Internal Penetration Tester

About the Role
The Internal Penetration Tester works to execute offensive security activities for Pathfynder by A-LIGN. In this role, you will be responsible for the delivery of internal network and cloud-based SaaS penetration testing engagements. As the Internal Penetration Tester, you will provide exceptional technical and client-focused testing strategies to help support the continued growth of our fast-paced company. A-LIGN will depend on you as the Internal Penetration Tester to independently identify and validate real-world security risks, manually exploit vulnerabilities, document findings, and communicate practical remediation guidance to clients.

Reports to
Director, Internal Offensive Operations

Pay Classification
Full-Time, Exempt

Responsibilities
Execute internal network and cloud-based SaaS penetration testing engagements
Identify, validate, and manually exploit vulnerabilities using public exploits, custom-developed exploits, or a combination of techniques
Evaluate findings in context, explore realistic attack paths, and accurately assess business and technical risk
Deliver clear, accurate, client-ready reports that explain findings, evidence, and actionable remediation guidance
Communicate technical issues, testing results, and remediation recommendations to client stakeholders
Maintain project quality and timelines while executing assigned engagements with minimal oversight
Collaborate with the offensive security team to evaluate industry tools, improve delivery methods, and share technical knowledge
Mentor team members and contribute to the continued development of team capabilities

Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION

Degree in cybersecurity, computer information systems, related discipline or equivalent professional

EXPERIENCE

5+ years of hands-on offensive security experience, including at least 3 years focused on internal network, Active Directory, red team, or purple team penetration testing
Experience with network and system exploitation across enterprise environments
Knowledge of penetration testing methodologies and current offensive security practices
Experience applying current tactics, techniques, and procedures related to EDR bypass, lateral movement, and privilege escalation
Preferred red team or purple team penetration testing experience
Preferred wireless penetration testing experience
Preferred consulting or client-facing security delivery experience

CERTIFICATIONS

Preferred OSCP, CEH, or OSEP certification.
Preferred additional advanced certifications relevant to internal network, Active Directory, red team, or cloud security testing

SKILLS

Passion for information security and identifying exploitable vulnerabilities before threat actors can take advantage of them.
Ability to discover and exploit complex vulnerabilities while maintaining a disciplined and repeatable approach to testing.
Knowledge of Active Directory attack paths, network exploitation, lateral movement, privilege escalation, and defence evasion techniques.
Proficiency with scripting languages such as Python, Bash, JavaScript, PowerShell, or SQL.
Proficiency with commonly used offensive security tools such as Nmap, BloodHound, the Impacket suite, Metasploit, Wireshark, and Nessus.
Knowledge of multiple penetration testing concentrations and the ability to select appropriate methodologies and tools.
Ability to write clear, concise, client-ready reports with accurate findings and actionable remediation guidance.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical risks to technical and non-technical audiences.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, remote environment while meeting deadlines.
Continuous desire to grow technical capabilities, improve delivery efficiency, and share knowledge with team members and clients.
Cloud architecture knowledge across AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform is preferred.