Assistant Penetration Tester

State

Title:

Programmer-Analyst (SL-2).

Location: Albany, NY

Category: Professional Positions

Posted On: Thu Feb 5 2026

The Assistant Penetration Tester role works with a team of Offensive Security Analysts (SUNY SOC) to perform Penetration Testing engagements with the goal of helping SUNY Campuses improve their security posture. This is a highly technical hands-on role that will utilize knowledge in operating systems, system administration, and problem-solving skills. The Assistant Penetration Tester position is an opportunity for an individual without security background but with the willingness to learn and grow to develop significant offensive security knowledge and skills.

The majority of the work involves performing internal whitebox penetration tests using the Kali Linux framework. Specifically, network discovery, enumerating services, finding and researching vulnerabilities, and exploiting misconfigurations and vulnerabilities in live network environments.

• Conduct host/network/application penetration testing as a member of a technical team.
• Support team members in developing and documenting approaches to performing penetration testing.
• Work extensively from the command line (e.g., Bash and Power Shell).
• Research and formulate recommendations for vulnerabilities found during assessments.
• Employ extensive use of Microsoft Office main tools:
  Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio to prepare plans, reports, diagrams, tables, briefings, etc.
• Present, demonstrate, explain, and document operational impact of a particular vulnerability or the combination of many vulnerabilities and flaws.
• Create/document tactic, techniques, and procedures (TTP) to train and expand/share knowledge with customers and team members.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited higher education institution; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with a broad range of computing platforms and network technologies used in modern IT infrastructure.
• Excellent note taking and documentation skills.
• Outstanding organization skills and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with productivity platforms and software (, O365 applications).
• Comfortability communicating and collaborating in a team-oriented Hybrid work environment.
• Uncompromising ethics and confidentiality.
• Ability to learn and the willingness and initiative to seek out information.

• Information Technology, Cyber Security, Computer Forensics or related degree.
• 1 year of hands-on experience with information security assessment tools and penetration testing.
• Experience with Metasploit Framework, Kali Linux, Burp, Active Directory.
• Security certifications such as Security+, Pentest+, GSEC, GCIH, GPEN, GWAPT, OSCP.
• Familiarity with information security standards, including PCI, ISO 27002, NIST 800 series and others.

• Salary is dependent on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, training, and certifications. The range for this position is $60,000-$68,000.
• This position is located in Albany NY, in-person presence is required of at least 50 percent.
• State
  
  Title:
  
  Programmer-Analyst (SL-2).
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• Excellent Benefit Package which includes: NYS health insurance, free dental and vision coverage, competitive retirement options, tuition assistance, parental leave at full pay, and generous vacation, sick, and holiday time. Generous amount of time off: 13 days of paid holidays per year; 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick time accrued for the first year of employment. Then increases thereafter.
  
  Please see our UUP benefits summary for additional information.

• SUNY System Administration provides an outstanding and comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family through the many life changes you may experience while you work for SUNY. Our nationally recognized benefits include:
• Retirement:
  The choice between a fully funded pension plan and a self-driven defined contribution plan, along with two supplemental plans to increase your ability to save for retirement.
• Health Insurance:
  Several health insurance options at an affordable cost that provide full coverage without mandatory deductibles.
• Time Off:
  Paid time off with separate vacation and sick leave accruals up to 21 days a year for each category.
• Additional paid leave policy options for childbirth, adoption, elder care, and other family care situations.
• Flexible Working Arrangements:
  Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid schedules, are available depending on position.
• Explore our full benefits offerings here: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./