Penetration Tester, Senior (TS/SCI Clearance)

Praescient Analytics

$110K — $160K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Active TS/SCI security clearance required.
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in offensive security, ethical hacking, or penetration testing.
  • Deep knowledge of web application security frameworks, particularly OWASP Top 10.
  • Familiarity with cloud infrastructure security and network protocols.
  • Proficient in scripting languages such as Python, PowerShell, or Bash for tool customization.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct a variety of penetration tests including network, web application, and social engineering assessments.
  • Assess system risk based on findings and create detailed technical reports.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to implement remediation for identified vulnerabilities.
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of penetration testing methodologies and tools.
  • Integrate threat intelligence insights into the overall security strategy.
  • Research emerging threats and vulnerabilities to enhance testing techniques.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive, company-paid healthcare (premiums and deductibles covered).
  • 401(k) plan with company matching.
  • 3 weeks of paid time off plus Federal Holidays.
  • Annual training allowance of $5K for professional development.
  • Travel and performance incentives.
Full Job Description
Location: Arlington, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Clearance Requirement: TS/SCI Clearance Required

Position Overview:

Praescient Analytics is seeking a highly motivated Penetration Tester to join our cybersecurity team in Arlington, VA, supporting the Department of War (DoW) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office's (CDAO) War Data Platform (WDP)-formerly known as Advana.

The WDP is an enterprise-wide, multi-domain data, analytics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform providing civilian and military leaders with unprecedented access to secure enterprise data. As a Penetration Tester on this program, you will play a critical role in sustaining and evolving the WDP as the Department's secure, standardized enterprise data integration layer. You will conduct comprehensive penetration tests across applications, networks, and hybrid-cloud systems hosting hundreds of curated analytics tools, actively identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities to validate and strengthen the platform's security posture against advanced threats.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Comprehensive Security Testing: Perform various types of penetration tests, including network, web application, and social engineering assessments. Use a combination of advanced manual techniques and automated tools to discover and safely exploit vulnerabilities.
  • Risk Assessment & Reporting: Evaluate overall system risk based on testing findings; develop detailed, actionable technical reports mapping out exploitation paths and their potential mission impact.
  • Remediation & Collaboration: Partner with network engineering, software development, and AI engineering teams to build, track, and execute robust remediation plans; support incident response activities with deep technical insights when necessary.
  • Methodology Evolution: Participate in the continuous development, refinement, and maintenance of internal penetration testing methodologies, custom testing tools, and baseline vulnerability assessment standards.
  • Threat Intelligence Integration: Support the organization's broader threat intelligence ecosystem by actively sharing insights, novel attack chains, and defensive gaps discovered during offensive assessments.
  • Continuous Research: Stay current with emerging threat actors, zero-day vulnerabilities, and defensive bypass techniques to continuously upgrade testing capabilities.

Qualifications & Requirements:

  • Clearance: Active TS/SCI security clearance is strictly required.
  • Experience: Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in offensive security, ethical hacking, vulnerability research, or penetration testing.
  • Technical Depth: Deep familiarity with web application security frameworks (OWASP Top 10), cloud infrastructure security, network routing/protocols, and common scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell, Bash) for tool customization.

Required Certifications (Must possess at least ONE of the following):

  • CompTIA Cloud+
  • GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender (GCED)
  • GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
  • GIAC Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP)
  • GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
  • CompTIA PenTest+
  • CompTIA Security+

Preferred Certifications:

  • Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) or CyberSec First Responder (CFR)
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  • Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO)
  • Certified Penetration Testing Engineer (CPTE)
  • CompTIA CyberSecurity Analyst (CySA+)
  • Federal IT Security Professional-Auditor (FITSP-A)
  • GIAC Cloud Security Automation (GCSA)
  • GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
  • GIAC Systems and Network Auditor (GSNA)

The projected compensation range for this position is $110,000.00 to $160,000.00 (annualized USD).

What You Can Expect From Us:
  • Real opportunity for career growth in an environment where your achievements will be celebrated
  • Constant collaboration with numerous teams to ensure client success
  • A team that respects and embraces your ideas and expertise
  • Coworkers that are motivated by pursuing excellence, rather than the prospect of personal gain
  • A workplace dedicated to supporting and bettering public safety and government agencies

Benefits:
  • Very competitive salary based on qualifications and experience
  • Comprehensive, Company paid healthcare for you (We pay your premiums and deductibles)
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Travel & performance incentives
  • 3 weeks paid time off (plus Federal Holidays)
  • $5K annual training allowance


Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
US Citizenship Required
Interested Candidates: Please forward your resume to and please visit our website to apply online at www.praescientanalytics.applicantstack.com/x/openings.

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