Sr. Penetration Tester

X8 is seeking an experienced Penetration Tester to support the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Enterprise Cybersecurity Services (ECS) program. The role performs authorized offensive security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen mission-critical systems. This is an anticipated position supporting a pending federal contract; employment is contingent upon contract award and funding availability.

The ideal candidate has extensive hands-on testing experience across infrastructure, applications, cloud, and identity environments and can communicate findings clearly to federal stakeholders.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Develop USSS-approved rules of engagement, test plans, and testing procedures.
• Perform authorized on-site penetration tests of enterprise networks.
• Conduct vulnerability discovery, controlled exploitation, and lateral movement.
• Perform annual penetration tests of designated High Value Asset (HVA) systems.
• Test networks, web applications, databases, and cloud services.
• Identify exploitable weaknesses and assess operational risk.
• Document technical evidence, findings, and prioritized remediation actions.
• Present results to technical teams and government stakeholders.

Penetration Testing, Federal Contracts, Internet Security, Security Analysis, Penetration Testing, United States Secret Service (USSS), Computer Security, Communication Skills, Testing, Cloud Applications, * Five (5) years of hands-on penetration testing experience.

• Experience testing infrastructure, applications, cloud, and identity environments.
• Current OSCP, GPEN, or equivalent recognized penetration testing certification.
• Evidence of past performance or experience demonstrating testing competency.
• Experience preparing and executing authorized rules of engagement.
• Knowledge of network, application, database, and cloud attack surfaces.
• Experience with vulnerability validation and controlled exploitation.
• Ability to write actionable reports and remediation recommendations.
• Strong communication skills with technical and government stakeholders.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to meet USSS suitability requirements., * Experience assessing federal High Value Asset (HVA) systems.
• Experience with large-scale enterprise networks and remediation coordination., * TS clearance with SCI eligibility; USSS-adjudicated background investigation required.

• Support a mission-critical U.S. Secret Service cybersecurity program.
• Work with federal mission stakeholders and experienced technical teams.
• Contribute directly to enterprise cybersecurity resilience.
• Competitive salary and benefits., * Anticipated annual base salary: $120,000.00-$220,000.00 (good-faith estimate)
• Bonus potential, subject to company policy
• 401K Match - 10%
• Paid time off - 24 PTO Days, 13 Holidays
• Medical Benefits - 100% Employee, 80% Dependent, $1000 company paid HSA Contribution