Leidos is hiring a Jr. Offensive Cyber Engineer to perform technical security assessments and penetration tests on enterprise and government systems. The role also collaborates with defensive security teams to improve threat detection using offensive tactics.
Develop custom exploits, payloads, and automated scripts based on identified system vulnerabilities
Conduct vulnerability assessments and assist in penetration tests across network protocols, web applications, and cloud environments
Collaborate with CEMA Resiliency System (CRS) and detection engineering teams to validate, test, and improve threat detectors based on offensive tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
Participate in operational testing events to verify exploit effectiveness in realistic, mission-critical environments
Research technical system documentation, architecture diagrams, and security classification guides
Document findings clearly and author comprehensive technical reports, remediation guidance, and after-action reviews for technical and project stakeholders
Qualification
Required
The Jr. Offensive Cyber Engineer needs to have hands-on experience in penetration testing and/or detection engineering
Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience; OR a Master's degree with 0+ years of experience; OR an additional 4 years of related experience in lieu of a degree (6+ years total)
2+ years of hands-on technical experience in penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, or red teaming
Working proficiency with Linux distributions (e.g., Kali, Parrot, Ubuntu) and Windows operating systems
Demonstrated ability to write scripts/tools in languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell
Solid understanding of core networking protocols (TCP/IP), network architecture, and common vulnerability classes
Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain an active Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance
Preferred
Certifications: Industry-recognized certifications such as OSCP, GPEN, GWAPT, CPTS, PNPT, CEH, CompTIA PenTest+, or GSEC
Testing Tooling: Experience using standard assessment and exploitation tools (e.g., Burp Suite, Metasploit, Nmap, OWASP ZAP, Cobalt Strike)
Cloud & Modern Tech: Hands-on exposure to evaluating cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) and cloud assessment tools (e.g., ScoutSuite, Pacu, Prowler)
Defensive Alignment: Familiarity with MITRE ATT&CK, threat detection engineering, SIEM/EDR rule development, or SOC operations
Low-Level Knowledge: Coursework or practical experience in reverse engineering, assembly, or binary analysis
Defense / Government Experience: Prior experience supporting DoD or government systems and working with classified data handling procedures
Benefits
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
Health and Wellness programs
Income Protection
Paid Leave
Retirement
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government & commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations.
Glassdoor
3.9
Founded in 1969
Reston, Virginia, USA
10001+ employees
https://www.leidos.com
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government & commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations.
