Senior Technical Account Manager, Federal (Penetration Testing)

As a Senior Technical Account Manager at Synack, your key responsibilities include developing the scope of penetration tests, guiding researchers in effective testing strategies, and collaborating with internal stakeholders to discern client needs. You'll utilize your consultative communication skills to gather requirements and provide expert advice on the client’s strategic goals, ensuring successful execution of pentesting initiatives.

To qualify for the Senior Technical Account Manager position at Synack, candidates should have experience with vulnerability discovery management, risk management frameworks, and remediation processes. It's beneficial to have industry certifications, such as Security+, CISSP, or CISA, and a good understanding of compliance and audit requirements like PCI and ISO 27001. Additionally, candidates must possess a current Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

At Synack, penetration testing is a critical function within our Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS) platform. By conducting continuous testing, we help clients identify and mitigate exploitable vulnerabilities within their systems, thereby enhancing security posture. As a Senior Technical Account Manager, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating these tests effectively and ensuring actionable insights are delivered to our global clientele.

While not mandatory, having experience with scripting languages is highly advantageous for the Senior Technical Account Manager role at Synack. This skill can help you develop scripted solutions to complex challenges in penetration testing and contribute to building tailored security solutions that cater to our clients’ unique needs.

The salary range for the Senior Technical Account Manager position at Synack is between $120,000 and $150,000, based on national averages. The total compensation package may also include equity options and a variety of benefits. Actual offers will account for factors such as your experience level, location, education, and skills, ensuring a competitive and equitable package.

When prioritizing multiple projects, I focus on understanding each client's urgency and the potential impact of their test outcomes. Using effective time management techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix allows me to distinguish between urgent and important tasks to meet deadlines while ensuring quality results.

For successful onboarding, I would begin with a detailed scoping session, initiating open dialogues to thoroughly understand the client's environment and specific requirements. This includes aligning expectations, defining clear milestones, and establishing a collaborative communication plan to ensure a smooth transition into our testing phases.

Assessing customer needs in penetration testing involves conducting thorough discussions with clients to identify their objectives and concerns. I then analyze those insights to tailor the testing approach, ensuring optimal resource allocation and alignment with their overall security strategy.

In the event of a technical issue during a penetration test, I would engage immediately with the technical team to diagnose the problem. I believe timely communication is essential, so I would keep the client informed throughout the troubleshooting process until we reach a resolution, ensuring transparency and trust.

I have extensive experience with compliance frameworks such as PCI, ISO 27001, and SOC reports, which guide the structuring of penetration tests. Understanding these frameworks helps me align test strategies with regulatory requirements, ensuring that our clients maintain compliance while addressing security risks.

In handling conflicting expectations, I prioritize open dialogue to clarify each party's views and concerns. By facilitating a meeting where both teams can express their viewpoints, I aim to establish shared goals and adjust expectations, focusing on what’s achievable to satisfy both sides.

In my role, I commonly use project management tools like Jira or Trello for tracking penetration tests, along with security tools like Burp Suite and Metasploit for effective testing. These tools streamline the process and enhance collaboration across teams, allowing for seamless communication and reporting.

Success in penetration testing engagements is measured by the efficacy of vulnerability discovery and remediation. Post-test evaluations through reports detailing critical findings, response strategies, and overall client satisfaction help gauge the engagement's success and establish areas for improvement.

Collaboration with stakeholders is fundamental in my work. By engaging with both the technical teams and clients, I can ensure that there is a cohesive understanding of project goals, security needs, and the technical landscape, which fosters an environment of trust and effective problem-solving.

To stay informed on the latest in cybersecurity, I actively participate in industry conferences, and webinars, and subscribe to key publications. I also engage with professional networks and communities focused on penetration testing, ensuring that I am aware of new vulnerabilities and emerging security tools.