Penetration Tester

Battelle is seeking a full-time Penetration Tester to support research, development, test, and evaluation activities for the Department of Homeland Security. This hybrid role in Arlington, Virginia focuses on conducting vulnerability and cybersecurity assessments, executing penetration testing, and delivering technical reporting for lab and field environments.

Location and Role Type

• Location: Arlington, VA 22202 (hybrid)
• Work model: Enhanced flexibility with a hybrid arrangement of 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days
• Employment: Full-time

Salary and Compensation

• Base salary range: USD 130,000 - 190,000 per year
• Additional compensation: Includes a comprehensive benefits package

Responsibilities

• Conduct cybersecurity assessments, vulnerability assessments, and security control validation in support of federal acquisition-based test and evaluation activities
• Perform penetration testing and use technical tools for packet capture, configuration validation, data collection, and data analysis
• Develop and present clear, high-quality technical reports for government, engineering, and stakeholder audiences
• Support test planning, test execution, data reduction, and data analysis in laboratory and field environments
• Engage regularly with government clients, vendors, and stakeholders to support program objectives
• Support engineering design reviews and participate in Integrated Product Team (IPT) activities
• Contribute to technology maturation throughout the developmental lifecycle
• Participate in technical conferences, support proposal development, and contribute to white papers and other research products that identify opportunities for future technology development or operational improvement
• Ensure quality-focused delivery in accordance with ISO 9001 Quality Management System standards

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BS or BA) or higher in cybersecurity, computer science, engineering, information technology, data science, physical sciences, mathematics, or a related technical discipline
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret and TSA Security Suitability; sole U.S. citizenship required
• Minimum 5 years of technical work experience with a BS/BA, or minimum 2 years with an MS or higher
• Experience supporting cybersecurity, risk assessment, test and evaluation, vulnerability assessment, security control validation, systems engineering, operational technology assessment, or related technical evaluation activities
• Experience using technical tools to support cybersecurity assessments and test execution, including data collection, data analysis, vulnerability review, configuration validation, packet capture, and technical reporting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document technical observations, analyze test results, and produce reports for diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in both laboratory and field settings
• Travel up to 25% required

Preferred Qualifications

• Current TSA Security Suitability
• Current Secret Security Clearance or higher
• Experience in test and evaluation of Transportation Security Equipment (TSE), security screening technologies, non-intrusive inspection systems, detection systems, or other DHS mission-support technologies
• Defense Acquisition University (DAU) T&E Level I, II, and/or III certification or equivalent
• Experience assessing cybersecurity risks in operational technology, industrial control systems, embedded systems, scientific systems, laboratory systems, command and control systems, or other specialized non-traditional IT environments
• Experience applying statistics or data analysis to analyze and report test results
• Experience designing, implementing, or supporting data collection hardware, instrumentation, sensors, logging methods, or other data collection techniques

Benefits

• Work-life balance: Compressed schedule with every other Friday off
• Paid time off
• Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus optional supplemental benefits
• “Better together” support: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support
• Retirement: Industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan, with for most employees 5 percent whether you contribute or not, plus an additional match on contributions
• Education: Tuition assistance

Education

Bachelor’s degree (BS or BA) or higher is required for the role.