Penetration Tester

Xcelerate Solutions

. Conduct Government-selected penetration-testing assessments and threat-hunting exercises in accordance with CSD-SOP-054 and NIST SP 800-115 .

Posted 10/8/2026full-timeAlexandria • Virginia • United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in conducting penetration-testing assessments and threat-hunting exercises, utilizing established methodologies and tools. Proficient in developing test plans, executing assessments, and collaborating with cyber teams to enhance security measures.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Penetration-Testing AssessmentsThreat-Hunting ExercisesNIST SP 800-115Active Secret ClearanceRed and Blue Team Activities

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Test Plans DevelopmentMethodologies ExecutionRisk IdentificationCyber-Tool AdministrationOffensive Tools UtilizationPre-Audit Penetration TestingReport PreparationThreat Research

Tools & Technologies

Penetration-Testing LaptopsSIEM Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Active Secret Clearance

Industry Keywords

CSD-SOP-054CybersecurityIncident ResponseSOCCommercial ToolsOpen-Source Tools

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct Government-selected penetration-testing assessments and threat-hunting exercises in accordance with CSD-SOP-054 and NIST SP 800-115
Develop test plans and methodologies, execute assessments, and prepare post-assessment out-briefs and final reports
Conduct cooperative testing with cyber-tool administrators, SOC and incident-response analysts, and SIEM content developers to validate detection and alerting
Perform pre-audit penetration testing
Maintain Government-furnished penetration-testing laptops and tools
Research emerging and existing threats
Develop methodologies to identify areas of risk likely to be targeted by an intruder
Apply established penetration-testing methodologies and commercial or open-source offensive tools across networks, web applications, applications, and code
Support Red and Blue Team activities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Active Secret clearance
Bachelor’s degree
Three years of experience
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Secret clearance is required when assigned duties require classified information or SIPRNet access
Knowledge of CSD-SOP-054 and NIST SP 800-115
Experience with penetration-testing assessments and threat-hunting exercises
Experience developing test plans and methodologies, executing assessments, and preparing reports
Experience with cyber-tool administrators, SOC and incident-response analysts, and SIEM content developers
Experience with penetration-testing laptops and tools
Experience researching threats and developing risk-identification methodologies
Experience with commercial or open-source offensive tools across networks, web applications, applications, and code
Ability to support Red and Blue Team activities

Benefits

Comp & perks

Growth and development opportunities
Reasonable accommodations for applicants or employees with disabilities
Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action protections