Cybersecurity Penetration Tester SE-4

Odyssey; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Odyssey is seeking an SE‑4 Cybersecurity Penetration Tester to support the 48th Cyberspace Test Squadron (48 CTS) at Peterson Space Force Base, CO. The role involves leading hands‑on penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, and compliance testing for Air Force and Space Force systems, with 25% CONUS/OCONUS travel to meet mission needs.

The candidate will develop test tools, guide test teams, and collaborate with DoD program offices across multiple operating environments, including Windows,

Qualifications

• Citizenship: Must be a US citizen.
• Clearance: Active Secret; Top Secret ability.
• Education: Master’s degree in cybersecurity or related technical discipline and at least 10 years of relevant experience.
• Certifications: Must obtain DoD 8570 IAT Level III (CASP, CISSP, ISSEP, etc.) within 6 months of hire and maintain certification.
• Experience with penetration testing tools and methods; exploitation of web applications; strong analytical, communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and on cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct independent penetration testing, data collection, test automation, and reporting.
• Develop test tools and strategies tailored for DoD cybersecurity assessments.
• Perform system security analysis to identify vulnerabilities across software and hardware systems.
• Execute hands‑on testing across Windows, Linux, UNIX, and software/databases (SQL Server, Oracle, Apache, etc.).
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to penetration test teams.
• Document and communicate test results for technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Interface with DoD Program Offices to scope, plan, execute, and report penetration test activities.

Job description

Position Summary

Odyssey is seeking an SE‑4 Cybersecurity Penetration Tester to support the 48th Cyberspace Test Squadron (48 CTS), TGEC, under the TMAS III contract. This position is located at Peterson Space Force Base, CO, and supports cybersecurity penetration testing, compliance testing, and vulnerability analysis for Air Force and Space Force systems. The Penetration Tester will work in a fast‑paced, multi‑disciplinary environment and conduct hands‑on testing to identify and characterize system vulnerabilities across a wide range of technologies. This is a full‑time position at Peterson SFB, CO, with 25% CONUS/OCONUS travel required to meet 48 CTS mission needs.

Responsibilities

Duties to include, but not limited to:

• Lead and conduct independent penetration testing, data collection, test automation, and reporting
• Develop test tools and strategies tailored for DoD cybersecurity assessments
• Perform system security analysis to identify vulnerabilities and exploitation techniques across software and hardware systems
• Execute hands‑on testing across multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux, UNIX) and software/databases (SQL Server, Oracle, Apache, etc.)
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to penetration test teams
• Document and communicate test results for both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Manage, plan, and provide direction for CVI, ACD, CVPA, and AA cyber test teams
• Interface with DoD Program Offices to scope, plan, execute, and report penetration test activities

Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen

Clearance: Active Secret required; must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance

Education: Master’s degree in cybersecurity, computer engineering, computer science, IT systems, or related technical discipline AND at least 10 years of relevant experience

• Additional experience may substitute for degree

Certifications: Must obtain DoD 8570 IAT Level III certification (CASP, CISSP, ISSEP, etc.) within 6 months of hire and maintain certification

• Experience with penetration testing tools and methods
• Experience exploiting web applications
• Strong analytical, communication, and technical documentation skills
• Ability to work independently and on cross‑functional teams

Preferred Qualifications

Clearance: Top Secret

Certifications: Advanced cybersecurity certifications (CISSP, CASP, OSCP, OSEP, OSWE, GPEN, GWAP, etc.)

• Experience leading penetration testing teams and events
• Knowledge of source code vulnerability analysis
• Knowledge of wired and wireless network protocols
• Experience with interpreted and compiled programming languages

Technical Skills

• Experience using modern penetration testing tools and methods
• Experience testing and exploiting web applications
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Knowledge of Windows and Linux OS environments, including Kali
• Ability to execute exploitation across networks, web applications, OS, and embedded systems
• Experience with CVI, CVPA, ACD, and AA test methodologies
• Knowledge of scripting/interpreted languages (Python, Ruby, JavaScript, Bash, PowerShell, PHP) — preferred
• Knowledge of compiled languages (C, C++, Assembly, Java) — preferred
• Knowledge of source code vulnerability analysis — preferred
• Understanding of network security, network protocol structures (wired and wireless), and system exploitation

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong organization and decision‑making abilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to work effectively in both small and large team environments
• Ability to engage collaboratively with DoD program offices and technical teams

Additional Information

Location: Peterson Space Force Base, CO

Work Environment: Onsite

Job Status: Full‑Time

Travel: 25% CONUS / OCONUS TDYs

Company Overview

Odyssey is a world‑class technical, engineering, and integration company serving the warfighting ecosystem with airborne integration, ISR, C2, and warfighter readiness capabilities. Odyssey meets the military’s operational needs by integrating layered defense systems from equipment, technology, and services to data, information, and business operations. We streamline defense acquisition and sustainment, engineering the technical battlefield with domain‑specific proficiency to ensure lethality. Odyssey is dedicated to excellent contract execution, peak organizational performance, and fostering a workplace built on employee care.

Odyssey is proud to live out our core values of commitment, ambition, and respect in our work and communities through OdysseyCares, a philanthropic group focused on giving back through direct donations, an employer match program, and volunteering events.

Please note: Final compensation for this position will be determined by various factors such as the Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications.