Cyber Security Project Engineer (Penetration Tester)

Application Deadline: 13 December 2025

Department: Data Analysis and Technology Services

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Herndon, VA

Description

REQUIRED:  Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph
LOCATION:  Full-time, onsite in Herndon, VA

Are you ready to lead projects that protect and secure digital assets? Ardent Principles is searching for a full-time Cyber Security Project Engineer / Penetration Tester to enhance our security initiatives onsite, full-time in Herndon, VA.

If you're passionate about cyber security, thrive on managing impactful projects, and are ready to make a difference, this is the role for you. With a competitive salary and industry-leading benefits, Ardent Principles offers more than just a job - we offer a career path filled with growth and opportunities. Join us and let's shape the future together!

Who We Are:
We offer advanced services in data science, data engineering, software engineering, AI solutions, cybersecurity, staff augmentation, and IT program management.

Passionate Integrity, Driven by Excellence
"Ardent Principles" signifies our unwavering commitment to excellence, driven by a profound passion and a strict adherence to ethical values. We believe that happy employees make for happy clients. Our mission is to act as a bridge between satisfied clients and fulfilled employees, ensuring that your job and well-being are our top priorities because your satisfaction leads to the success of our clients.

Key Responsibilities

In this challenging yet rewarding role as a Penetration Tester, you are an integral part of what brings our Company's mission to life. You should have the following required skills, certifications and demonstrated experience in and/or with:

• Cyber security or related IT field.
• Cyber penetration testing.
• Leveraging adversarial tactics to conduct hands-on security testing.
• Applying computer attack methods and system exploitation techniques.
• Working knowledge of cyber security principles for Linux, Windows, and virtual platforms. 
• Designing, testing, or implementing IT security architecture.
• Performing network security analysis.
• Analyzing network architectures.
• Using network management tools.
• Developing risk management methodologies.
• Analyzing test results to develop risk and threat mitigation plans.
• Testing or reviewing system configuration, development, and design specifically around enterprise systems and hypervisors.
• Designing, testing, or implementing complex Windows installations.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES shall include:

• Document all identified system risks, planned test procedures, and results.
• Perform analyses of vulnerabilities identified during testing.
• Review program-level documentation such as requirements specification, system architecture, design documents, test plans, and security plans.
• Create and document penetration testing plans and procedures.
• Conduct hands-on penetration testing by leveraging approved testing plans and procedures. 
• Analyze penetration test results, document risks, and recommend countermeasures to uncovered risks.
• Participate or lead technical exchange meetings and application review boards. 
• Document action items and results from technical exchange meetings and application review boards. B
• Brief management on the status of action items and results of activities.

Highly Desired Qualifications

Other skills and demonstrated experiences that are highly desired but not mandatory to perform the work, include:

• Participating in public and private information security groups and organizations 
• Communicating vulnerability results and risk posture to senior executives
• Performing complex technical tasks with minimal direction
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or other related scientific or technical discipline. 
• Two or more of the relevant certifications: 
  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) 
  • eLearn Security Certified Professional Penetration Tester (eCPPTv2)
  • Global Information Assurance Certified Penetration Tester (GPEN)
  • Global Information Assurance Certification Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT)

What We Offer You

• Highly Competitive Salary: Recognizing and rewarding your expertise and contributions.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Providing ample time for rest, r