Cyber Security Project Engineer

Ardent Principles, Inc.; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Paid Time Off

Training Budget

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Matching

Holidays

Spot Bonuses

Job summary

Ardent Principles, Inc. is seeking a Cyber Security Project Engineer to strengthen enterprise and national-scale systems.

The role requires active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph and is onsite in Herndon, VA, with a compensation range of $130,000 to $260,000 per year. You will perform penetration testing, apply attacker techniques, and design resilient architectures across Linux, Windows, and virtual environments while translating test results into actionable risk mitigation strategies.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph is required.
• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field preferred.
• One or more of CEH, OSCP, GPEN certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead cyber security projects ensuring enterprise and national-scale resilience.
• Perform cyber penetration testing and attack-method analysis.
• Apply computer attack methods and exploitation techniques.
• Design, test, and implement secure IT architectures across Linux/Windows/virtual platforms.
• Conduct network security analysis and assess architectures.
• Review configurations and designs for enterprise systems and hypervisors.
• Develop risk management methodologies and risk/threat mitigation plans.

Skills

Cyber security

Penetration testing

Linux

Windows

Adversarial testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering or related field

Tools

Google Cloud

Oracle Cloud

Job description

Cyber Security Project Engineer

Department: Data Analysis and Technology Services

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Herndon, VA

Compensation: $130,000 - $260,000 / year

Description

REQUIRED: Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph

LOCATION: Full-time, onsite, Herndon, VA

Step into a role where your cyber security expertise directly strengthens enterprise‑level systems and national‑scale infrastructure. As a Cyber Security Project Engineer, you’ll apply computer attack methods and system exploitation techniques, and engineer resilient architectures across Linux, Windows, and virtualized environments. If you thrive in complex networks, excel at uncovering vulnerabilities, and know how to turn penetration test results into actionable risk‑mitigation strategies, this is your next challenge.

Who We Are:

We offer advanced services in data science, data engineering, software engineering, AI solutions, cybersecurity, staff augmentation, and IT program management.

Passionate Integrity, Driven by Excellence

At Ardent Principles, passionate integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence define who we are. We offer a competitive salary range and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your long‑term success. Our mission is to connect fulfilled employees with satisfied clients, ensuring your well‑being and professional satisfaction directly contribute to exceptional outcomes for those we serve.

Join us as we continue building the future of secure, high‑impact solutions.

Key Responsibilities

In this challenging yet rewarding role as a Cyber Security Project Engineer, you are an integral part of what brings our Company's mission to life. You are primarily responsible for and must have demonstrated experience in and/or using:

• Cyber security or related IT field
• Cyber penetration testing
• Leveraging adversarial tactics to conduct hands‑on security testing
• Applying computer attack methods and system exploitation techniques
• Working knowledge of cyber security principles for Linux, Windows, and virtual platforms
• Designing, testing, or implementing IT security architecture
• Performing network security analysis
• Analyzing network architectures
• Using network management tools
• Developing risk management methodologies
• Analyzing test results to develop risk and threat mitigation plans
• Testing or reviewing system configuration, development, and design specifically around enterprise systems and hypervisors
• Designing, testing, or implementing complex Windows installations

Highly Desired Qualifications

Other skills and demonstrated experiences that are highly desired but not mandatory to perform the work, include working with and/or knowledge of:

• Participating in public and private information security groups and organizations
• Communicating vulnerability results and risk posture to senior executives
• Performing complex technical tasks with minimal direction
• Google Cloud Computing Services
• Oracle Cloud Computing Services
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or other related scientific or technical discipline
• One or more of the relevant certifications: Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) Global Information Assurance Certification Penetration Tester (GPEN).

What We Offer You

• Highly Competitive Salary: Recognizing and rewarding your expertise and contributions.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Providing ample time for rest, relaxation, and personal pursuits.
• Dedicated Training Budget: Supporting continuous learning and professional development.
• 100% Employer-Covered Family Vision, Dental, and Health Insurance: Ensuring comprehensive health coverage for you and your family.
• 100% Employer-Covered Life and Disability Insurance: Offering financial security and peace of mind.
• 401(k) Plan with a 6% Employer Match: Helping you plan and save for a secure retirement, with 100% vesting from day one.
• 11 Paid Government Holidays: Observing national holidays to ensure time off with family and friends.
• Spot Bonuses for Exceptional Performance: Rewarding outstanding contributions and achievements.

SCHEDULE

This is a full-time position with consultants expected to be available and working onsite in Herndon, VA during core hours.