Penetration Tester

Spektrum have a wide range of exciting opportunities in several global locations. We are always looking to add great new talent to our team and look forward to hearing from you.

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.

Penetration Tester

Role ID – C004912

Role Background

The Penetration Tester will support NATO security activities by

performing penetration testing, security assessments, and security design

reviews across web applications, IT infrastructure, networks, and

applications. The role also supports NATO military exercises through Red

and Blue Team activities and provides security advice to technical teams,

projects, and senior stakeholders.

Role Duties and Responsibilities

 Lead or participate in Red Team and Blue Team activities during

NATO military exercises.

 Perform web application, infrastructure, and application-level

penetration testing.

 Conduct security design reviews to ensure compliance with NATO

security policies and directives.

 Provide cybersecurity consultancy and technical security advice to

projects, plans, and other stakeholders.

 Identify and assess security vulnerabilities across operating

systems, software, protocols, applications, and networks.

 Evaluate cybersecurity risks and recommend appropriate mitigation

and remediation actions.

 Research and assess security products, tools, and technologies.

 Work closely with internal and external stakeholders involved in

security accreditation.

 Coordinate with the NCIA Configuration Control Board, Security

Accreditation Boards, NATO Security Accreditation Authorities, and

relevant NCI Agency teams.

 Prepare clear and structured penetration testing and security

assessment reports.  Present security findings and testing outcomes to both technical and

executive audiences, including senior leadership.

 Coordinate closely with the Head of the Penetration Testing Cell and

maintain effective stakeholder collaboration.

Essential Skills

 Strong knowledge of web application penetration testing.

 Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure penetration testing.

 Knowledge of network security architecture and design.

 Ability to identify and assess vulnerabilities in operating systems,

software, protocols, and networks.

 Experience using penetration testing tools, techniques, and

recognized testing methodologies.

 Knowledge of UNIX and Windows system and network

administration.

 Scripting skills in at least one of the following:

o Python

o Perl

o Ruby

o Bash or other shell scripting

 Strong technical knowledge of:

o System and network security

o Authentication and security protocols

o Cryptography

o Application security

o Malware infection techniques

o Malware protection technologies

 Ability to evaluate cybersecurity risks and develop mitigation plans.

 Strong technical reporting skills, including writing executive

summaries, technical findings, and remediation plans for different

audiences.

 Strong stakeholder communication and presentation skills.

Experience

 More than 3 years of relevant professional experience in

penetration testing and the required cybersecurity areas.

 Hands-on experience with web application and infrastructure

penetration testing.

 Experience assessing security vulnerabilities across networks,

systems, applications, software, and protocols.

 Experience using established penetration testing methodologies and

security testing tools.

 Experience researching and evaluating cybersecurity technologies

and products.  Experience communicating technical security findings to both

technical and senior/executive stakeholders.

Working Location

The Hague, Netherlands

Working Policy

 Full-time on-site position in The Hague.

 Normal office working conditions.

 Approximately 10 days of travel are expected for this

assignment.

 Required start date: 29 September 2026.

 Contract end date: 31 December 2026.

 Total scope: 697 hours.

 NATO Secret Security Clearance is required.

Travel

 Some travel to other NATO sites may be required

Security Clearance

 Valid NATO Secret security clearance.

We never know what new opportunities might be just over the horizon. If this opportunity isn't for you, please feel free to send us your resume anyway and be the first to know if something suitable for your skills and experience comes up.