Information Technology -> Cyber

Washington, DC

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ID: 894-383

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Full-Time/Regular

As a Penetration Tester - Level I, you will support the execution of cybersecurity assessments that help secure networks, systems, and applications for both government and commercial clients. Working alongside experienced penetration testers, you'll gain hands-on experience in identifying vulnerabilities, emulating real-world threats, and contributing to the development of custom tools, scripts, and automation frameworks using programming languages such as Python, Ruby, and C/C++.

This role is ideal for early-career cybersecurity professionals who are passionate about ethical hacking and eager to apply their software development skills in a collaborative, fast-paced environment that encourages learning, creativity, and technical growth.

Duties and Responsibilities:

With guidance and mentorship from senior team members, you will:

Assist in Penetration Testing – Support internal and external penetration tests, including reconnaissance, scanning, and basic exploitation activities.

Support Vulnerability Identification – Use industry-standard tools to discover misconfigurations, missing patches, and common security flaws.

Document Findings – Help prepare technical documentation and reports that clearly describe vulnerabilities, associated risks, and remediation recommendations.

Contribute to Red and Purple Team Exercises – Assist in simulated attack scenarios and team-based security testing exercises.

Develop and Maintain Security Tools – Use Python, Ruby, and C/C++ to build or modify scripts, tools, and utilities that enhance penetration testing capabilities.

Stay Current – Keep up with emerging threats, exploits, and security research to support continuous improvement of testing practices.

Travel – May include some travel to client sites.

Qualifications:

Active DoD Top Secret clearance is required.
Associate or bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, or a related field — or equivalent hands-on experience (internships, self-study, labs).

1–2 years of relevant cybersecurity experience (internships, labs, academic projects, or junior-level work).

Familiarity with basic security concepts, operating systems, and networking.

Exposure to penetration testing tools such as Nmap, Burp Suite, Wireshark, Metasploit, or Nessus.

Programming/scripting experience with Python is required; familiarity with Ruby and C/C++ is strongly preferred.

Understanding of secure coding practices and an interest in developing internal tools and scripts to support security assessments.

At least one entry-level certification preferred: CompTIA Security+, CEH, or equivalent.

At a minimum, must possess an active DoD 8570 IAT Level I (IAT Level II preferred) certification or be able to obtain one.

Preferred Experience:

Experience from Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, cyber ranges, or online platforms (e.g., Hack The Box, TryHackMe) or actual hands-on experience.

Demonstrated experience writing or modifying tools in Python, Ruby, or C/C++ for use in penetration testing, automation, or exploit development.

Familiarity with frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK is a plus.

Additional Information:

Beyond our core work supporting the DoD, we also engage in commercial cybersecurity projects. Junior team members may have opportunities to support these initiatives based on their evolving skill sets and areas of interest, particularly in the areas of scripting, exploit development, and tool customization.

Why Work for Us?

Core4ce is a team of innovators, self-starters, and critical thinkers—driven by a shared mission to strengthen national security and advance warfighting outcomes.

We offer:

401(k) with 100% company match on the first 6% deferred, with immediate vesting
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage—employee portion paid 100% by Core4ce
Unlimited access to training and certifications, with no pre-set cap on eligible professional development
Tuition assistance for job-related degrees and courses
Paid parental leave, PTO that grows with tenure, and generous holiday schedules
Got a big idea? At Core4ce, The Forge gives every employee the chance to propose bold innovations and help bring them to life with internal backing.

Join us to build a career that matters—supported by a company that invests in you.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, veteran status, age, genetic information, or other legally protected status.

Core4ce

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Penetration Tester - Level I