Penetration Tester

As a Penetration Tester at Hoplite Solutions, your primary responsibilities will include identifying and exploiting security vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. You'll conduct comprehensive penetration tests, participate in red teaming exercises, and collaborate with both internal teams and government clients to assess compliance with security standards. Additionally, you'll provide your expertise in the testing phase of security controls assessments and help enhance the organization's security posture.

To qualify for the Penetration Tester position at Hoplite Solutions, candidates must possess an Active TS/SCI w/poly security clearance. A Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or IT Engineering is preferred, although candidates with 12 years of relevant experience may be considered. Additionally, having certification in IAT Level III or IAM Level III, as per DoD Directive 8570-1, is necessary for this role.

Essential skills for a Penetration Tester at Hoplite Solutions include proficiency in network protocols and operating systems, as well as expertise in both network and application-level testing methods. Strong research capabilities for evaluating emerging technologies related to information systems security, alongside the ability to interpret federal and agency-specific security regulations, are also critical for success in this role.

Hoplite Solutions offers a competitive benefits package for its Penetration Testers, including a 7% employer contribution to your 401k, fully paid healthcare for employees, training benefits, company-funded life insurance, and short-term disability insurance. This comprehensive package is designed to ensure the well-being and professional growth of our team members.

The projected salary range for the Penetration Tester position at Hoplite Solutions is between $175,000 to $215,000 annually. This range is determined by various factors such as location, candidate's skills, education, and relevant experience, ensuring that compensation is competitive within the industry.

In your response, aim to identify specific tools you've used, such as Metasploit, Nessus, or Burp Suite, and elaborate on the methodologies you employed. Illustrate your knowledge on OWASP Top Ten vulnerabilities and provide examples of situations where you've successfully identified and mitigated security risks using these tools.

Outline the phases of penetration testing: planning, scanning, exploitation, reporting, and remediation. Explain how you define the scope of testing, perform reconnaissance, exploit vulnerabilities, and provide actionable recommendations in your reporting. Highlight how you prioritize findings based on risk and business impact.

Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning by mentioning sources such as security blogs, forums, podcasts, and conferences. Explain how you participate in the security community, whether through forums, reading publications, or attending workshops, and how you apply new knowledge to your work.

Discuss the importance of communication and rapid response. Outline how you would document the vulnerability, assess its potential impact, and notify your clients or stakeholders immediately, while providing them with an understanding of the risks and recommendations for remediation.

Identify a specific strength that aligns with the demands of the role, such as analytical skills, attention to detail, or problem-solving ability. Use examples from past experiences to illustrate how this strength has contributed to successful outcomes in your testing projects or assessments.

Explain how you've applied social engineering in your work, whether through phishing simulations or physical security assessments. Discuss the techniques you've used and highlight the importance of educating clients on the human aspect of security vulnerabilities.

Detail your process for evaluating vulnerabilities by using common criteria like CVSS scoring or risk assessment frameworks. Describe how you communicate these priorities to stakeholders and ensure that the most critical vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.

Share a specific challenge you have faced, such as keeping up with ever-evolving technologies or maintaining client relationships. Explain how you approach these challenges positively by investing in continuous education and enhancing communication skills.

Prepare a case study from your past experience that showcases your testing abilities and success in improving security posture. Highlight the specific challenges faced, the approach you took, and the tangible results that followed your engagement.

Discuss the steps you take to ensure your testing environment is isolated and secure, preventing accidental data leaks or damage to production systems. Talk about the importance of following guidelines and protocols to maintain ethical standards during testing.