Penetration Tester

Leidos; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 87,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

11 paid Holidays

401K with company match

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Penetration Tester for the Huntsville, AL office. You will perform live penetration tests for clients, conduct in-depth preparatory analysis, and propose specific mitigations for identified vulnerabilities.

The role involves testing across lifecycle stages and developing red-team tools, ensuring system survivability and timely reporting. Ideal candidates have 4–8 years in penetration testing (or a related field) and strong skills in Linux/Windows, scripting, web app security,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical field; security-focused
• 4–8 years in penetration testing or related security field, or master’s with +2 years experience
• Proficient with Linux and Windows OS environments
• Experience scripting with Bash, Python, or similar
• Hands-on testing, vulnerability assessment, security analysis of enterprise systems
• Proven web app pentesting experience including OWASP Top 10
• Experience with cloud security assessments (AWS, Azure, GCP) and cloud-native testing
• Familiarity with API security testing and authentication/authorization mechanisms
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP networks and security concepts
• On-site requirement in Huntsville, AL; US citizen and TS/SCI eligibility

Responsibilities

• Conduct live penetration tests for customers
• Perform deep-dive preparatory analysis for systems under test
• Recommend mitigations for detected vulnerabilities
• Test across lifecycle stages and contribute to red team tool development
• Ensure survivability and resiliency of customer systems
• Deliver timely development updates and after-action reports

Skills

Linux

Windows

Scripting

Penetration testing

Web app pentesting

Cloud security

API security

TCP/IP networks

Red team tooling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cyber Security/CS/CE/EE or related technical degree

Master's degree in related field (optional with experience)

Tools

Nmap

Nikto

Burp Suite

OWASP ZAP

Metasploit

Cobalt Strike

Empire

Job description

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Penetration Tester in our INTEL Sector's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management.

At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more.

Join us and make a difference in National Security!

Primary Responsibilities

This is a full-time position with the Leidos office in Huntsville, AL. The position consists of performing live penetration tests for customers and performing deep-dive preparatory analysis for any system under test. The position also includes recommending specific mitigation strategies to the customer for discovered vulnerabilities, and testing at multiple stages of the system development/acquisition lifecycle. This also includes red team tool development for use in stand‑alone and network-connected systems. The position is responsible for ensuring survivability and resiliency of customer systems under test, and timely delivery of development updates and after-action reports after each assessment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related Technical Degree
• 4-8 years of experience in penetration testing/red teams or related security field, or a master’s degree in a related field with +2 year of experience. Experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Proficient with Linux (preferably Kali, Parrot, or similar distros) and Windows Operating systems
• Experience with using scripting languages such as bash, python, etc
• Hands‑on experience performing penetration tests, vulnerability assessments, and security analysis on enterprise systems
• Proven experience with web application penetration testing, including OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities
• Experience conducting cloud security assessments (AWS, Azure, GCP) and cloud‑native penetration testing
• Familiarity with API security testing (REST, SOAP, GraphQL) and authentication/authorization mechanisms
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP network architecture, protocols, and network security concepts
• Candidate must be located in Huntsville, AL area or be willing to relocate to the Huntsville, AL area as this is an ON‑SITE Position.
• Candidate must be a US CITIZEN and be able to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience with reconnaissance and scanning tools (Nmap, Nikto, Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, etc.)
• Extensive experience with exploitation frameworks and tools (Metasploit, Cobalt Strike, Empire, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to develop custom exploits and automation scripts using Python, Bash, PowerShell, or similar languages
• Experience with cloud security tools and methodologies (ScoutSuite, Prowler, Pacu, etc.)
• Prior Department of War (DoW) experience or work with government/defense sector clients
• Completion of or active pursuit of industry certifications such as OSCP, GPEN, GWAPT, GCIH, GSEC, CPTS, CEH, or equivalent technical certifications
• RF security experience or amateur (HAM) radio certification is a plus

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Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

Compliance & Integrity

Leidos will never ask you to provide payment‑related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment‑related information or any other personal information, please report the email to [e-mail].

Commitment and Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.