Penetration Tester

Battelle • Washington, DC

4d • $130,000 - $190,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

At Battelle, your expertise in national security plays a direct role in safeguarding our nation and shaping global security strategies. Join our team and become part of a distinguished community of professionals dedicated to developing innovative solutions for complex threats and challenges. As a proven developer and system integrator, we leverage next-generation science, engineering, and technology to secure and protect critical assets—on the ground, in the air, in space, at sea, and across the cyber landscape. Here, you will apply cutting-edge technology and research to strengthen national defense strategies, ensuring a safer future for generations to come. At Battelle, you're not just building a career; you're upholding a legacy of protecting national interests and promoting peace and stability worldwide.

We are currently seeking a Penetration Tester. This position is a full-time opportunity located in Arlington, Virginia. Battelle's Mission Focused Tools Business Line is seeking a Penetration Tester to support the research, development, test, and evaluation of security systems and technologies for the Department of Homeland Security, operating out of Battelle's Crystal City Operations. The selected candidate will work across technical areas including non-intrusive inspection systems, physical security technology, command and control integration, operational technology, industrial control systems, embedded systems, and other specialized mission-support technologies. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in test and evaluation, cybersecurity assessment, technical analysis, and quality-focused delivery, with the ability to engage directly with clients, vendors, and stakeholders in both laboratory and field environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (BS or BA) or higher in cybersecurity, computer science, engineering, information technology, data science, physical sciences, mathematics, or a related technical discipline
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret and TSA Security Suitability; sole U.S. citizenship required.
• Minimum of 5 years of technical work experience with a BS/BA degree, or minimum of 2 years with an MS or higher degree
• Experience supporting cybersecurity, risk assessment, test and evaluation, vulnerability assessment, security control validation, systems engineering, operational technology assessment, or related technical evaluation activities
• Experience using technical tools to support cybersecurity assessments, test execution, data collection, data analysis, vulnerability review, configuration validation, packet capture, and technical reporting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document technical observations, analyze test results, and develop and present technical reports for diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in both laboratory and field settings
• Travel up to 25% required

Nice To Haves

• Current TSA Security Suitability
• Current Secret Security Clearance or higher
• Experience in the test and evaluation of Transportation Security Equipment (TSE), security screening technologies, non-intrusive inspection systems, detection systems, or other DHS mission-support technologies
• Defense Acquisition University (DAU) T&E Level I, II, and/or III certification or equivalent
• Experience assessing cybersecurity risks in operational technology, industrial control systems, embedded systems, scientific systems, laboratory systems, command and control systems, or other specialized non-traditional IT environments
• Experience applying statistics or data analysis to analyze and report test results
• Experience designing, implementing, or supporting data collection hardware, instrumentation, sensors, logging methods, or other data collection techniques

Responsibilities

• Conducting cybersecurity assessments, vulnerability assessments, and security control validation in support of federal acquisition-based test and evaluation activities
• Performing penetration testing and utilizing technical tools for packet capture, configuration validation, data collection, and data analysis
• Developing and presenting clear, high-quality technical reports for government, engineering, and stakeholder audiences
• Supporting test planning, test execution, data reduction, and data analysis in both laboratory and field environments
• Engaging directly with government clients, vendors, and stakeholders on a regular basis to support program objectives
• Supporting engineering design reviews and participating in Integrated Product Team (IPT) activities
• Contributing to technology maturation throughout the developmental lifecycle
• Participating in technical conferences, supporting proposal development, and contributing to white papers and other research products identifying opportunities for future technology development or operational improvement
• Ensuring quality-focused delivery in accordance with ISO 9001 Quality Management System standards

Benefits

• Flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off
• Hybrid work arrangement (60% in-office and 40% remote)
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits
• Optional supplemental benefits
• Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support
• Industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan (5 percent contribution from Battelle, plus matching)
• Tuition assistance

What This Job Offers

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