Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Penetration Tester in our INTEL Sector's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more. Join us and make a difference in National Security!
Primary Responsibilities :
This is a full-time position with the Leidos office in Huntsville, AL. The position consists of performing live penetration tests for customers and performing deep-dive preparatory analysis for any system under test. The position also includes recommending specific mitigation strategies to the customer for discovered vulnerabilities, and testing at multiple stages of the system development/acquisition lifecycle. This also includes red team tool development for use in stand-alone and network-connected systems. The position is responsible for ensuring survivability and resiliency of customer systems under test, and timely delivery of development updates and after-action reports after each assessment.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related Technical Degree
4-8 years of experience in penetration testing/red teams or related security field, or a master’s degree in a related field with +2 year of experience. Experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Proficient with Linux (preferably Kali, Parrot, or similar distros) and Windows Operating systems
Experience with using scripting languages such as bash, python, etc
Hands-on experience performing penetration tests, vulnerability assessments, and security analysis on enterprise systems
Proven experience with web application penetration testing, including OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities
Experience conducting cloud security assessments (AWS, Azure, GCP) and cloud-native penetration testing
Familiarity with API security testing (REST, SOAP, GraphQL) and authentication/authorization mechanisms
Strong understanding of TCP/IP network architecture, protocols, and network security concepts
Candidate must be located in Huntsville, AL area or be willing to relocate to the Huntsville, AL area as this is an ON-SITE Position.
Candidate must be a US CITIZEN and be able to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
Tools & Technical Skills:
• Extensive experience with reconnaissance and scanning tools (Nmap, Nikto, Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, etc.)
• Extensive experience with exploitation frameworks and tools (Metasploit, Cobalt Strike, Empire, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to develop custom exploits and automation scripts using Python, Bash, PowerShell, or similar languages
• Experience with cloud security tools and methodologies (ScoutSuite, Prowler, Pacu, etc.)
Professional Experience:
• Prior Department of War (DoW) experience or work with government/defense sector clients
Certifications & Continuous Learning:
• Completion of or active pursuit of industry certifications such as OSCP, GPEN, GWAPT, GCIH, GSEC, CPTS, CEH, or equivalent technical certifications
• RF security experience or amateur (HAM) radio certification is a plus
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:September 1, 2026For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Cyber Security, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
- 4-8 years of penetration testing, red-team, or related security experience; experience may substitute for a degree
- Proficiency with Linux and Windows operating systems
- Experience using scripting languages such as Bash and Python
- Hands-on experience performing penetration tests, vulnerability assessments, and security analysis on enterprise systems
- Experience with web application penetration testing, including OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities
- Experience conducting cloud security assessments and cloud-native penetration testing across AWS, Azure, or GCP
- Familiarity with API security testing using REST, SOAP, or GraphQL and authentication and authorization mechanisms
- Strong understanding of TCP/IP network architecture, protocols, and network security concepts
- Located in or willing to relocate to Huntsville, Alabama for an onsite position
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance
- Extensive experience with reconnaissance and scanning tools such as Nmap, Nikto, Burp Suite, and OWASP ZAP
- Extensive experience with exploitation frameworks and tools such as Metasploit, Cobalt Strike, and Empire
- Ability to develop custom exploits and automation scripts using Python, Bash, PowerShell, or similar languages
- Experience with cloud security tools and methodologies such as ScoutSuite, Prowler, and Pacu
- Prior Department of War experience or work with government or defense-sector clients
- Completion of or active pursuit of OSCP, GPEN, GWAPT, GCIH, GSEC, CPTS, CEH, or equivalent certifications
- RF security experience or amateur HAM radio certification
Leidos Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Leidos and has not been reviewed or approved by Leidos.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, with multiple plan options, low office-visit copays in some plans, and access to mental health and wellness support tools. The availability of HSA/FSA options and employer contributions is positioned as a meaningful part of the total package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are framed as a strong component of total rewards, highlighted by a 401(k) match and immediate vesting in the standard package. The Employee Stock Purchase Plan is also presented as an additional long-term wealth-building feature.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle supports extend beyond core insurance, including wellness programs, fitness-related stipends, and assistance resources. Work flexibility and related perks are also included as part of the broader rewards experience.
Leidos Insights
What We Do
We Are Leidos For 50 years we have been tackling some of the biggest problems that face our nation and our world. OUR MISSION Through our culture of innovation and history of performance, we develop deep customer trust built on integrity and create enduring solutions that improve our world. Leidos is a science and technology solutions leader working to address some of the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and healthcare markets. The company’s 43,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Va., Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $11.09 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2020. Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®. Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the newly launched Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos. Your most important work is ahead.
