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Adversary Emulation Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Principal Cyber Solutions Architect

Sterling, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design and develop innovative solutions supporting advanced cyber operations, defensive cyber operations, red teaming, adversary emulation, cyber mission operations, and advanced cybersecurity ...

Red Team Operator

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$100K - $129K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Familiarity with the MITRE ATT&CK framework and adversary emulation methodologies * Strong technical writing and reporting capabilities Preferred Qualifications: * Experience developing custom ...

Red Team Operator

Culpeper, VA · Hybrid

$99K - $127K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Familiarity with the MITRE ATT&CK framework and adversary emulation methodologies * Strong technical writing and reporting capabilities Preferred Qualifications: * Experience developing custom ...

Red Team Operator

Culpeper, VA · Hybrid

$99K - $127K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Familiarity with the MITRE ATT&CK framework and adversary emulation methodologies * Strong technical writing and reporting capabilities Preferred Qualifications: * Experience developing custom ...

Red Team Operator

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$100K - $129K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Familiarity with the MITRE ATT&CK framework and adversary emulation methodologies * Strong technical writing and reporting capabilities Preferred Qualifications: * Experience developing custom ...

Showing results 21-40

Adversary Emulation information

What is adversary emulation?

Adversary emulation is a cybersecurity practice in which security professionals simulate real-world cyber attackers, or adversaries, to test and improve an organization’s defenses. By mimicking the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by actual threat actors, adversary emulation helps organizations identify vulnerabilities, assess detection and response capabilities, and strengthen their overall security posture. These exercises are often based on threat intelligence and frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK to ensure realistic scenarios.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in adversary emulation?

To thrive in Adversary Emulation, you need deep knowledge of cybersecurity, attack methodologies, and penetration testing, often supported by degrees in computer science or related certifications such as OSCP or CISSP. Familiarity with tools like Cobalt Strike, Metasploit, and SIEM platforms is commonly required. Analytical thinking, creativity, and strong communication skills are essential to mimic real-world threats and report findings clearly. These skills are crucial for accurately simulating adversary tactics, identifying security gaps, and helping organizations strengthen their cyber defenses.

What are the typical challenges faced by professionals in adversary emulation roles?

Adversary Emulation specialists often encounter the challenge of staying ahead of rapidly evolving attack techniques and threat actor behaviors. They must continuously update their knowledge and adapt their methodologies to realistically mimic current adversaries, which requires ongoing research and collaboration with threat intelligence teams. Additionally, balancing the realism of simulated attacks with organizational risk tolerance and ensuring minimal disruption during assessments can be complex. Working closely with security operations, incident response, and IT teams is essential to maximize the value of each engagement and provide actionable insights for improving defenses.

What is the difference between Adversary Emulation vs Penetration Tester?

AspectAdversary EmulationPenetration Tester
CredentialsCybersecurity certifications, threat intelligence knowledgeSecurity certifications, ethical hacking certifications
Work EnvironmentSimulates real-world adversary tactics in controlled environmentsIdentifies vulnerabilities through controlled testing
Industry UsageUsed in threat simulation, red teaming, and advanced security assessmentsUsed in vulnerability assessments and security audits

Adversary Emulation focuses on mimicking real-world attacker tactics to test defenses, while Penetration Testing identifies vulnerabilities by exploiting weaknesses. Both roles are essential for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies but differ in scope and approach.

What are popular job titles related to Adversary Emulation jobs in Virginia?

For Adversary Emulation jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Adversary Emulation jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Adversary Emulation jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Adversary Emulation jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Adversary Emulation job openings:

Senior Red Cyber Operator - DCART / Advanced Red Cyber

Beyond SOF

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Location: "Hybrid in Arlington area"
Clearance: Active TS/SCI required
Travel: ~5% CONUS/OCONUS
The Mission
Join the DoD Cyber Assessment Red Team (DCART) to emulate nation-state adversaries and execute real-world offensive operations against mission-critical DoD infrastructure. Lead teams, shape tradecraft, and deliver findings to senior DoD decision makers.
What You'll Do
  • Lead full-scope red team assessments (planning, execution, reporting).
  • Execute offensive operations end-to-end: initial access → privilege escalation → lateral movement → impact/exfiltration.
  • Design, tune, and operate Cobalt Strike (required) along with other C2 frameworks (Sliver/Havoc/etc.).
  • Adapt payloads and C2 profiles to evade EDR/AV and telemetry.
  • Mentor and assess mid-level operators; enforce SOPs and OPSEC discipline.
  • Produce technical annexes and executive-level briefings.
Required
  • Active TS/SCI (U.S. citizen).
  • IAT Level III certified (or equivalent).
  • Hands-on, production experience with Cobalt Strike (MUST).
  • 3+ years of offensive cyber/red team/adversary emulation experience and ability to pass DCART Senior Operator Aptitude Assessment.
Nice-to-Have
  • RTAC, RTJC, CRTO, OSEP, OSEE, OSCP, GXPN, GPEN, GWAPT.
  • Experience across OT/ICS, IoT, and wireless target sets.
Apply: cleared resume + short technical write-up describing a recent real-world offensive engagement (no classified details). Be prepared to complete the DCART aptitude assessment within 7-14 days and onboard within 45 days.