Test Engineer

Nightwing; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401k plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Additional insurances

Job summary

Nightwing is seeking an entry-level Cyber Test Engineer for a high-visibility CNO development team. Recent graduates can launch their cybersecurity careers and influence mission objectives.

You will work with experienced engineers to verify product quality, engage with stakeholders, and learn the tools and frameworks used by the customer. The role offers mentorship, growth, and exposure to cutting-edge cyber technologies with clear advancement paths.

Qualifications

• TS/SCI with CI Poly Clearance (or ability to obtain)
• Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/Cybersecurity or related field
• 0-1 years test engineering or related experience
• Foundational knowledge of offensive cyber operations concepts
• At least one scripting language (Python or Bash)
• Basic familiarity with Linux/Unix command line
• Foundational understanding of TCP/IP networking
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Willingness to learn and work in a team

Responsibilities

• Verify the consistency and quality of products throughout the development process
• Engage with internal and customer stakeholders
• Develop understanding of tools, systems, and customer frameworks
• Build test environments and execute test plans
• Contribute to test frameworks and automation efforts
• Create technical documentation
• Benefit from mentorship-focused environment with growth potential

Skills

TS/SCI with CI Poly

Scripting (Python)

Scripting (Bash)

Linux/Unix basics

TCP/IP basics

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related technical discipline

Tools

Git

Docker

Virtualization

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

CODEX Overview

CODEX (Cyber Offense and Defense Experts) division brings together an elite team of mission-focused industry experts who are well known for their ability to overcome the most advanced technical challenges. The team comprises engineers of multiple disciplines including vulnerability research, reverse engineering, CNO/CNE development, hardware emulation, system engineering, and data analytics. Our engineers do more than just work with cutting-edge technology—they ensure the missions succeed for the customers! CODEX offices span the nation and offer its engineers the ability to advance their careers through mentorship, training, and an expansive technical portfolio that covers every side of cyber. If you want to be part of a collaborative team that supports challenging, meaningful work that is vital to our national security,

Cyber Test Engineer

CODEX is seeking an entry-level cyber test engineer for a high-visibility CNO development team. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent college graduate to launch their career in cybersecurity and make a meaningful impact on critical mission objectives.

In this role, you will work alongside experienced engineers to verify the consistency and quality of our products throughout the development process. You will learn to engage with internal and customer stakeholders, gaining exposure to real-world system requirements and mission needs. Under the guidance of senior team members, you will develop your understanding of the tools, systems, and frameworks used by the customer, and contribute to building test environments and executing test plans.

You will have the opportunity to apply and expand your technical skills by contributing to custom test frameworks, assisting with test automation efforts, and creating technical documentation. This position offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge cyber technologies while working in a collaborative, mentorship-focused environment.

Competitive candidates are eager to learn, have strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a passion for supporting critical national security missions. A technical background with exposure to networking concepts, scripting languages, and familiarity with Agile methodologies is preferred. This role provides significant growth potential, with clear pathways for professional development and advancement within the organization.

Required Qualifications

• TS/SCI with CI Poly Clearance is required (or ability to obtain upon hire)
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related technical discipline
• 0-1 years of test engineering or related experience (internships, co-ops, academic projects, or relevant coursework acceptable)
• Foundational knowledge or academic exposure to offensive cyber operations concepts
• Demonstrated experience with at least one scripting language (Python, Bash, or similar) through coursework, personal projects, or internships
• Basic familiarity with Linux/Unix command line and system operations
• Foundational understanding of TCP/IP networking concepts and core technologies (such as DNS, DHCP, HTTP, Routing, VPN)
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with willingness to learn
• Ability to work effectively in team environments and accept mentorship
• Strong problem-solving aptitude and analytical thinking skills

Desired Qualifications

• Exposure to software testing methodologies and quality assurance concepts
• Academic or hands-on experience with test case development or test documentation
• Familiarity with Agile development concepts or methodologies
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git)
• Basic understanding of virtualization technologies such as Docker or VMs
• Participation in cybersecurity competitions (e.g., CTF, Cyber Patriot)
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Security+, Linux+, Network+)
• Demonstrated self-learning ability and passion for cybersecurity

Salary & Benefits

The salary associated with this position ($55,000-$106,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.

Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.