Vulnerability Researcher / Penetration Tester (Mid & Sr level)

Parsons; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 112,000 - 196,000; Full time

Job summary

Parsons in Columbia, MD is growing its team of penetration testers at several levels to support mission-critical cybersecurity work. If you enjoy hands-on testing and solving tough technical problems, this is an excellent next step.

You will work alongside experienced practitioners in a collaborative environment, contribute to high-quality analysis, and continuously grow your skills with new tools and threats.

Qualifications

• Mid Bachelor’s degree with 5–9 years of experience
• Senior position requires 10+ years of experience
• Active TS/SCI clearance is required
• Experience with penetration testing / red teaming / offensive cyber operations
• IAT II Certification is required

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute vulnerability campaigns, rapid-response campaigns, red team engagements, and DAST scans
• Maintain VDP Assessment Playbook and researching emerging exploits and TTPs
• Collaborate with analysts and subject matter experts to solve complex problems
• Continuously improve technical skills and adapt to new tools and threats
• Contribute to a team culture focused on learning and excellence

Skills

Penetration testing

Red teaming

Offensive cyber operations

IAT II Certification

OSCP / CEH / PenTest+

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what’s possible.

Job Description:

Parsons is growing its team of Penetration Testers (at several levels) to support upcoming mission-critical cybersecurity work. If you enjoy hands-on penetration testing, thrive on solving difficult technical problems, and want to work alongside experienced practitioners in a highly collaborative environment, these opportunities offer an excellent next step in your career.

We are looking for technical professionals who enjoy digging into complex problems, working through challenging cyber questions, and contributing to high-quality analysis that makes a real difference for the customer. We are interested in connecting with people who are excited to contribute and continue growing the skills and expertise. Our cybersecurity professionals work together as a cohesive unit, share knowledge freely, learn from one another, and continually improve both individual and team capability.

You’ll be joining Parsons’ local Analytics & Engineering team, a community known for its strong culture of defensive cyber operations, technical excellence, and collaboration. We invest in both mission success and team connection through regular social events, technical talks, training opportunities, and hands-on innovation activities at our Cybersecurity Center of Excellence Lab in Columbia, MD. From team lunches and ice cream socials to family-friendly seasonal events and technical learning sessions, we work hard to create an environment where people can do meaningful work and enjoy being part of our amazing team.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Plan and execute vulnerability campaigns, rapid-response campaigns, red team engagements, and DAST scans.
• Maintain VDP Assessment Playbook and researching emerging exploits and TTPs.
• Collaborating closely with other analysts and subject matter experts to solve complex technical problems
• Continuously improving your technical skills and adapting to new tools, technologies, and cyber threats
• Contributing to a team culture centered on learning, knowledge sharing, and technical excellence

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

• Mid Bachelors' degree and 5-9 years' experience
• Senior - Bachelors' degree and 10+ years' experience
• Must have a current/active TS/SCI clearance
• Experience with penetration testing / red teaming / offensive cyber operations
• Willingness to learn, grow, and contribute in a collaborative technical environment
• An IAT II Certification

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

• At least one intermediate or advanced-level industry certification relevant to penetration testing (e.g., OSCP, CEH, PenTest+, GPEN)

Security Clearance Requirement:

Security Clearance Requirement: An active Top Secret SCI security clearance is required for this position.This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.

Salary Range:

Salary Range: $112,200.00 - $196,400.00

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle! Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status. We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest.

Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer tohttps://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.