Test Engineer

Nightwing; Sterling, Northern (VA, KY); 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

Other insurances

Job summary

Nightwing is seeking an entry-level Cyber Test Engineer to join the CODEX division's high-visibility CNO development team in our Virginia facility. You will learn to verify the quality of products throughout development and work with engineers to understand mission requirements.

Under mentorship, you will build test frameworks, assist with test automation, and document technical details while growing your cyber testing skills and contributing to critical national security missions.

Qualifications

• TS/SCI with CI Poly clearance required or ability to obtain on hire.
• Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/Cybersecurity or related field.
• 0–1 year of test engineering or related experience (internships acceptable).
• Foundational knowledge of offensive cyber concepts.
• Experience with at least one scripting language (Python/Bash).
• Basic Linux/Unix command line experience.

Responsibilities

• Verify consistency and quality of products during development.
• Engage with internal and customer stakeholders to learn requirements.
• Develop understanding of tools, systems, and customer frameworks.
• Contribute to test environments, test plans, and automation.
• Create technical documentation.

Skills

Clearance: TS/SCI with CI Poly

Strong communication

Analytical thinking

Scripting: Python/Bash

Linux/Unix basics

Networking: TCP/IP

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/Cybersecurity

Tools

Docker

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.

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.

Previously part of a leading Fortune 100 company and headquartered in Dulles, VA; Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation’s most mission impactful initiatives. When we formed Nightwing, we brought a deep set of credentials and an unfaltering commitment to the mission. For over four decades, our team has been providing some of the world’s most technically advanced full-s scean cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence support services to the U.S. government on its most important missions.

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.