Cyber Vulnerability Analyst - Penetration Tester

Join Parsons in Annapolis Junction, MD (onsite) where you can help strengthen critical U.S. systems by simulating adversary behavior and turning complex threat data into clear, actionable defensive guidance. This role pairs hands-on penetration testing and red team analysis with the support of a team working across technical and non-technical stakeholders.

You will have the opportunity to contribute to proactive identification, prevention, and eradication of cyber threats, supported by competitive compensation and a benefits package designed to support your health, financial wellness, and time away.

Responsibilities

• Simulate adversary tactics and collaborate with threat analysts to support proactive cyber threat identification aimed at preventing and eradicating threats to critical U.S. systems.
• Analyze disparate data sets to discover and inform cyber operations.
• Apply a deep understanding of adversary TTPs to identify system vulnerabilities and communicate defensive recommendations to other analysts.
• Analyze and correlate threat data from multiple sources.
• Work with development teams to articulate requirements and enhancements for securing capabilities and tools.
• Perform log file analysis and produce threat intelligence reports indicating findings, mitigations, and confidence.
• Use advanced analytics, network diagrams, and related artifacts to better understand systems, networks, environments, and adversaries.
• Partner with IC mission cybersecurity analysts to understand the adversary and develop mission-specific TTPs.
• Document findings, create detailed reports, and present results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Minimum 7+ years of experience in intelligence, information security, network forensics, insider threat, or security operations.
• Ability to analyze and correlate threat data from multiple sources.
• Ability to work with development teams and articulate requirements or enhancements to secure capabilities and tools.
• Ability to perform log file analysis, including creating threat intelligence reports with findings, mitigations, and confidence.
• Experience using advanced analytics and network diagrams to understand systems, networks, environments, and adversaries.
• Experience working with IC mission cybersecurity analysts on adversary understanding and mission-specific TTP development.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to understand data in various formats to extract and enrich information to enhance its value.
• Experience with XKS creating general queries, fingerprinting, and identifying atypical events.
• Understanding of TCP/IP protocols and packet flows from IP traffic, including Packet Capture (PCAP) analysis in Wireshark.
• Familiarity writing signatures in Zeek and/or Snort.
• Document findings, create detailed reports, and present results to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., GCTI, OSCP, GIAC, CEH, CRT) are not required but are a plus.

Technologies

• XKS
• Wireshark
• Zeek
• Snort
• TCP/IP
• Packet Capture (PCAP)

Compensation

USD 134,100 - 241,400 per year.

Security Clearance Requirement

An active Top Secret SCI with Polygraph security clearance is required for this position.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision
• Paid time off
• 401(k)
• Life insurance
• Flexible work schedules
• Holidays

Financial Wellness & Work-Life Harmony

Parsons offers competitive pay and retirement plans to help build wealth for the future, with flexibility to diversify investments. The company also supports time away through paid time off and paid flexible holidays.

Career Development, Veteran Support, and Wellness

Parsons is committed to personal and professional growth through comprehensive training, educational and mentorship programs. Veteran and active-duty members receive industry-leading benefits, including paid active-duty military leave and paid time off when transitioning back to civilian life. Wellness offerings include a wellness program with weekly Meditation Mondays and Wellness Wednesdays, plus an Employee Assistance Program.

Health Coverage

Access comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans through large national carriers, with the option of regional PPO, HDHP, or HMO networks.