IT Security Specialist - Penetration Tester

Attainx Inc.; Silver Spring (MD); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Benefits package

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

AttainX Inc. is seeking an experienced IT Security Specialist – Penetration Tester to join our cyber security team for a government client. The role is Hybrid in the Silver Spring, MD area, with onsite work as required and a focus on hands-on testing across cloud and on-prem environments.

You will leverage industry tools to uncover vulnerabilities, report findings, and help fortify critical systems. A minimum of 5 years in penetration testing, strong technical skills, and relevant certifications

Qualifications

• 5+ years of proven penetration testing and ethical hacking experience.
• Experience across AWS, Azure and On-Premises environments.
• 5+ years using IT security tools and enterprise architecture methodologies.
• Familiar with NIST guidance and risk management practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
• Analyze architectures and configurations for security compliance.
• Produce security reports for regulatory bodies and clients.
• Conduct red-team style assessments to test detection and response.

Skills

Penetration testing

AWS

Azure

On-Premises

IT security concepts

NIST guidance

Security tools

Threat modeling

Team collaboration

Education

CISSP

CISA

GCIH

GSNA

CEH

CGRC

SCNP

SCNA

Tools

Burp Suite

Metasploit

Wireshark

Tenable Security Center

ArcSight

IBM BigFix

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

IT Security Specialist - Penetration Tester

Full Time Professional Silver Spring, MD, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1908

Salary Range: $125,000.00 To $150,000.00 Annually

Job Title: IT Security Specialist – Penetration Tester

Location: Hybrid (Reside within a commutable distance of Silver Spring, MD to work onsite as required)

Security Clearance: Moderate Public Trust

AttainX, Inc. is in search of a highly energetic Penetration Testerto join our team on a cyber security program supporting our US federal government client.

Are you a seasoned penetration tester with a passion for uncovering vulnerabilities and securing complex systems? We’re looking for a highly skilled and experienced professional with a minimum of 5 years of proven expertise in penetration testing and ethical hacking to join our team. In this role, you’ll take a hands‑on approach to identify, exploit, and report security weaknesses across diverse environments, including AWS, Azure, and on‑premises infrastructure. Your work will directly contribute to fortifying critical systems and protecting sensitive data from evolving cyber threats.

If you thrive in dynamic, high‑stakes environments and excel at devising creative solutions to complex security challenges, we want to hear from you. Join us in our mission to build a safer digital future.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

Basic Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of proven penetration testing and ethical hacking experience.
• Hands‑on experience in penetration testing across AWS, Azure, and On‑Premise environments.
• At least 5 years of recent experience (within the last 6 years) in applying IT security concepts, methodologies, principles, procedures and using industry‑standard IT security tools (e.g. Burp Suite, Metasploit, Wireshark).
• At least 5 years of recent experience (within the last 6 years) with enterprise architecture methodologies, concepts, procedures, principles, and tools.
• At least 5 years of recent experience (within the last 6 years) in contingency planning and backup and recovery best practices and application of NIST guidance in this area.
• At least 5 years of recent experience (within the last 6 years) in using technical testing tools (Tenable Security Center, ArcSight, IBM Big Fix, etc.).
• At least 5 years of recent experience (within the last 6 years) in conducting penetration testing or the ability to bring in a penetration tester when required.
• At least 5 years of performing assessments of Federal Information Systems using the Risk Management Framework.
• Possess at least one of the following Certifications or be able to Obtain within six (6) months of hire:
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH).
• GIAC Systems and Network Auditor (GSNA).
• Electronic Commerce Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
• ISC2 Certified in Governance, Risk and Compliance (CGRC).
• Security Certified Network Professional (SCNP).
• Security Certified Network Architect (SCNA).
• Proficiency in handling multiple tasks concurrently.
• Proficiency in project and time management.
• Ability to adjust to changing priorities.
• Ability to work in a cohesive team‑oriented environment.
• Must be a US Citizen able to obtain and maintain a Moderate Public Trust.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of DOC, NOAA, and NWS IT security policies and implementation standards or those of similar sized organizations AND comprehensive understanding of NIST guidance toinclude NIST Special Publications and Federal Information Processing Standards.
• Self‑starter, highly motivated individual who adapts to a dynamic work environment.
• Strong attention to detail with an ability to operate effectively across multiple priorities.

Education / Experience :

Ideal for candidates with 5–7 years of hands‑on penetration testing experience who are looking to advance into intermediate‑level roles.

Skills:

Duties:

We are searching for Penetration Tester to support Security Assessment and Authorization initiatives for our Government client. Job duties include:

• Protocol analysis, vulnerability discovery and exploitation, post exploitation impact analysis, and physical security.
• Highly technical problem‑solver who understands software architectures, security, communication protocols, virtualization, and hardware, and work with other engineers to the resolution of problems in design, development, and operations.
• Perform manual and automated firmware analysis on target devices.
• Perform pen tests, fuzzing and custom exploit attacks against client systems.
• Review deployment architectures, topologies and conops for compliance regulatory security mandates.
• Produce security reports suitable for submission to regulatory bodies.
• Conduct hands‑on technical testing beyond automated tool validation, including full exploitation and leveraging of access within multiple environments.
• Conduct scenario‑based security testing, or red teaming to identify gaps in detection and response capabilities of client end systems.
• Conducting research and testing in support of client requirements.
• Designing, implementation, and integration of security solutions.
• Designing, development and support of the company’s line of technology products.
• Analyzes information security systems and applications.
• Recommends and develops security measures to protect information against unauthorized modification or loss.
• Familiar … (truncated)
• …

Non‑Essential Functions:

• General Duty Requirements.

Work Location :

Shall perform all functional and technical tasks remotely, hybrid work environment with occasional travel for client engagement, industry events, contract negotiations or at AttainX facility.

About Us:

AttainX Inc. is SBA Certified 8(a), Women Owned Small Business (WOSB), Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB), CMMI Level 3, ISO 9001:2015 certified QMS and Silver Level SaFe Partner. For more than 12 years, AttainX, Inc. has delivered emergent technologies, software products, and high‑quality services that meet the needs of our Federal Government customers.

The last 4 years have shown significant company growth as we have increased our contracts portfolio and hold the “Best in Class” contract vehicles, GSA MAS and OASIS Small Business and 8(a) Pools 1, 2 and 3. In addition, we are prime on several Agency Specific IDIQ’s and BPA’s with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Energy, Navy, Health and Human Service and the Defense Intelligence Agency.

AttainX is dedicated to quality and best practices for the services we provide. We understand our people are the key ingredient to ensuring our customers Mission and Goals are met with excellence.

We are proud to offer competitive compensation and benefits packages to include paid vacation, medical, dental, vision, matching 401K plan, tuition/training reimbursement, and Long & Short-Term Disability.

EEO Commitment:

AttainX is an equal employment opportunity employer, we are committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination based on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, VEVRAA and Section 503, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law. These protections also extend to applicants.

Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable workplace accommodation, please send an email to AttainX HR indicating the specifics of the assistance needed.

Physical Demands:

Sitting and working on a computer for long, continuous periods each day; effective communications by telephone, email, and face‑to‑face; standing, walking, and sitting; handling and feeling objects or controls; reaching; talking and hearing; lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds; and specific vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.

Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.