Penetration Tester – Active Secret

Peraton

. Support the Red Cell Team by performing and leading penetration tests of customer systems .

Posted 10/16/2026full-timeArlington • Virginia • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $86,000 - $138,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Expertise in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and remediation aligned with NIST 800-53 security controls. Proficient in leading teams, utilizing advanced cybersecurity tools, and maintaining security infrastructure.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Penetration Testing ExperienceKali Linux ProficiencyNIST 800-53 ComplianceCybersecurity CertificationsVulnerability Evaluation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Penetration TestingVulnerability AssessmentRoot Cause AnalysisScripting/ProgrammingNetwork ProtocolsApplication VulnerabilitiesWeb VulnerabilitiesActive DirectoryMultifactor AuthenticationCloud Platforms

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationTeam Guidance

Tools & Technologies

Kali LinuxNmapBurp SuiteMetasploitSecurity Infrastructure Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

CASP+CISSPCCSPISEEPOSCPCPTSPNPTGXPNZero Point Security Red Team Ops II

Industry Keywords

NIST SP 800-115PTESISSAFOWASP WTGNIST RMFA&A ProcessSecurity PrinciplesData Processing

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudCyber SecurityLinuxTypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the Red Cell Team by performing and leading penetration tests 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

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree and 9 years of experience, or a Master’s degree and 7 years of experience; in lieu of a degree, 4 additional years of experience may be considered
Minimum of 2 years of penetration testing experience
Possess one of the listed cybersecurity certifications, or be able to obtain one before the start date
Demonstrated experience with Kali Linux
Demonstrated experience with Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, and similar penetration testing tools
Experience evaluating vulnerabilities, performing root cause analysis, and reporting findings using NIST SP 800-115, PTES, ISSAF, OWASP WTG, or similar methodologies
Ability to lead penetration tests and guide Senior/Junior Penetration Testers
U.S. citizenship required
Active Secret security clearance required; ability to obtain a final Top Secret clearance
Preferred: active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance
Preferred certifications include CASP+, CISSP, CCSP, ISSEP, OSCP, CPTS, PNPT, GXPN, or Zero Point Security Red Team Ops II
Preferred advanced understanding of NIST RMF and the A&A process
Preferred knowledge of security principles, networking, network protocols, operating systems, data processing, scripting/programming, application and web vulnerabilities, Active Directory, PKI, multifactor authentication, and cloud platforms

Benefits

Comp & perks

Employees may be eligible for overtime
Shift differential may be available
Discretionary bonus may be available