Senior Penetration Tester

Spektrum supports apex purchasers (NATO, UN, EU, and National Government and Defence) and their Tier 1 supplier ecosystem with a wide range of specialist services. We provide our clients with professional services, specialised aerospace and defence sales, delivery, and operational subject matter expertise. We are looking for personnel to join our team and support key client projects.

Who we are supporting 

The NATO Communication and Information Agency (NCIA) is responsible for providing secure and effective communications and information technology (IT) services to NATO's member countries and its partners. The agency was established in 2012 and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

The NCIA provides a wide range of services, including:

• Cyber Security: The NCIA provides advanced cybersecurity solutions to protect NATO's communication networks and information systems against cyber threats.
• Command and Control Systems: The NCIA develops and maintains the systems used by NATO's military commanders to plan and execute operations.
• Satellite Communications: The NCIA provides satellite communications services to enable secure and reliable communications between NATO forces.
• Electronic Warfare: The NCIA provides electronic warfare services to support NATO's mission to detect, deny, and defeat threats to its communication networks.
• Information Management: The NCIA manages NATO's information technology infrastructure, including its databases, applications, and servers.

Overall, the NCIA plays a critical role in ensuring the security and effectiveness of NATO's communication and information technology capabilities.

The program

Assistance and Advisory Service (AAS)

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) is NATO’s principal C3 capability deliverer and CIS service provider. It provides, maintains and defends the NATO enterprise-wide information technology infrastructure to enable Allies to consult together under Article IV, and, when required, stand together in the face of attack under Article V.

To provide these critical services, in the modern evolving dynamic environment the NCI Agency needs to build and maintain high performance-engaged workforce. The NCI Agency workforce strategically consists of three major categorise's: NATO International Civilians (NIC)'s, Military (Mil), and Interim Workforce Consultants (IWC)'s. The IWCs are a critical part of the overall NCI Agency workforce and make up approximately 15 percent of the total workforce.

Senior Penetration Tester

Role ID – C004912

Role Background

NCIA requires an experienced Senior Penetration Tester to support cybersecurity assessments, penetration testing and Red/Blue Team activities during NATO military exercises.

The role focuses on web application, infrastructure and application-level penetration testing, security design reviews and cybersecurity consultancy.

The successful candidate will work with NATO security stakeholders, support accreditation-related activities and communicate technical findings and security recommendations to senior management and military leadership.

Role Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead or participate in Red Team and Blue Team activities during NATO military exercises.
• Conduct web application, infrastructure and application-level penetration testing.
• Perform security design reviews to ensure compliance with NATO security policies and directives.
• Provide cybersecurity consultancy and technical advice to projects and other stakeholders.
• Identify and assess security vulnerabilities in operating systems, software, protocols and networks.
• Evaluate security risks and develop mitigation recommendations.
• Research and evaluate security products and technologies.
• Prepare structured penetration testing reports, including executive summaries, technical findings and remediation plans.
• Present security assessment results to technical teams, executives and senior military leadership, including flag officers.
• Collaborate with the NCIA Configuration Control Board, Security Accreditation Boards and NATO Security Accreditation Authorities.
• Coordinate with the Head of the Penetration Testing Cell and internal and external stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Web application penetration testing.
• IT infrastructure penetration testing.
• Network security architecture and design.
• Vulnerability assessment of operating systems, applications, protocols and networks.
• Penetration testing tools, techniques and recognised testing methodologies.
• UNIX and Windows system and network administration.
• Scripting in at least one of the following:
• Python
• Perl
• Ruby
• Shell scripting (Bash, Ksh or Csh)
• System and network security.
• Authentication and security protocols.
• Cryptography and application security.
• Malware infection techniques and protection technologies.
• Security product and technology evaluation.
• Risk assessment and mitigation planning.
• Technical report writing for executive and technical audiences.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Experience

More than 3 years of extensive knowledge and experience in the technical areas; including penetration testing, network security architecture, vulnerability assessment and security technologies.

The role also involves participation in NATO military exercises and communicating findings to senior stakeholders.

Working Location

The Hague, Netherlands

Working Policy

• Working arrangement: Full-time on-site.
• Start date: 30 November 2026.
• End date: 31 December 2026 with possibility of extension.
• Total scope: 400 hours.
• Working conditions: Normal office conditions.
• Travel: 10 days foreseen.
• Security clearance: NATO Secret (mandatory)

Travel

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance