Vulnerability Researcher / Penetration Tester (Mid & Sr level)

Parsons; Maryland; On-site; USD 112,000 - 196,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Paid time off

401(k)

Life insurance

Flexible work schedules

Holidays

Job summary

Parsons in Columbia, MD, is growing its Penetration Testers team to support federal cybersecurity mission work. If you enjoy hands-on testing and solving tough problems, you will join experienced practitioners in a collaborative environment.

Our Analytics & Engineering group emphasizes defensive cyber ops, technical excellence, and continuous learning through labs, talks, and hands-on activities at the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence Lab in Columbia, MD.

Qualifications

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

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.
• 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

Skills

Penetration testing

Red teaming

Offensive cyber operations

IAT II Certification

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

OSCP

CEH

PenTest+

GPEN

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:

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: $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!