Senior Penetration Tester

Spektrum supports apex purchasers (NATO, UN, EU, and National Government and Defence) and their Tier 1 supplier ecosystem with a wide range of specialist services. We provide our clients with professional services, specialised aerospace and defence sales, delivery, and operational subject matter expertise. We are looking for personnel to join our team and support key client projects.

Who we are supporting 

The NATO Communication and Information Agency (NCIA) is responsible for providing secure and effective communications and information technology (IT) services to NATO's member countries and its partners. The agency was established in 2012 and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

The NCIA provides a wide range of services, including:

• Cyber Security: The NCIA provides advanced cybersecurity solutions to protect NATO's communication networks and information systems against cyber threats.


• Command and Control Systems: The NCIA develops and maintains the systems used by NATO's military commanders to plan and execute operations.


• Satellite Communications: The NCIA provides satellite communications services to enable secure and reliable communications between NATO forces.


• Electronic Warfare: The NCIA provides electronic warfare services to support NATO's mission to detect, deny, and defeat threats to its communication networks.


• Information Management: The NCIA manages NATO's information technology infrastructure, including its databases, applications, and servers.

Overall, the NCIA plays a critical role in ensuring the security and effectiveness of NATO's communication and information technology capabilities.

The program

Assistance and Advisory Service (AAS)

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) is NATO’s principal C3 capability deliverer and CIS service provider. It provides, maintains and defends the NATO enterprise-wide information technology infrastructure to enable Allies to consult together under Article IV, and, when required, stand together in the face of attack under Article V.

To provide these critical services, in the modern evolving dynamic environment the NCI Agency needs to build and maintain high performance-engaged workforce. The NCI Agency workforce strategically consists of three major categorise's: NATO International Civilians (NIC)'s, Military (Mil), and Interim Workforce Consultants (IWC)'s. The IWCs are a critical part of the overall NCI Agency workforce and make up approximately 15 percent of the total workforce.

Senior Penetration Tester

Role ID – C004908

Role Background

NCIA requires an experienced Senior Penetration Tester to support cybersecurity assessments, penetration testing and Red/Blue Team activities during NATO military exercises.

The role focuses on web application and infrastructure penetration testing, network security, vulnerability assessment and security consultancy. The contractor will also support NATO security accreditation activities and communicate security findings to technical and senior military stakeholders.

Role Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead or participate in Red Team and Blue Team activities during NATO military exercises.


• Conduct penetration testing of web applications, IT infrastructure and applications.


• Perform security design reviews to ensure compliance with NATO policies and directives.


• Provide security consultancy and recommendations to projects and other stakeholders.


• Identify and assess security vulnerabilities in operating systems, software, networks and protocols.


• Evaluate security risks and formulate mitigation plans.


• Research and evaluate security products and technologies.


• Prepare structured penetration testing reports, including executive summaries, technical findings and remediation plans.


• Present security assessment results to technical teams, executives and senior military leadership, including flag officers.


• Collaborate with the NCIA Configuration Control Board, Security Accreditation Boards and NATO Security Accreditation Authorities.


• Coordinate activities with the Head of the Penetration Testing Cell and internal and external stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Web application penetration testing.


• IT infrastructure penetration testing.


• Network security architecture and design.


• Vulnerability assessment across operating systems, software, protocols and networks.


• Penetration testing tools, techniques and recognised testing methodologies.


• UNIX and Windows system and network administration.


• Scripting skills in at least one of the following:




• Python


• Perl


• Ruby


• Shell scripting (Bash, Ksh or Csh)




• System and network security.


• Authentication and security protocols.


• Cryptography and application security.


• Malware infection techniques and protection technologies.


• Security product and technology evaluation.


• Risk assessment and mitigation planning.


• Clear technical report writing for both executive and technical audiences.


• Strong stakeholder communication skills.

Experience

More than 3 years of extensive knowledge and experience in the technical areas including penetration testing, network security architecture, vulnerability assessment and related security technologies.

The responsibilities also involve leading or participating in NATO exercise activities and communicating findings to senior stakeholders.

Working Location

Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium, with a planned future relocation to Brussels, Belgium, following the move of the NATO Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Working Policy

Full-time on-site.

• Start date: 23 November 2026


• End date: 31 December 2026


• Total scope: 400 hours


• Working conditions: Normal office environment


• Travel: 10 days within Belgium are foreseen


• Security clearance: NATO Secret – mandatory

Travel

• Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance