Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester

MKS2 Technologies • Albany, NY

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester Principal to join a high-impact cybersecurity team supporting a large-scale enterprise application environment. This role focuses on identifying, exploiting, assessing, and remediating vulnerabilities within Java-based applications and supporting infrastructure. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in application security, penetration testing, secure coding practices, and DevSecOps methodologies. This position requires collaboration with development, testing, and security teams to proactively identify security weaknesses and strengthen application defenses throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 6 years of software development and security experience.
• Prior experience in a DevSecOps, Application Security, Security Engineering, or Penetration Testing role.
• Strong hands-on Java development experience.
• Experience supporting large-scale enterprise applications.
• Knowledge of secure coding principles and application security best practices.
• Experience performing penetration testing against web applications and services.
• Strong understanding of OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities and mitigation techniques.
• Experience with security testing tools such as: Burp Suite, Metasploit, Web Proxy Tools, Vulnerability Assessment Platforms
• Experience using Static and Dynamic Application Security Testing tools, including: Fortify on Demand (SAST), Fortify on Demand (DAST)
• Knowledge of common web vulnerabilities including: SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Authentication & Authorization Flaws, Session Management Vulnerabilities, API Security Risks
• Strong understanding of cryptography and secure communications protocols (SSL/TLS).
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Demonstrated professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

• OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)
• GWAPT (GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester)
• GXPN (GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester)
• GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester)
• LPT (Licensed Penetration Tester)
• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
• Experience with Python, Bash, or other scripting languages.
• Experience performing secure code reviews for Java applications.
• Knowledge of cloud security testing methodologies.
• Mobile application penetration testing experience.
• Experience conducting API security assessments.
• Familiarity with HIPAA and regulated environments.
• Knowledge of vulnerability management and CVE remediation processes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct penetration testing and vulnerability assessments of Java applications, APIs, and supporting infrastructure.
• Perform manual and automated security testing to identify application vulnerabilities.
• Develop and execute custom exploits to simulate real-world attacker techniques.
• Analyze application architecture and code to identify security risks and attack vectors.
• Collaborate with development teams to integrate security early in the SDLC.
• Partner with QA and automation teams to incorporate security testing into release processes.
• Review source code and provide secure coding guidance for remediation efforts.
• Assess browser tokens, session management, caching, and authentication mechanisms.
• Manipulate URLs, query parameters, browser data, and application workflows to identify exploitation opportunities.
• Assist in incident response activities related to security vulnerabilities and published CVEs.
• Create detailed reports outlining findings, risk levels, business impacts, and remediation recommendations.
• Present security findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Contribute to security standards, policies, and secure development practices.
• Stay current on emerging threats, attack techniques, and industry best practices.
• Apply methodologies aligned with the MITRE ATT&CK Framework and OWASP guidelines.

Benefits

• Work on mission-critical enterprise applications.
• Collaborate with a highly skilled cybersecurity team.
• Influence secure development practices across large-scale environments.
• Exposure to advanced security testing technologies and methodologies.
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on application security and cyber resilience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal