Penetration Tester III

Agile Defense

Agile Defense seeks a Senior Cyber Threat Emulation SME to support federal cybersecurity initiatives. Engage in offensive operations, threat emulation, and report writing in a hybrid environment.

Posted 7/27/2026full-timeSpringfield • Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $165,000 - $175,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Agile Defense is currently seeking a Senior Cyber Threat Emulation (TE) SME to support a federal Agency. The threat emulation program is part of a purple team that provides comprehensive computer network defense, incident response, and other cybersecurity support through monitoring and analysis of potential threat activity targeting the enterprise. This SME will run the offensive portion of the purple team.
The TE SME, as part of a small team, will have full latitude to execute penetration activity from initial infection vector to final report – the full spectrum of offensive operations, the entire killchain. The advanced TE SME advances organizational understanding over risks and potential exposures related to software, system, and network weakness using advanced security testing and auditing methods. This senior level cyber TE analysts engage with senior leadership to identify, report, and perform real-world threat activity simulation attacks, such as those used by our nation’s adversaries, in order to train and measure the effectiveness of the people, processes, and technology used to defend Agency networks and systems. This full spectrum SME will develop and write targeted exploits and benign malware, pivoting through enterprise systems, and emulating malicious actors. This SME uses malicious means to get into a position where he/she could disrupt the operations of Agency systems or maintain persistence for the purposes of further exploitation.
Additionally, the ideal candidate is familiar with intrusion detection systems, intrusion analysis, security information event management platforms, endpoint threat detection tools, and federal agency SOC procedures. Corporate duties such as solution proposals.

Requirements

What you’ll need

7+ years of experience in cyber offensive ops, red team work, and/or Penetration Testing.
Active Top Secret Clearance and SCI Eligibility.
Strong analytical and technical skills in computer network defense operations.
Prior experience and ability with analyzing threat intelligence/information or providing cyber defense analytical capabilities to assist in proactive identification of threats, events, and incidents.
Ability to develop rules, filters, views, signatures, countermeasures and operationally relevant applications and scripts to support efforts.
Strong logical/critical thinking abilities, especially analyzing vulnerability information and current adversarial TTPs and IOCs.
Strong proficiency Report writing – a technical writing sample and technical editing test will be required if the candidate has no prior published intelligence analysis reporting, excellent verbal and written communications skills and ability produce clear and thorough security incident reports and briefings.
Excellent organizational and attention to detail in tracking activities as part of overall Security Operation workflows or projects.
Experience with the identification and implementation of defensive countermeasures or mitigating controls for deployment and implementation in the enterprise network environment.
Experience in mentoring and training analysts or Red Team members.
Knowledge of different operational threat environments (e.g., first generation [script kiddies], second generation [non-nation state sponsored], and third generation [nation state sponsored])
Knowledge of general attack stages (e.g., foot-printing and scanning, enumeration, gaining access, escalation of privileges, maintaining access, network exploitation, covering tracks, etc.)
Knowledge of incident categories, incident responses, and timelines for responses.

Benefits

Comp & perks

🌐 Worldwide ❌ Jobs You've Hidden ⭐️ Saved Jobs ✅ Applied Jobs ✉️ Email Alerts 👤 Account Agile Defense Website LinkedIn All Job Openings 501 - 1000 employees 🏛️ Government 🔒 Cybersecurity 🎖️ Defense Government
Cybersecurity
Defense Agile Defense is a company at the forefront of innovation, dedicated to providing advanced capabilities and tailored solutions for critical national security and civilian missions. With a focus on digital transformation, data analytics, and cybersecurity, Agile Defense is instrumental in safeguarding sensitive assets. The company leverages a data-driven approach to deliver insights that enhance mission operations and accelerate decision-making processes. Agile Defense operates globally, with a strong presence across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, supporting a wide range of client missions. The company is committed to exploring new ideas and technologies, fostering a culture of innovation to advance their services continuously. Penetration Tester III 🔥 20 minutes ago 🏢🏡 Springfield – Hybrid 💵 $165k - $175k / year ⏰ Full Time 🟠 Senior 🔴 Lead 🔧 QA Engineer (Quality Assurance) Cyber Security Apply Now Find Hiring Managers Customize resume + cover letter Report problem ☆ Save ☑️ Mark as applied ❌ Hide 📋 Description
Agile Defense is currently seeking a Senior Cyber Threat Emulation (TE) SME to support a federal Agency. The threat emulation program is part of a purple team that provides comprehensive computer network defense, incident response, and other cybersecurity support through monitoring and analysis of potential threat activity targeting the enterprise. This SME will run the offensive portion of the purple team.
The TE SME, as part of a small team, will have full latitude to execute penetration activity from initial infection vector to final report – the full spectrum of offensive operations, the entire killchain. The advanced TE SME advances organizational understanding over risks and potential exposures related to software, system, and network weakness using advanced security testing and auditing methods. This senior level cyber TE analysts engage with senior leadership to identify, report, and perform real-world threat activity simulation attacks, such as those used by our nation’s adversaries, in order to train and measure the effectiveness of the people, processes, and technology used to defend Agency networks and systems. This full spectrum SME will develop and write targeted exploits and benign malware, pivoting through enterprise systems, and emulating malicious actors. This SME uses malicious means to get into a position where he/she could disrupt the operations of Agency systems or maintain persistence for the purposes of further exploitation.
Additionally, the ideal candidate is familiar with intrusion detection systems, intrusion analysis, security information event management platforms, endpoint threat detection tools, and federal agency SOC procedures. Corporate duties such as solution proposals. 🎯 Requirements
7+ years of experience in cyber offensive ops, red team work, and/or Penetration Testing.
Active Top Secret Clearance and SCI Eligibility.
Strong analytical and technical skills in computer network defense operations.
Prior experience and ability with analyzing threat intelligence/information or providing cyber defense analytical capabilities to assist in proactive identification of threats, events, and incidents.
Ability to develop rules, filters, views, signatures, countermeasures and operationally relevant applications and scripts to support efforts.
Strong logical/critical thinking abilities, especially analyzing vulnerability information and current adversarial TTPs and IOCs.
Strong proficiency Report writing – a technical writing sample and technical editing test will be required if the candidate has no prior published intelligence analysis reporting, excellent verbal and written communications skills and ability produce clear and thorough security incident reports and briefings.
Excellent organizational and attention to detail in tracking activities as part of overall Security Operation workflows or projects.
Experience with the identification and implementation of defensive countermeasures or mitigating controls for deployment and implementation in the enterprise network environment.
Experience in mentoring and training analysts or Red Team members.
Knowledge of different operational threat environments (e.g., first generation [script kiddies], second generation [non-nation state sponsored], and third generation [nation state sponsored])
Knowledge of general attack stages (e.g., foot-printing and scanning, enumeration, gaining access, escalation of privileges, maintaining access, network exploitation, covering tracks, etc.)
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