Application Security Penetration Tester

The Application Penetration Tester is responsible for conducting comprehensive, in-depth security assessments of NCDHHS applications using both manual techniques and automated tools. This role goes beyond basic vulnerability scanning, requiring the tester to think and operate like a real-world adversary-chaining vulnerabilities, bypassing security controls, and identifying complex attack paths across web applications, REST APIs, and cloud-native environments. The tester will evaluate application logic, authentication and authorization mechanisms, and data flows to uncover high-impact security weaknesses that automated tools alone cannot detect. Additionally, this role involves collaborating with development and engineering teams to clearly communicate findings, provide actionable remediation guidance, and help strengthen the overall security posture of NCDHHS applications., The Office of the Secretary serves as the executive leadership arm of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), guiding the Department’s mission to improve the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians. Through strategic oversight and collaborative leadership, the Secretary’s Office supports the effective coordination of over a dozen core divisions, ensuring that agency-wide priorities are aligned, resources are used responsibly, and services are delivered with equity and impact., * Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent.

• For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members .

Degree/College Credit Verification

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations, and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.

Veterans’ and National Guard Preference

• Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
• Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

Do you have a Associate’s degree?, The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Experience performing manual penetration testing of web applications, REST APIs, and cloud-native environments, along with static and dynamic code analysis
• Ability to identify, exploit, and document vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, XSS, and authentication flaws
• Proficiency in both manual and automated security testing using industry-standard tools
• Strong collaboration skills to work with developers, DevOps, and engineering teams to remediate vulnerabilities and ensure secure configurations and deployments, including integrating security into CI/CD pipelines
• Ability to deliver high-quality technical reports with proof of concepts, reproduction steps, and clear remediation guidance, Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related IT field or closely related field from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of progressive experience in IT security or closely related area

OR

Associate degree in computer science or a related IT field or closely related field from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of progressive experience in IT Security or closely related area

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Pulled from the full job description

• Paid parental leave
• Parental leave
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services.