergency management, and classified communications.

Managed tactical and strategic IT systems supporting mission-critical operations across CONUS and OCONUS environments.

Led joint service teams and provided direct support for incident response, secure system administration, and infrastructure resiliency.

Earned multiple commendations for exemplary performance, including Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.

Trained junior personnel on cyber defense strategies, emergency response protocols, and operational readiness.

Education & Certifications

Education:

• B.S. Business Administration, Colorado Technical University, 2018

• A.A.S. in Information Management, Community College of the Air Force

• A.A.S. in Emergency Management, Community College of the Air Force

Certifications:

• ISACA CISM Certified

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)

• CompTIA Security+ (CE)

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

• Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)

• Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)

• Risk Management Framework (RMF) Training

• Department of Defense Information Assurance Certification (DIACAP) Training

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Training

• Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (Windows 7 Deployment)

Recognition:

- Achievement Medal for Civilian Service (USASMDC)

- Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year – 2015

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