Associate Penetration Tester

Kratos Space Training & Cyber; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is seeking an Associate Penetration Tester for its Commercial Cybersecurity Services division in a remote setting. This entry-level role supports offensive security assessments across cloud platforms, networks, and emerging technologies.

You will help identify vulnerabilities, draft remediation guidance, and contribute to automation and tool development while learning from a collaborative, growth-focused team.

Qualifications

• One or more of the following R311 Certifications: CCNP Security, CASP+ CE, CISSP, CSSLP, CISSP-ISSEP, GPEN, GCED, CEH, CCNA Cyber Ops, CHFI, GCFA, CompTIA PenTest+, OSCP, OSWE, OSEP, OSWA, eCPPT, eWPT, eWPTX, HTB CPTS, Burp Suite Certified Practitioner.

Responsibilities

• Support offensive security assessments across a wide range of customer environments, including cloud platforms, networks, and emerging technologies.
• Identify vulnerabilities, develop clear and actionable remediation guidance, and contribute to continuous improvement through research, automation, and tool development.

Skills

R311 certifications

Job description

Readiness Delivered. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms, and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies, and commercial enterprises. We proactively build trusted relationships with our peers, partners and customers, and take ownership for our actionsialways striving to do the right thing. As an Associate Penetration Tester for Kratos Commercial Cybersecurity Services division, working in a remote setting, you will play a key role in supporting offensive security assessments for a wide range of customer environments, including cloud platforms, networks, and emerging technologies. This entry-level position is ideal for individuals eager to apply ethical hacking techniques, emulate adversaries, and contribute to high?impact cybersecurity engagements. Working closely with a collaborative and learning?focused team, the Associate Penetration Tester will help identify vulnerabilities, develop clear and actionable remediation guidance, and support continuous improvement through research, automation, and tool development. This role provides an excellent opportunity to grow within offensive security while making meaningful contributions to customer security posture.

Keyword: Penetration tester, offensive security, ethical hacker, red team, cybersecurity consultant, adversary emulation

Required Experience

• One or more of the following R311 Certifications: CCNP Security, CASP+ CE, CISSP, CSSLP, CISSP-ISSEP, GPEN, GCED, CEH, CCNA Cyber Ops, CHFI, GCFA, CompTIA PenTest+, OSCP, OSWE, OSEP, OSWA, eCPPT, eWPT, eWPTX, HTB CPTS, Burp Suite Certified Practitioner.

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Experience and knowledge of general network testing skills and web application testing, including Open Source Intelligence Gathering, Cloud Configuration Testing, Network Testing & Exploitation, Web Application Exploitation, and Web API Testing.
• Functional knowledge or experience of one or more types of specialized testing, to include: Mobile Applications; Desktop Applications (Mac, Linux, or Windows); Red Team Engagements; Physical Penetration Testing.
• Understanding or experience with the FedRAMP framework and requirements for penetration testing.
• Knowledge of commonly used penetration testing tools and some ability to write scripts or develop rudimentary new tools as needed.
• Qualified candidates should be prepared to use and test new technologies with little notice through effective research and study strategies.
• Comfortable mentoring others on tools, concepts, and methods for conducting penetration testing.
• Prior experience in cybersecurity consulting and/or assessing government systems.
• Close proximity to the Washington D.C. area and willingness to travel on-site.
• Hold an active Secret or Top Secret clearance or willingness to apply for a clearance.

#LI-Remote

The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Competitive salary based on experience and education

As one of the first authorized Third-Party Assessment Organizations (3PAO) for FedRAMP, GovRAMP, and CMMC, Kratos compliance services have helped companies meet the security requirements needed to win and grow business. We bring both the capability and confidence that our customers value and depend on. And we always deliver.

This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.