Andre Nelson
Marina Del Rey
Summary
Analytical and mission-driven cybersecurity leader with over 15 years of progressive experience protecting critical systems across defense, aerospace, and enterprise environments. Adept at aligning cybersecurity strategy with business objectives and implementing governance and compliance frameworks to enhance organizational resilience. Proficient in fostering team development and cultivating strong relationships with executive leadership to support risk-informed decision-making.
As assurance professional with commitment to excellence and precision, consistently deliver thorough and accurate analyses that drive continuous improvement. Known for fostering effective team collaboration and adapting to changing project requirements. Skilled in risk assessment and quality control, ensuring reliability and trust in results.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Classified Cyber Assurance Analyst
Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX)
09.2024 - 09.2025
- Lead risk management and compliance strategy, ensuring adherence to NIST, government, and industry standards.
- Drive security program maturity by integrating automated assessments, improving efficiency, and reducing audit cycle times.
- Partner with executive leadership to enable risk-informed decisions supporting mission success.
- Mentor and develop cyber assurance staff, elevating team capabilities, and leadership bench strength.
- Support third-party risk management, strengthening supplier cybersecurity posture and reducing supply chain risk.
Information Systems Security Officer
Boeing
12.2022 - 09.2024
- Managed certification and accreditation lifecycle, ensuring compliance with NIST 800-53A and 800-171.
- Spearheaded process improvements in audit policies, achieving a 50% increase in audit efficiency.
- Delivered security education and awareness programs, strengthening organizational security culture.
- Trained and mentored junior ISSOs, improving workforce readiness and retention.
Information Systems Security Officer
Raytheon
12.2020 - 12.2022
- Directed cybersecurity program implementation, risk management, and system authorization.
- Oversaw incident response efforts, ensuring rapid containment and mitigation of threats.
- Developed and enforced cybersecurity policies across multiple projects, improving compliance alignment.
- Provided technical and leadership oversight for cross-functional teams on mid-size programs.
Defensive Cyberspace Operator / Cybersecurity Chief / Network Operator
United States Marine Corps
01.2009 - 12.2020
- Led teams of up to 20 in defensive cyber operations, incident response, and vulnerability management.
- Developed and implemented security policies and training programs, reducing vulnerabilities across enterprise systems.
- Supervised cyber teams responsible for securing classified information systems and mission-critical communications.
- Recognized for building a battalion-wide help desk supporting 1,000+ users and improving operational readiness.
Education
B.S. - Global Information Assurance Certification
SANS Technology Institute
01.2026
Skills
- Cybersecurity Leadership & Strategy
- Risk Management Framework (RMF)
- NIST 800-53, 800-171
- ISO Standards
- Vulnerability & Threat Management
- Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)
- Cloud & Infrastructure Security (AWS, VMware, Kubernetes)
- Incident Response & Forensics
- Cybersecurity Training & Workforce Development
- Executive Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Risk management
- Compliance strategy
- Cybersecurity program development
- NIST standards
- Incident response
- Automation integration
- Audit efficiency improvements
- Security policy enforcement
Certification
- Cybersecurity Leadership, GIAC
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner, CompTIA
- Security+, CompTIA
- Linux+, CompTIA
- A+, CompTIA
- Information Security Fundamentals, GIAC
- Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies, GIAC
- CISSP (coursework completed)
- CISM (coursework completed)
- CISO (coursework completed)
- Splunk Fundamentals
Timeline
Senior Classified Cyber Assurance Analyst
Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX)
09.2024 - 09.2025
Information Systems Security Officer
Boeing
12.2022 - 09.2024
Information Systems Security Officer
Raytheon
12.2020 - 12.2022
Defensive Cyberspace Operator / Cybersecurity Chief / Network Operator
United States Marine Corps
01.2009 - 12.2020
B.S. - Global Information Assurance Certification
SANS Technology Institute