Penetration Tester / Active Secret

Peraton is seeking an experienced Cyber Penetration Tester to support its Federal Strategic Cyber programs from Northern Virginia. The role is hybrid, with on‑site presence required as needed, and centers on leading penetration tests to assess customer systems, uncover vulnerabilities, and drive remediation aligned with NIST 800-53 controls. This position integrates hands-on testing with reporting to system owners and engineers, while also maintaining Red Cell infrastructure and developing tools to automate discovery or exploitation.

Responsibilities

• Support the Red Cell Team by performing and leading penetration tests to assess the security of customer systems.
• Identify vulnerabilities and develop recommended remediations to satisfy mandated NIST 800-53 security controls.
• Report and demonstrate findings to system owners and engineers.
• Maintain Red Cell infrastructure.
• Develop or modify tools to automate discovery or exploitation.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science and 5 years experience, or a Master’s of Science and 3 years of experience. In lieu of a degree, 4 years of additional experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years with penetration testing experience.
• Possess one of the following certifications, OR be able to obtain before start date: CCNA Cyber Ops, CCNA-Security, CEH, CFR, Cloud+, CySA+, GCIA, GCIH, GICSP, SCYBER, Security+ CE, SSCP.
• Demonstrated experience with Kali Linux.
• Demonstrated penetration testing tools experience with Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, etc.
• Demonstrated ability in evaluating vulnerabilities, performing root cause analysis, and reporting findings utilizing assessment methodologies such as NIST SP 800-115, Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES), Information Systems Security Assessment Framework (ISSAF), OWASP Web Security Testing Guide (WTG).
• Demonstrated ability to lead a penetration test and guide Senior/Junior Penetration Testers.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• An active Secret security clearance.
• Must have the ability to obtain a final Top Secret security clearance.

Technologies

• Kali Linux
• Nmap
• Burp Suite
• Metasploit
• Bash
• Python
• PowerShell
• JavaScript
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Microsoft Azure
• Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
• OWASP Web Security Testing Guide (WTG)

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• Health Savings Account
• Short/Long term disability
• EAP
• Parental leave
• 401(k)
• Paid time off and holidays

About Peraton

Peraton is a next generation national security company delivering mission outcomes worldwide and advancing enterprise IT capabilities to protect the nation and its allies. As a leading mission capability integrator and transformative technology partner, Peraton operates at the intersection of conventional and evolving threats across land, sea, space, air, and cyber domains.

Program Overview

The Federal Strategic Cyber programs encompass technical, engineering, data analytics, cyber security, management, operational, logistical, and administrative support for the Bureau of Diplomatic Security across Cyber Monitoring and Operations, Cyber Threat and Investigations, and Technology Innovation and Engineering State functions.

About the Role

The role focuses on joining Peraton's Federal Strategic Cyber initiatives as an experienced Cyber Penetration Tester. Location is Northern Virginia with a hybrid arrangement, on-site presence as required.

Details

• Target Salary Range: $86,000 - $138,000 per year. Salary is determined by factors including scope, experience, education, knowledge, skills, competencies, geographic location, and contract considerations. Overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses may apply.
• Benefits Statement: Peraton offers medical, dental, vision, life, Health Savings Account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off for vacation, and company paid holidays. Full benefits details: https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits.
• Application statements: The posting period is estimated at 30 days from the posting date, subject to change. Applicants may be asked to participate in an on-camera interview and a process to verify identity.
• EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.