Leidos

SME Penetration Testing Analyst

Alexandria, VA Full time

This Department of War enterprise data and analytics program delivers mission-critical capabilities that enable leaders across the Department to make faster, better-informed decisions using trusted data at scale. Leidos Digital Modernization sector is seeking an experienced SME Penetration Testing Analyst to support the delivery, enhancement, and adoption of enterprise data and analytics products used across multiple DoD organizations.

In this role, you will work alongside government partners, engineers, and other industry teammates to translate operational and strategic requirements into scalable, production-ready solutions. You will contribute directly to product planning, execution, and continuous improvement—helping ensure capabilities are delivered efficiently, aligned to mission priorities, and positioned for sustained success.

This position offers the opportunity to work on a high-visibility, enterprise program at the intersection of data, analytics, and emerging AI technologies. Ideal candidates are motivated by mission impact, comfortable operating in complex stakeholder environments, and interested in building deep domain expertise while delivering capabilities with real-world national security outcomes.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Develop and maintain comprehensive plans and objectives for conducting penetration testing of the System.

  • Assist the government in identifying and retaining qualified DoD or Government penetration testing organizations.

  • Plan, coordinate, and oversee individual penetration test events.

  • Collaborate with DoD and Government penetration testing organizations to plan, scope, and prepare for penetration test events.

  • Work with the System Operations team to prepare the System for penetration testing operations.

  • Assist System engineers and software developers in understanding penetration test results.

  • Schedule remediation actions into future System software cycles based on penetration test results.

  • Ensure compliance with DoD and Government guidelines and standards for penetration testing.

  • Provide technical leadership and guidance to the penetration testing team.

  • Coordinate with other teams to ensure seamless integration of penetration testing activities.

  • Report on penetration testing activities, findings, and remediation progress to senior management and stakeholders.

  • Stay updated with the latest penetration testing tools, techniques, and industry best practices.

  • Ensure the security and integrity of the System through rigorous testing and analysis.

  • Support the continuous improvement of penetration testing processes and methodologies.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Active Top Secret (TS) clearance with SCI eligibility.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Assurance, Engineering, or related technical discipline OR equivalent training/experience aligned to DoD 8140 pathways.

  • At least one of the following foundational qualification pathways consistent with DoD 8140 requirements:

    • Current DoD 8570/8140 baseline certification appropriate for Advanced Cyber Defense Analyst roles (e.g., CASP+, GCED, GCIH, or equivalent),

    • Offerings listed in the DoD 8140 Training Repository,

    • Demonstrated equivalent training and experience qualifying under DoD 8140 foundational qualification alternatives.

  • 12–15 years of relevant experience in cybersecurity, penetration testing, or vulnerability assessment.

  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in penetration testing or related cybersecurity roles.

  • At least 3 years of experience in one or more of the following:

    • Incident detection and response

    • Malware analysis

    • Cyber forensics

  • Proficiency with at least three of the following tools:

    • Kali Linux

    • Metasploit

    • Burp Suite

    • Cobalt Strike

    • Tenable Nessus

    • WebInspect

    • Scuba

    • AppDetective

  • Proven experience in planning, coordinating, and conducting penetration tests.

  • Strong understanding of penetration testing tools, techniques, and methodologies.

  • Experience working with DoD or Government penetration testing organizations.

  • Ability to interpret and communicate penetration test results to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

  • Experience in scheduling and managing remediation actions based on penetration test findings.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active TS/SCI clearance.

  • Advanced certifications such as OSCP, CEH, CISSP, or similar.

  • Experience with the System or similar DoD data, analytics, and AI platforms.

  • Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity policies, standards, and guidelines.

  • Experience in a systems engineering or software development environment.

  • Knowledge of cloud-based data, analytics, and AI capabilities.

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

  • Experience in a customer-facing role, with a focus on customer success and outreach.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

April 20, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.