Penetration Tester - Level I (AI) - Military veterans preferred

As a Penetration Tester - Level I, you will support the execution of cybersecurity assessments that help secure networks, systems, and applications for both government and commercial clients. Working alongside experienced penetration testers, you'll gain hands-on experience in identifying vulnerabilities, emulating real-world threats, and contributing to the development of AI-enhanced security testing tools.

This role is ideal for early-career cybersecurity professionals who are passionate about ethical hacking and eager to build their skills in a collaborative, fast-paced environment that encourages learning, creativity, and technical growth.

Duties and Responsibilities:

With guidance and mentorship from senior team members, you will:

• Assist in Penetration Testing – Support internal and external penetration tests, including reconnaissance, scanning, and basic exploitation activities.

• Support Vulnerability Identification – Use industry-standard tools to discover misconfigurations, missing patches, and common security flaws.

• Document Findings – Help prepare technical documentation and reports that clearly describe vulnerabilities, associated risks, and remediation recommendations.

• Contribute to Red and Purple Team Exercises – Assist in simulated attack scenarios and team-based security testing exercises.

• Stay Current – Keep up with emerging threats, exploits, and security research to support continuous improvement of testing practices.

• Travel – May include limited travel to client sites.

• Participate in AI Tool Development Projects – Learn how AI is applied to penetration testing and contribute to data collection, testing, and tool validation efforts under the supervision of senior developers and security engineers.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Active DoD Top Secret clearance is required.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, or a related field — or equivalent hands-on experience (internships, self-study, labs).

• 1–2 years of relevant cybersecurity experience (internships, labs, academic projects, or junior-level work).

• Familiarity with basic security concepts, operating systems, and networking.

• Exposure to penetration testing tools such as Nmap, Burp Suite, Wireshark, Metasploit, or Nessus.

• Interest in or basic knowledge of scripting languages like Python, PowerShell, or Bash.

• Enthusiastic about learning AI/ML applications in cybersecurity and ethical hacking.

• At least one entry-level certification preferred: CompTIA Security+, CEH, or equivalent.

• Must possess an active DoD 8570 IAT Level I certification or be able to obtain one.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience from Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, cyber ranges, or online platforms (e.g., Hack the Box, TryHackMe).

• Coursework or training in AI/ML or demonstrated interest in applying these technologies in security contexts.

• Familiarity with frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK is a plus.
  
  

Additional Information:

Beyond our core work supporting the DoD, we also engage in commercial cybersecurity projects. Junior team members may have opportunities to support these initiatives based on their evolving skill sets and areas of interest, including helping develop and test AI-based penetration testing tools.

Why Work for Us?

Core4ce is a team of innovators, self-starters, and critical thinkers—driven by a shared mission to strengthen national security and advance warfighting outcomes.

We offer:

• 401(k) with 100% company match on the first 6% deferred, with immediate vesting
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage—employee portion paid 100% by Core4ce
• Unlimited access to training and certifications, with no pre-set cap on eligible professional development
• Tuition assistance for job-related degrees and courses
• Paid parental leave, PTO that grows with tenure, and generous holiday schedules
• Got a big idea? At Core4ce, The Forge gives every employee the chance to propose bold innovations and help bring them to life with internal backing.

Join us to build a career that matters—supported by a company that invests in you.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, veteran status, age, genetic information, or other legally protected status.