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Ctf Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

CNO Developer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$129K - $177K/yr

Desire to contribute to CTF events, bug bounty programs, and speaking at the security conferences * Rapid Prototype Software Development Security Clearance: * Active TS/SCI level clearance. Must be ...

Red Team Penetration Tester

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Capture the Flag (CTF) participation (DEFCON, Over-The-Wire (OTW), Hack the Box, USS Secure CTF's) * Security research resulting in a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) Responsibilities

Showing results 21-40

Ctf information

See Virginia salary details

$53.5K

$141.5K

$247.4K

How much do ctf jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for ctf in Virginia is $141,459.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,600.00 and $158,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a CTF?

CTF stands for 'Capture The Flag,' which refers to cybersecurity competitions where participants solve security-related challenges to find hidden 'flags' or pieces of information. These events test skills in areas such as cryptography, reverse engineering, web exploitation, forensics, and networking. CTFs are popular among students, professionals, and hobbyists because they provide hands-on experience and help improve practical security skills. Teams or individuals compete to solve as many challenges as possible within a set time limit, often in a fun and competitive environment.

What are the typical responsibilities and teamwork dynamics for a Capture The Flag (CTF) cybersecurity specialist in a professional setting?

In a professional environment, CTF cybersecurity specialists are often responsible for participating in cybersecurity competitions, developing and testing security challenges, and staying updated on the latest threats and vulnerabilities. They usually collaborate closely with other security experts, sharing knowledge and strategies to solve complex problems quickly. Teamwork is essential, as CTFs often require rapid coordination, diverse technical skills, and clear communication to achieve objectives. Additionally, many organizations use CTF exercises as training tools to foster ongoing learning and career advancement within their security teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cybersecurity Capture The Flag (CTF) specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cybersecurity Capture The Flag (CTF) Specialist, you need a strong understanding of computer networks, cryptography, ethical hacking, and problem-solving, often supported by a degree in computer science or cybersecurity. Familiarity with tools like Wireshark, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and proficiency in programming languages such as Python or C are typically required. Analytical thinking, persistence, and effective collaboration make someone stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for identifying security vulnerabilities, efficiently solving complex challenges, and contributing to a team’s success in competitive or real-world security environments.

What is the difference between Ctf vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectCtfCybersecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsCertifications like CompTIA Security+, CEHCertifications like CISSP, Security+
Work EnvironmentCapture the Flag competitions, training labsCorporate security teams, IT departments
Employer & Industry UsageEducational, training, and cybersecurity competitionsBusinesses, government agencies, private firms

While Ctf (Capture the Flag) involves participating in cybersecurity competitions to develop skills, a Cybersecurity Analyst works within organizations to protect systems daily. Ctf is often a training or hobby activity, whereas a Cybersecurity Analyst is a professional role focused on ongoing security management and incident response.

What are popular job titles related to Ctf jobs in Virginia?

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

Infographic showing various Ctf job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,459 per year, or $68 per hour.

Red Team Penetration Tester

SimVentions, Inc

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Overview

SimVentions, consistently voted one Virginia's Best Places to Work, is looking for an experienced professional to join our team! As a Red Team Penetration Tester, you will be responsible for conducting penetration testing and conducting offensive cybersecurity operations for the U.S. Government and DoD systems. You will work collaboratively with Blue Team and Cybersecurity professionals to enhance overall cyber posture.

Travel

Negligible

Clearance

At minimum an ACTIVE Secret Clearance isrequired for this position. An ACTIVETop Secret Clearance with SCI Eligibility is preferred. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. US Citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

Requirements

Five (5) years' experience in software engineering applied to program development; modeling and simulation applied to DoD or Information Technology systems.

  • Linux (firm grasp with demonstrated knowledge)
  • Windows (foundational knowledge with good understanding of enterprise networks)

Strong working knowledge of common Penetration Testing (PENTEST) tools:

    • Kali
    • Metasploit
    • NMAP
    • Cobalt Strike

Documented experience in at least one of the following:

  • Penetration Testing (PENTEST)
  • Red Team Operations
  • Tool/Software Development (exploits/malware, C2, reverse engineering, bug bounties)
  • Python, C, C Sharp, C++, Go, Perl, Powershell
  • Web Dev/Web App Dev/Web Penetration testing
    • NSX, vCenter, vRealize Suite, Horizon View (VDI) and others
    • PAN-OS
    • FirePower, Nexus, IOS, ASA
    • ONTAP, SnapMirror
    • Active-Directory
    • Active Directory, SSO, MFA, Azure application integration, Identity Federation.
    • Automation using Powershell, PowerAutomate, Logic Apps, Graph API.
    • Experience with Palo Alto, Cisco, VMWare, NetApp and Microsoft products.
    • Entra ID (Azure AD), to include:
      • Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft 365 in a hybrid environment.
      • Extending or integrating on premises AD with Entra ID.
      • Managing identity and access in Microsoft Entra ID.
    • Experience conducting Red Team operations in an MDE environment.
    • Experience with AWS, Cloud Audit, Serverless and Microservice Architecture
    • Experience working with AWS services (such as EC2, S3, KMS, RDS) and security best practices relevant to those services
    • Experience with Web Services penetration testing (RESTful and SOAP) Web Authentication protocols (e.g. OAuth2, SAML, LDAP)
  • PHP, ASP, SQL db's, Java, HTML, No SQL
  • Minimum certification one of the following:
    • Security+
    • CCNA Security
    • CySA+
    • GICSP
    • SSCP
  • Minimum certification as penetration tester and possess one of the following certificates:
    • Offensive Security Certs:
      • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
      • Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE)
      • Offensive Security Exploitation Expert (OSEE)
      • Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP)
    • SANS Certs:
      • SEC560 - Network Penetration testing and Ethical Hacking (GPEN Certification)
      • SEC542 - Web App Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking (GWAPT Certification)
      • SEC660 - Advance Penetration Testing. Exploit Writing, and Ethical Hacking (GXPN Certification)
      • SEC642 - Advanced Web App Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking
      • SEC564 - Red Team Operations and Threat Emulation
      • OSD Sponsored Cyber Operation Academy Course (COAC) graduates.
      • Capture the Flag (CTF) participation (DEFCON, Over-The-Wire (OTW), Hack the Box, USS Secure CTF's)
      • Security research resulting in a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE)
Responsibilities
  • Debug and reverse engineer software.
  • Analyze Windows Events and Linux syslog's, boot logs and dmesg logs.
  • Program and debug Web 2.0, Java, Perl, Ada, C++, Tool Command Language(tcl/tk) scripts and graphical user interfaces (GUis) using Microsoft Visual tel andRational ClearCase for software configuration management.
  • Recommend software modifications to systems to mitigate known vulnerabilities.Operate and administrate computer systems running HP-UX, UNIX, Solaris,Linux and Microsoft Windows.
  • Identify security flaws in compiled and human readable source code. Understandcode utilizing real-time VxWorks and Lynx OS operating systems, CommonObject Resource Broker Architecture (CORBA), firewalls and networkingprotocols.
  • Understand how to implement NSA approved encryption technologies anddevices. Apply DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
  • Apply virtual hosting and server technology in system architectures. Understandand apply the concept of deceptive technology such as honey pots in systemarchitectures.
  • Participate in Code Reviews. Perform Static Source Code Analysis. Authorrecommendations for improving software and code design.
  • Contribute to a System Security Administrator and Operators Manual (SSAOM)
Education

High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Compensation

Compensation at SimVentions is determined by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, security clearance, work location, skills, knowledge, and competencies, as well as alignment with our corporate compensation plan and contract specific requirements.

The projected annual compensation range for this position is $110,000-$150,000 (USD). This estimate reflects the standard salary range for this position and is just one component of the total compensation package that SimVentions offers.

Benefits

At SimVentions, we’re committed to supporting the total well-being of our employees and their families. Our benefit offerings include comprehensive health and welfare plans to serve a variety of needs.

We offer:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Competitive 401(k) programs
  • Retirement and Financial Counselors
  • Health Savings and Health Reimbursement Accounts
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life insurance, short- & long-term disability
  • Continuing Education Assistance
  • Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Paid Leave (e.g., Maternity, Paternity, Jury Duty, Bereavement, Military)
  • Third Party Employee Assistance Program that offers emotional and lifestyle well-being services, to include free counseling
  • Supplemental Benefit Program
Why Work for SimVentions?

SimVentions is about more than just being a place to work with other growth-orientated technically exceptional experts. It’s also a fun place to work. Our family-friendly atmosphere encourages our employee-owners to imagine, create, explore, discover, and do great things together.

Support Our Warfighters

SimVentions is a proud supporter of the U.S. military, and we take pride in our ability to provide relevant, game-changing solutions to our armed men and women around the world.

Drive Customer Success

We deliver innovative products and solutions that go beyond the expected. This means you can expect to work with a team that will allow you to grow, have a voice, and make an impact.Get Involved in Giving Back

We believe a well-rounded company starts with well-rounded employees, which is why we offer diverse service opportunities for our team throughout the year.

Build Innovative Technology

SimVentions takes pride in its innovative and cutting-edge technology, so you can be sure that whatever project you work on, you will be having a direct impact on our customer’s success.

Work with Brilliant People

We don’t just hire the smartest people; we seek experienced, creative individuals who are passionate about their work and thrive in our unique culture.

Create Meaningful Solutions

We are trusted partners with our customers and are provided challenging and meaningful requirements to help them solve.

Employees who join SimVentions will enjoy additional perks like:

  • Employee Ownership:Work with the best and help build YOUR company!
  • Family focus:Work for a team that recognizes the importance of family time.
  • Culture:Add to our culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
  • Dress code:Business casual, we like to be comfortable while we work.
  • Resources: Excellent facilities, tools, and training opportunities to grow in your field.
  • Open communication:Work in an environment where your voice matters.
  • Corporate Fellowship: Opportunities to participate in company sports teams and employee-led interest groups for personal and professional development.
  • Employee Appreciation:Multiple corporate events throughout the year, including Holiday Events, Company Picnic, Imagineering Day, and more.
  • Founding Partner of the FredNats Baseball team:Equitable distribution of tickets for every home game to be enjoyed by our employee-owners and their families from our private suite.
  • Food:We have a lot of food around here!

MWAC

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